Titus 3:1–11 (ESV): Be Ready for Every Good Work

3 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. 

James 3:13–18 (ESV): Wisdom from Above

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. 

Abba,

We, ourselves, were once foolish.

And how often are we still.

Caught up in vanity

Various passions and pleasures

Thinking that we are wise

When we are not

The curse of sin

In part

Is foolish arrogance

Self assured confidence

That our ways are right and good

When they really lead to death

It takes the light of grace

Divine and heavenly wisdom

Beaming down 

In rays so bright

To expose the folly

And emptiness

Of man’s self contrived “wisdom”

In your immense greatness

You prevent our wisdom

From excelling 

For in the emptiness

Of our own wisdom

In the darkness of our “wisdom”

We are drawn to the light of yours.

Your wisdom exposes

The folly of our foolishness.  

Your wisdom reveals 

The depth of our complete lack of understanding.

Your wisdom shines 

A light on the darkness that is the boast of man.

In the light of TRUE wisdom

The darkness

And folly

And error

Of our self professed

Self contrived wisdom

Is exposed and laid bare

What a terrifying reality

To have our foolish hearts laid so open

The bleakness and darkness 

Is uncomfortable, embarrassing, frightening.

Humbling

Shaming

Our “wisdom” leads to death

To pain

To disappointment 

Our “wisdom” is wrong

Leading to error

And the wrath of our Divine Creator

Therefore, there is such grace and beauty

In this exposure as well.

There is a rescue

A deliverance from the dark and deadly delusion 

of false wisdom 

That leads to the light and salvation in true wisdom 

Which leads to life.

Come, Oh Great God

Expose the darkened understanding

Of fake wisdom in my heart.

Shred the “wisdom” of my own making

And impart the beauty of TRUE wisdom from above.

Capture me with true beauty

Brilliant light of Heaven’s truest wisdom

Fill me with a loathing 

For the self professed

“Wisdom” of this world 

Expose the errors in my thoughts

The falsehoods in my ways

And deliver me

From the course of destruction they have set

In your grace, mercy, and love

Rescue

Save

Direct

Teach

And show me the the true wisdom

From the source of all truth

Guard my heart 

Keep it pure

Ever discerning

Gaze fixed

Intent unwavering

Desire singular

Upon the wisdom from above

May it always guide me to you

Keep me near to you

Satisfy me in you

Produce an ever increasing longing for you

And cause me to revel in you

Proclaiming the glory of who you are!