Wisdom and Fruit!

Wisdom and Fruit!

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13 NIV

Context and Charge:

Fruit is proof of growth. Actually, beyond that, even bad trees produce fruit. Weeds also grow, even though for the purpose of food, they are useless. This tells me that just seeing fruit is not enough reason to rejoice; what is even more important is that I make sure that the tree producing the fruit is of the right kind, planted right, watered and nurtured right, so that it is able to produce right. Today's extract refers to the fruit of one kind of wisdom, which means that there is another kind of wisdom that will also produce fruit, but not like the one described here. 

I have to audit my life and be sure that it is producing in line with God's purpose and will. It is not enough to make the claim to be wise and understanding; I must be sure to show it by the fruit of my life, that bit that others see, taste, hear and feel. It may not be a message or a challenge to everyone, but for as many as seek to be different, who want to make impact, the call is to dare to stand out. Wisdom is something that cannot be hidden for too long; its presence or absence is quickly noticed by our choices, decisions and actions. 

Conviction and Conclusion:

The fruit of wisdom is to be seen in 'our good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom'. Men must see it; otherwise, how can they be attracted?  I cannot sit down and fold my arms, hoping to make men see that I am wise. I can't blend into the crowd, making compromises all the way, and then expect that I will be noticed as wise. God's version of wisdom points back to God, makes him known and glorifies him. It has no room for pride, self-promotion or vain glory. 

What kind of wisdom am I holding on to? What kind of tree has been planted in me, and what kind of fruit is my life producing? As always, the power of choice has been given to me, as well as everyone else. I have the power over the quality of the ground of my heart, where the seed of wisdom has to be planted and nurtured. The process takes time, effort, discipline and dedication. There will be distractions, as the enemy seeks to also sow discord and tares, but if I can keep focused on what God is building in me, with time, that which is in me will flow out to be a blessing to the lives around me. God's time of favour is here.