True Wisdom by Christine Smith

James 3:13 says, “Who is there among you that is wise? Then let him by his noble living show forth his good works with an unobtrusive humility (which is the proper attribute) of true wisdom.” So, what does unobtrusive mean? Not looking for attention or not conspicuous. According to James, true wisdom is humility that’s not trying to draw attention to oneself or looking to be center stage, getting a pat on the back for doing good works.

He actually calls it noble living or a life of unselfish and generous deeds. Therefore, if this is the proper attribute or characteristic of true wisdom, we need to remind ourselves of the right motives for our giving and deeds.

Bear in mind the rewards of being noble far outweigh a mere moment in the spotlight. Matthew 6:1 says, ”Take care not to do your good and noble deeds publicly or before men in order to be seen by them; otherwise, you will have no reward from your father in heaven.”

Why? If your motive in anything you do is to get attention for yourself, then you trade eternal reward for a temporal one. What’s important is your motive. God really is looking at the heart. Why are you doing what you are doing? Did God ask you to do it, or are you just seeking some kudos?

True wisdom says humility is the way to go. Trust me, God’s rewards will be far greater than any you get from people. 

John 5:44 says, “How can you believe in Me when you seek the glory and approval from one another, and yet you do not seek the glory and approval which comes from the one and only God?”

James 3:14 says, “If you have jealousy, rivalry, and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and stand against the Truth.” There’s nothing wrong with ambition; the selfish part is the problem.

There’s no wisdom in selfishness. In the end, the selfish, self-centered, and self-serving person will always lose out on the best things in life. So go for true wisdom that brings forth noble living, and rather than the spotlight, look for the shadow of the Almighty!

As an artist, Christine considers herself to be a barefoot, backwoods, country artist. As a writer, she often waxes nostalgic with a Huckleberry Finn style of text. As a minister, her friends call her “preacher woman.” But most important of all, God calls her – His!