“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (Ps. 139:14). 

When anyone deeply contemplates his own personal existence, he is challenged to explain where his life and thus all life originated.  David magnifies the Lord God when he considers his life. Consider three points about humanity being fearfully and wonderfully made.

1.  Identity Even Before Birth.  David, by inspiration, reveals a basic concept of God’s knowledge about David before his birth.  He states, “For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb” (Ps. 139:13).  Again, “My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them” (Ps. 139:15-16).  Here is a marvelous declaration of the personal identity of David in the womb.  Those who would affirm that there is only tissue and not human life before birth (and even today some saying that a child immediately born is still not viable life and therefore ethically can be destroyed) stand opposed by these words of inspiration.  Notice the words “thou hast covered me” (Ps. 139:13) and “when I was made in secret” (Ps. 139:15).  While the body of David was developing in the womb (cf. Ps. 139:16), David was really existing and identifiable.

2.  Intricate Weaving of the Complicated Human Body.  David addresses the growing process in the womb of the amazing human body, where he states, “Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them” (Ps. 139:16).  Medical science today with all the studies and technological advances can truly verify the continual fashioning of a child from conception to full term.  When one thinks of cells to tissues, tissues to organs, organs to systems, systems to a cohesive, functioning being and all interconnected as woven by a master weaver more complex than anything brought about by industry or engineering, it truly can be said that one is fearfully and wonderfully made.  Just the immune system of the human body is an amazing part of human anatomy.  The world of bacteria, viruses and potential sicknesses and injuries were foreseen by God as needed for physical bodies to survive and thrive.  Learning to keep one’s body healthy in many areas is due to the proper understanding of God’s amazing work.

3.  Indescribable Knowledge of Such a Creator.  David addresses God’s knowledge and understanding with the words, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it” (Ps. 139:6).  Again, “How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand” (Ps. 139:17-18).  Highly complex machines and intricate computer advances today are praised as products of human ingenuity.  Looking at the human body and its complexity argues for intelligent design on a scale far larger than man’s wisdom or pure chance.

Jimmy Clark

“Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity” (Ps. 39:4-5). 

David approaches the Lord in prayer (cf. Ps. 39:12) that he might be taught the true measure of his life.  Facing one’s mortal life is a sign of spiritual strength not weakness.  Consider three thoughts from David’s prayer concerning life in general and David’s life in particular.

1.  Pray Over One’s Words.  “I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me” (Ps. 39:1).  If one continues to read the next verses he will see that holding the tongue is not the easiest thing to do.  James writes of the tongue, “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2).  One’s spiritual life directly affects his physical life.  Out of the heart does the mouth speak (cf. Matt. 12:34).  It is no wonder that David prayed to the Lord concerning his words for he knew that such affected his life and influence.

2.  Pray Over One’s Wrongs.  “Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish” (Ps. 39:8).  Reading further to verse 11 gives the indication that David knew that he was not a sinless man.  He knew full well the effects of sin upon life and upon one’s quality of life.  Here is what the humble, penitent child of God has that the world desperately needs.  The ears of the Lord are open to the prayers of the righteous (cf. Ps. 34:15, 17-18; 1 Peter 3:12).  When the sensitive conscious of the child of God realizes his wrongs, he has access to the throne of grace (cf. Heb. 4:16) and the attention of a forgiving God (cf. 1 John 1:9).  Mortal flesh should not want to live with the uncertainties of life all around him and not have God on his side.

3.  Pray Over One’s Weakness.  “Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more” (Ps. 39:12-13).  Even the faithful child of God knows that he has weaknesses and limitations.  He will admit, like David, that mortal man is not on the same level with God and as a sojourner he finds this life to be but a pilgrimage (cf. Gen. 47:9; Ps. 119:54) to an eternal destination.  How one handles every weakness says much about spiritual development or the lack thereof.  Prayer becomes an avenue of strength that cannot be replicated by any other recourse.  The prayers of David abound in the Psalms (cf. Psalm 72:20).  Various songs in the book of Psalms shows David’s desire for God’s strength (cf. Psalm 18:1; 27:1; 71:16, 18).  If man tried to handle life by his own strength, he will find that time and circumstances ultimately prove such a vain attempt.  Man cannot keep himself from the end of all men (cf. Eccl. 7:2; 8:8).  Life is identified as a “vapour” (James 4:14), as “wind” (Job 7:7) and such things of frailty and swiftness of time.  Life without prayer is life without life.                                                                                   

Jimmy Clark

“And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour” (Matt. 8:13). 

Here is the example of a man of whom Jesus said had “great faith” (Matt. 8:10).  His faith led to the miraculous healing of his servant by Jesus.  While there are no miraculous healings today (cf. 1 Cor. 13:8-10) now that the New Testament is completely revealed and confirmed, there is still something to be said about having a great faith.  Consider three things from the principle of “as you have believed, so be it unto you.”

1.  The Strength of Faith.  This centurion’s faith was like that of the faithful of old.  Paul wrote of Abraham’s faith, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform” (Rom. 4:20-21).  Jesus was looking in Israel to find such faith and stated that he had not found so great a faith in them (cf. Matt. 8:10).  Paul stated of those in his day that not all have faith (cf. 2 Thess. 3:2).  Some who have faith are weak in the faith (cf. Rom. 14:1).  Consider what Jesus said to the centurion that as he believed so it would be to him.  What would happen today of spiritual growth if it all started with faith, which indeed it does (cf. 2 Peter 1:5)?  It takes the foundation of faith to be able to add the virtues that are needed.

2.  The Source of Faith.  The centurion’s faith was not a mere religious quality but a faith tied to the Lord.  The centurion was so convinced that Jesus could provide that he simply would rely on the very spoken word of Jesus as power enough to bring about the needed result (cf. Matt. 8:8-9).  He would understand fully the passage “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).  Seeing today that the written word of God is the foundation for a strong personal faith, how much confidence is there among people that there is great power in the word?  While Biblical faith for today is toward our Lord Jesus Christ (cf. Acts 20:21), such does not take place without a deep respect and close attachment to the New Testament of Jesus Christ.  Jesus said of his own words “they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63).  His word will judge in the last day (cf. John 12:48).  One is proud and knows nothing if he rejects the word spoken by Jesus and the doctrine that is according to godliness (cf. 1 Tim. 6:3-4).  Where the New Testament has not gone, there are no Christians much less strong ones.

3.  The Success of Faith.  While the servant was healed due to the authority and power of Christ, there was no success of the healing according to Jesus if the centurion did not have faith.  The success would come “as thou hast believed” (Matt. 8:13).  Eternal salvation for the child of God is tied to a victorious faith (cf. 1 John 5:4, 13).  It is faith that works by love that avails (cf. Gal. 5:6).  It is the just who live by faith (cf. Rom. 1:17).  Biblical faith as a shield is successful in its result to “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” (Eph. 6:16).  Those who receive the crown of righteousness are to keep the faith (cf. 2 Tim. 4:7-8).  The Lord promises the eternal home of heaven to those who die in faith (cf. Heb. 11:13-16).  Therefore, let faith underpin one’s life of walking with God now and living with God when this life is over.                                                                                 

Jimmy Clark

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” --Matthew 6:12

           Here is a line that is both short and profound.  Jesus gives it as an element of the manner of prayer (cf. Matt. 6:9).  Forgiveness is often an element of prayer both privately and publicly.  Consider three observations about this element of prayer that gives sobering insights to life and relationships.

1.  Forgiveness is Critical to Being Right with God.  What would it have been like to simply leave this element out?  There would still be many good things found in the prayer.  Jesus knew that children of God need to know how a right relationship with God is maintained.  Sin is the great barrier between man and God (cf. Isa. 59:2).  Sin’s wages is death (cf. Rom. 6:23).  The Lord’s response to sin is either punishment or pardon.  It is always God’s desire to forgive (cf. Micah 7:18-19).  He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked (cf. Eze. 18:23).  It is not a matter of if man will sin but simply when man sins what then (cf. Rom. 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10).  Being forgiven is the reason for the cross of Christ (cf. Eph. 1:7).  God’s saving grace is tied to forgiveness (cf. Eph. 2:8-9).  Jesus would not leave out of this prayer a most critical aspect.

2.  Forgiveness is Conditional.  While remission of past sins is tied to repentance and baptism (cf. Acts 2:38), forgiveness also has conditional elements outside of the conditions to become a Christian.  Jesus stated further in the context of the prayer, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matt. 6:14-15).  The next point will consider the personal relationship thoughts, but right now consider the use of the word “if” (cf. Matt. 6:14, 15).  This underscores the fact that man has something to do with his own personal forgiveness with God.  While the grace of God, the love of God, the blood of Christ, the intercession of Christ, and other such like aspects of God’s work in redemption are essential to being forgiven, there is the side of man’s choosing under various situations that determines personal forgiveness.  Unconditional forgiveness is not found in the Bible.

3.  Forgiveness is Connected to Personal Relationships.  While all saved people want to stay in a right relationship with God by being forgiven, what is to be the response when one has been wronged?  The world views being wronged as an offense that demands personal retaliation and vindication.  Jesus, the sinless Son of God, would be wronged more than can be counted and yet forgiveness was on his dying lips (cf. Luke 23:34).  A forgiving spirit is to be the nature of the heart of the child of God, especially in the approach of prayer.

            There are two things cited by Jesus concerning forgiving and being forgiven.  First, there is the facet of the manner in which one is asking to be forgiven.  Notice the manner in the words “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matt. 6:12).  In other words, as a person forgives others who wrong him so let God forgive in the same manner.  Second, there is the fact of forgiveness in lieu of whether one forgives or does not forgive his debtors (cf. Matt. 6:14-15).  Therefore, how one approaches difficult relations with others is connected with being forgiven.  May every heart ponder and apply. 

Jimmy Clark

“Lord, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee. Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” (Ps. 141:1-2). 

This inspired prayer put to music teaches valuable attitudes for every person in every age.  While David is asking the Lord to do certain things for him, he understands that he himself must be active in his own living.  Nevertheless, he knows that he cannot do it alone.  For example, he states, “But mine eyes are unto thee, O God the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute” (Ps. 141:8).  Tough times make prayer and song valuable to the child of God.  Look closely at three things David requested in this prayerful song.

1.  Safeguard My Use of Words.  “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Ps. 141:3).  David knew the power of words for good or evil.  David’s son, Solomon, will later write, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” (Prov. 18:21).  Consequences, both good and bad, come from the use of the tongue.  As a king, David’s words were influential and authoritative.  As a child of God, David’s words would demonstrate his development in life.  Paul, citing an illustration of development, wrote “When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things” (1 Cor. 13:11).  Working on controlling the tongue is a lifelong process (cf. James 3:2).  How many prayers has a child of God requested that the Lord help him in the use of his tongue?

2.  Set My Heart from Following Evil.  “Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties. Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities” (Ps. 141:4-5).  More are there that pursue evil than follow righteousness (cf. Matt. 7:13-14).  Moses warned, “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil” (Ex. 23:2).  Paul wrote, “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners” (1 Cor. 15:33).  However, there are influences of righteous people who would help to keep one’s heart where it should be.  One should not despise the constructive reproof of God-fearing people.  Solomon wrote, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful” (Prov. 27:6).  David’s request for help in having the right kind of people around him is as valuable today as it was then.

3.  Secure My Steps from the Trappings of the World.  “Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape” (Ps. 141:9-10).  Regardless of how much self-control one has and a positive spiritual influence around him, this life is still filled with snares.  Satan does not quit.  Satan is also very opportunistic.  Just when one is careless and unfocused of what lies before, the trap is sprung.  With Satan, there is always a catch in every temptation.  Jesus did not say in vain in the model prayer, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matt. 6:13).  God has promised a way of escape in temptation (cf. 1 Cor. 10:13).  Any and all requests in prayer require application in life.                         

Jimmy Clark

“Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God” (Dan. 6:3-5). 

The greatness of faithfulness is seen in the difficult times of life.  Daniel had shown himself faithful through the Babylonian times and would be no different under the Medes and Persians.  His fellow leaders became envious and sought to find anything that they could use to attack him.  Consider three lessons from the faithfulness of Daniel.

1.  Proven.  Genuine faith shines when it is tested.  Daniel’s adversaries examined his record in the kingdom and found it filled with integrity.  Such is true of a righteous life.  Jesus said, “But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (John 3:21).  Before this challenge, Daniel had approached the prince of the eunuchs in charge of the Babylonian king’s provisions and asked to be tested (cf. Dan. 1:12).  The world is always going to try to find ways to test.  The devil makes it his job to seek to thwart every righteous quality of God’s people.  He attacked Job (cf. Job 1:9).  He used his wiles with Jesus (cf. Matthew 4:1-11).  Faithfulness is not afraid to be scrutinized.  It stands confident.

2.  Practical.  Faithfulness has a practical value, not just to the person who has it, but also to those who are affected by it.  Darius was blessed to have such a person as Daniel in his kingdom.  Paul stated of Timothy and his family, “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also” (2 Tim. 1:5).  Paul told the Philippians concerning Timothy, “For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state” (Phil. 2:20).  Daniel’s faithfulness in serving the Lord easily carried over to his serving in the kingdoms of men.  All who connect with faithful people find life much more pleasant.

3.  Powerful.  The ultimate reward of faithfulness is God’s blessing.  Some seek to please men only to find out later in the day of judgment that life should have been lived to please God.  The power of Daniel’s faithfulness was magnified in the den of lions.  The Lord was magnified in the eyes of Darius through Daniel’s faith in God and in God’s faithfulness to his own.  It is likely that Daniel is referenced in Hebrews chapter 11 among the faithful of the ages, where it is stated, “Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions” (Heb. 11:33).  When one stands with God, there is no power on earth to defeat.  Paul wrote, “What shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31).  The book of Revelation has as one of its major points that those who overcome shall receive abundantly more than anything this life offers.  John wrote, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).  Paul knew about the crown of righteousness (cf. 2 Tim. 4:7-8).  Faithfulness is a powerful attribute of the converted.  

Jimmy Clark

“Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land” (Hosea 4:1). 

When troubling times arise within a people, it is proper to seek for causes and solutions.  The fact that Israel was on the opposite side of the Lord would be trouble enough.  There are three specific areas where the nation was in conflict with God.  Consider these three and see how relevant such is for today.

1.  Foundation of Confidence: Truth.  The word here translated “truth” (Hosea 4:1, KJV) is from the Hebrew word meaning “firmness, faithfulness, truth” (Brown, Driver, Briggs, p. 54).  It denotes the attribute of one who can be relied upon as truth is consistent.  Falsehood can never be trusted as it will never be consistent with the facts of reality.  The rule of truth and right were not the path chosen by the northern kingdom.  They had drifted into the idolatry of the land and had become like unto their own human religions (cf. Ps. 115:8).  The nation was decaying from within.  Hosea described the moral climate of the time, where he wrote, “By swearing, and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, and blood toucheth blood” (Hosea 4:2).  They had lost their moral compass and turned to the flesh for their guidance.  Their consciences were now trained to follow their own ways.

2.  Foundation of Compassion: Mercy.  The word here translated “mercy” (Hosea 4:1, KJV) is from the Hebrew word meaning “goodness, kindness” (Brown, Driver, Briggs, p. 338).  It is interesting to read another translation of this passage, which says, “Hear the word of the Lord, O children of Israel, for the Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land. There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land” (Hosea 4:1, ESV).  Mercy and truth are hallmark qualities of the way of God (cf. Ps. 25:10).  The Lord looks for people to respond in the same manner.  When people turn from God to follow their own ways, abuse and injustice often become visible to society.  The milk of human kindness is seen in fewer instances.  When men turn to the fleshly ways of the world, great qualities like these suffer in appearance.

3.  Foundation of Character: Knowledge of God.  Knowing God is more than simply knowing the facts of the Bible about God.  Consider this point made toward Jehoiakim, son of Josiah about his father.  “Shalt thou reign, because thou closest thyself in cedar? did not thy father eat and drink, and do judgment and justice, and then it was well with him? He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this to know me? saith the Lord” (Jer. 22:15-16).  Josiah developed his character around the ways of God, thus he came to know God.  John wrote in the New Testament, “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:3-4).  Hosea would further declare that the nation was destroying itself because of a lack of knowledge (cf. Hosea 4:6).  Remember, “Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov. 14:34).                                                                            

Jimmy Clark

“For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the Lord loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt” (Deut. 7:6-8). 

God had a special purpose for the nation of Israel in working out redemption.  What to many looked like an insignificant people in the midst of a great empire was in fact a people chosen by God.  When one looks into the New Testament to the number of the saved, one finds that there are “few there be that find it” (Matt. 7:14).  Like Noah and his family, saved is more important than being among those who perish.  Consider a few things taught in the Bible about God’s special knowledge of His people.

1.  He Knows Your Name.  Jesus stated concerning himself being the good shepherd, “But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out” (John 10:2-3).  John wrote further of the shepherd’s knowledge of his sheep, “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine” (John 10:14).  The New Testament clearly states that the saved have their names “in the book of life” (Phil. 4:3; Rev. 20:15).  There are many researchers who simply count responses only to tally a number for the total responses.  A census, a political poll, a list of head counts on the number of deceased by a certain illness, etc. make the person behind the information no more than a number.  God knows all totals yet His people are called by their own name.  One is not just another number with God.

2.  He Knows the Number of Hairs on Your Head.  Jesus stated, “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7).  Here is a magnified view of God’s intimate knowledge of man.  Attention to details is a keen insight of God’s intelligence.  There is a closeness to God found here in that he cares for His.

3.  He Knows the Nature of Your Heart.  John wrote, “And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God” (1 John 3:19-21).  The obedient child who walks in the light (cf. 1 John 1:7), confesses his sins (cf. 1 John 1:9) and keeps doing those things that are pleasing in his sight (cf. 1 John 3:22) have an assurance in the day of judgment before God.  As weak as men are in their trying and as sensitive to personal shortcomings as each knows, God understands the nature of His children’s hearts and gives confidence through His word.  Where the world may never let anyone forget their failings, God soothes the heart and assures the will of man to keep on serving.

Jimmy Clark

“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6). 

Light is a strong, simple metaphor in the Bible.  The first day of creation was the bringing in of physical light.  The greatest spiritual light is God (cf. 1 John 1:5).  Jesus is to mankind “the light of the world” (John 9:5).  Whatever may be said of light and its effects is a reflection upon the truth of God.  Consider three aspects concerning the principle of light that teach valuable lessons.

1.  Enlightens.  While the word “light” is a noun, the verb form “to light” may be easily translated “to enlighten.”  Such a concept is found in the Bible.  “The statues of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes” (Ps. 19:8).  “For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness” (Ps. 18:28).  “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints” (Eph. 1:17-18).  “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame” (Heb. 6:4-6).  Being enlightened involves having the proper understanding of matters from the basis of God’s divine revelation.  Here is an essential quality of spiritual light to bring life (cf. John 1:4).

2.  Enables.  Light not only provides understanding, but it also has practical power to enable man to function safely and efficiently.  John wrote, “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).  Again, “Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him” (John 11:9-10).  John wrote in one of his letters, “He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes” (1 John 2:9-11).  Such describes the practical side of the principle of light.

3.  Exposes.  Light also exposes those things that men often seek to keep hidden.  Paul wrote, “But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light” (Eph. 5:13).  The English Standard Version translates this passage, “But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible” (Eph. 5:13, ESV).  Jesus exposed the scribes and Pharisees for what they were (cf. John 15:22).  Light truly discloses deeds that are less than they should be (cf. John 3:20).  Evil is Biblically described as the “hidden things of darkness” (1 Cor. 4:5).  Loving the light is loving life.                          

Jimmy Clark

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:5-8). 

This is the first time in the book of James that the subject of wisdom is addressed.  It is an important subject due to the fact that men who lack it are told to ask for it.  However, James is not simply saying that one need only pray alone and believe it will come separate and apart from a study of the Bible to acquire.  Paul wrote to Timothy, “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15).  Consider three particulars concerning wisdom from the book of James that should motivate all to seek what is from God.

1.  Supreme Wisdom.  The first fact concerning wisdom is that the superior wisdom comes from God.  James writes further, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).  James is contrasting in this context two kinds of wisdom.  Paul does the same in the book of First Corinthians (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18-2:13).  The supreme, absolute wisdom that should be sought by men is that which is from God.  Notice that such wisdom is first pure.  Such is in perfect harmony with the statement made in Proverbs concerning God’s inspired revelation (cf. Prov. 30:5).  After this attribute comes all the results that promote the greatest moral and ethical life.  God’s wisdom is not only preeminent in essence but it is also practical in quality.

2.  “So-called” Wisdom.  James addressed the opposite of God’s wisdom, where he wrote, “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:14-16).  Any so-called wisdom that is contrary to the wisdom from God centers in selfish ambition with power and control works.  Paul wrote to Timothy about falsehood, where he wrote, “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen” (1 Tim. 6:20-21).  There is nothing good that comes from such arrogance and self-righteousness.

3.  Shown Wisdom.  James begins the context on wisdom in James chapter three with the words, “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13).  True wisdom is demonstrated, not merely contemplated and theorized.  A tree is known by its fruits (cf. Matt. 7:16-20).  Wisdom involves the skill to perceive differences and make proper application.  Words can be quite empty where talk is all that is given.  God’s wisdom produced the creation (cf. Ps. 104:24).  God’s wisdom brought the redemption for man’s sins (cf. 1 Cor. 1:24-31).  It is no wonder that James exhorts men who lack wisdom to seek such from God.                         

Jimmy Clark