A Layman’s Reflection on Wisdom, Character, and the State of Our Nation
What is happening today in our nation often leaves people confused, divided, and searching for answers. Many times, we hear claims that certain acts, decisions, or movements are “of God,” or that God approves of what is going on. However, it is vital to pause and ask ourselves: Does what we see truly align with the character and nature of God, or are we misattributing worldly things to Him? As everyday people, we don’t need to be theologians to discern the difference. The Bible, especially the book of James chapter 3, gives us practical wisdom to help us understand what comes from God and what does not.
The Difference Between Worldly Wisdom and Godly Wisdom
Let’s start with the basics. In James 3:13-18, the apostle doesn’t mince words: he makes a clear distinction between wisdom that is earthly and wisdom that is divine. The passage says that a person is not wise just because they think or speak well; wisdom in the biblical sense is shown by how we live—by our actions and our attitudes.
Worldly wisdom, as James describes, is driven by selfish ambition, jealousy, malice, and contention. These things do not come from God. Instead, they spring up from earthly motives, often leading to confusion and disorder.
So, if what we see happening in our nation today is full of “confusion and every kind of evil practice,” we should not rush to attribute these things to God. Godly wisdom is marked by purity, peace, gentleness, a willingness to listen, mercy, good fruit, impartiality, and sincerity. When these are absent, what’s happening is not of God.
How Do We Recognize What Is Truly of God?
It’s easy to get swept up by strong words, passionate causes, or powerful leaders. Social media, news outlets, and public figures often claim their actions are godly, or that God is “on their side.” But the Bible teaches that true wisdom begins in the heart and is made visible in how we treat others.
· If a movement breeds hate, division, and violence, it is not from God. God is love, and the wisdom that comes from above is peace-loving.
· If leaders manipulate, deceive, or act with crafty ambitions, that is not God’s way. God is sincere, steady, and consistent. His wisdom has no disguise or deceit.
· If actions sow chaos or provoke people to harm, that’s not in line with God’s character. God is the author of peace, not confusion.
· If policies and rhetoric are rooted in envy, bitterness, or selfishness, they reflect worldly wisdom, not the divine.
The Core Character of God
Let’s remind ourselves of who God is, based not on hearsay, but on what scripture and tradition actually say. Across religions, God is described as:
· All-knowing (Omniscient): God sees and understands everything.
· All-powerful (Omnipotent): Nothing is beyond God’s ability.
· Present everywhere (Omnipresent): God is not limited by time or place.
· Eternal: God has no beginning or end.
· Good: God is the source of all goodness.
· Love: God’s love is unconditional and foundational.
· Merciful: God forgives and shows compassion.
· Holy: God is pure and set apart from wrongdoing.
· Wise: God’s wisdom surpasses all human understanding.
· Just: God is fair and righteous.
· Faithful: God keeps promises and is dependable.
When we look at what’s happening around us, we need to measure it against these qualities. Is what we see truly good, loving, merciful, pure, wise, just, and faithful? If not, then it is not of God.
Misattributing Earthly Acts to God: A Word of Caution
There is a dangerous trend of attributing everything that happens, good or bad, to God—especially when it fits a particular agenda or worldview. This is not only misleading, but it can cause harm.
Consider James 3:15, which describes some wisdom as “earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.” That’s strong language! Wisdom that stirs up selfishness and jealousy leads to disorder and evil practices. When people claim that contentious, divisive, or violent acts are “God’s will,” we should be skeptical.
God’s wisdom, by contrast, is pure and peace-loving. It makes people gentle, open to reason, and full of mercy. It brings about good fruit—acts that help, heal, and restore rather than tear down or destroy. When we see actions that encourage strife, panic, and bitterness, we must recognize that this does not come from above.
Living Out True Wisdom in Daily Life
James encourages us to test our own wisdom and the wisdom of others. Are we living out meekness, humility, and kindness? Are our words and deeds promoting peace and righteousness? Scripture calls us not just to say we are wise, but to prove it in how we live.
· Speak kindly, even when it is hard.
· Refuse to participate in envy or malicious talk.
· Work towards reconciliation and understanding, rather than fanning the flames of division.
· Show mercy, even to those who disagree with us.
· Be steadfast, sincere, and impartial.
These are the fruits of true wisdom. When we practice them, we align ourselves with God’s character, and we become agents of righteousness in a confused world.
Conclusion: Let’s Be Careful What We Call “God’s Will”
In these turbulent times, let’s not be quick to attribute every national event, policy, or action to God. Instead, let us hold up what is happening against the character and nature of God as revealed in scripture. If something is rooted in division, selfishness, or confusion, it is not of Him.
James 3:17 reminds us: “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” Let these be our standards for what truly comes from God.
So, as we navigate today’s challenges, let us seek the wisdom that comes from above. Let us become people whose lives shine with purity, peace, gentleness, and mercy, so that the world can see the reality of God’s character in us. And let us be careful not to put God’s name to things that are contrary to who He is.
May our words and actions prove that God has bestowed upon us this excellent gift of wisdom, so that righteousness and peace may abound in our land.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 