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Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him by his good conduct show his [good] deeds with the gentleness and humility of true wisdom. JAMES 3:13 AMP

The main question in today's extract is one that we all must answer. The answer is key to who we are, who we belong to and why we do whatever we do. Today's extract is for everyone to answer but the instructions and benefits are for those who are able to sort out where their allegiance lies.

First of all, you don't define wisdom or intelligence the way the world defines it. It is not a product of learning, education or schooling, but as the Word defines it, a product of the fear of the Lord. In fact, the Word also says that the wisdom and power of God is personified in his Son, Jesus.

It then means that today's extract has a foundation: it is for all who have surrendered their lives to the Wisdom of God. They have nothing to boast about; they rely totally on the finished work of wisdom. The good deeds aren't done for show; they are done with the clear understanding that God must be glorified in me. After all, if my life is God's, then my life's pursuits and purposes must be God's.

If I have that understanding, pride will not even surface. I cannot find anything in me that qualifies me; I only stand by grace. I do not stand because I'm qualified by myself; I am qualified to stand by the only One who can take a man out of the dunghill and set him among princes. Is my life reflecting his power and grace? Am I allowing him work in me? His time of favour is here.