Wisdom From Above Versus Devilish Wisdom.


(Monday 24th February 2020. Read James 3:13-18, Psalm 19 and Mark 9:14-29)_


_“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity. *(James 3:16-17)*_

In his letter to the Corinthians which we read yesterday, we heard St. Paul say: “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God.” (1 Corinthians 3:18-19). St. James seems to reiterate this point when he speaks of wisdom from above as different from wisdom from below.

While the wisdom from above is characterized by purity, peace, gentleness, mercy, steadfastness and truthfulness, the wisdom from below is earthly, unspiritual, devilish characterized by selfishness and all kinds of evil practices. The question is: “What kind of wisdom do I operate with?” As Jesus would tell us, we cannot serve two masters. (Matthew 6:24, Luke 16:13).

If I choose to tell lies thinking I am such a smart person, I am operating by the devilish wisdom which is from below. My telling of lies may land me into a lot of wealth but by so doing, I would be worshipping to the devil the father of all liars. Recall that the devil promised Jesus all the riches in the world if only Jesus agreed to worship him. (Luke 4:5-7).

When we operate by devilish wisdom, we find ourselves in constant competition with others and we are always thinking of all kinds of evil ways to outsmart them. Instead of loving our neighbours as ourselves, treating others as we would like to be treated, devilish wisdom fuels selfishness in us, it brings about disorder in society and man’s inhumanity to man.

You are not being smart or clever when you speak ill of another person, (character defamation) just to climb or advance in your career or business. No, you are just being devilish. While wisdom from below seeks the downfall of others, wisdom from above seeks the wellbeing of others; it is pure, kind and merciful.

The disciples of Jesus are embarrassed that despite all their efforts, they could cure a boy who had a mute and deaf spirit. Jesus referred to them as a “faithless generation.” The question is if the disciples had no faith at all, would they have attempted to cure this boy? Secondly, we recall that in Mark 6, Jesus sent out these same disciples on mission. They “went out and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them. (Mark 6:12-13). Meaning that this was not their first attempt at curing the sick. 

Firstly, this episode also teaches us never to allow pride to get into us. The fact that you have been laying your hands on the sick and they recover, the fact that you have even raised the dead to life before does not make you “Deputy Jesus.” Do not begin to beat your chest because without God’s power working through you, you are nothing.

Secondly, we learn from these disciples was the humility they displayed by going to ask Jesus in private what went wrong. Develop the practice of going to meet Jesus quietly every day. Dedicate time for personal prayer and meditation. Some persons spend one hour daily before the Blessed Sacrament.

Thirdly, Jesus told them that “this kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer and fasting.” That is to say, there are different categories of evil spirits and some require serious preparation on our part to cast them out. The disciples could not have prayed and fasted at that very moment so what Jesus was saying, in essence, is that they should always be prepared ahead of time.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, infuse into me wisdom from above. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. (Monday of the 7th week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study:  James 3:13-18, Psalm 19 and Mark 9:14-29).

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