What is the difference between godly wisdom and worldly wisdom

Few of us will ever rise to rule a nation or to command a large corporation. However, while selfish ambition can lead to such things, it can also motivate us to seek power in less influential realms. What motivates you to seek office in your church or community?

Do you do so in order to serve others or in order to satisfy a craving for power or position? Ask the Lord to search your heart regarding these things and to help you seek positions solely out of a desire to serve Him. Does your wisdom reflect what your heart would desire even without any thought or prayer? Wisdom from the Lord is something that the world cannot have. This is not to say that the world does not have wisdom.

The majority of these, however, stem from human wisdom , which strengthens and builds up only the flesh. Whether they know it or not, the people of the world are crying out for true wisdom from the Lord. 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.

We love to deceive ourselves that in choosing self, we have chosen rightly. And we love to deceive others that our choosing of self is actually not selfish.

We become wise in our own eyes, as Proverbs says, giving the appearance of wisdom but inwardly desiring the approval of others.

When the Bible makes the distinction between Godly wisdom and worldly wisdom, it is not separating a higher form of wisdom from a lesser one; it is distinguishing between true and false, between wisdom and folly. Worldly wisdom is not wisdom at all. James writes:. Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.

This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 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, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace James — Note the sharp contrast James makes. Worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom are antithetical and adversarial:.

Worldly wisdom seeks the highest place. Godly wisdom seeks the lowest place. Worldly wisdom avoids the mirror of the Word. Godly wisdom submits to the mirror of the Word. Worldly wisdom trusts in earthly possessions. Godly wisdom trusts in treasures in heaven. Worldly wisdom says trials will crush you.

Godly wisdom says trials will mature you. Worldly wisdom says temptation is no big deal. Godly wisdom says temptation indulged leads to death.