Scorners set a city aflame, but wise men turn away anger. – Proverbs 29:8
I had a revelation this past week as I was reading my Bible. There has been a lot of change in technology over the past 3000 years, but none of it has affected the veracity of Scripture! Not only is the Bible still true, but it is just as relevant! Maybe, more so, since we are closer to Christ’s return.
The truth of Proverbs 29:8 has certainly been evident over the past months, weeks, and days: Scorners set a city aflame, But wise men turn away anger. We saw cities in flame last summer, the Capitol figuratively in flames last month, and the House and Senate aflame in the past few weeks.
I don’t know how much anger has been turned away by wise men, but there is certainly a need for wisdom in our country now!
James 3:13-18 shows us the contrast between worldly thinking and God’s wisdom. Scorners have frivolous contempt for what is good and right. We see that here:
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. – James 3:13
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. – James 3:14-16
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. – James 3:17
We have an opportunity as Marketplace Ambassadors to come alongside people wherever we are, to provide the gentleness and peacefulness that are so lacking in the world in which we are living.
Do you question whether you are wise and understanding? Those qualities come from the study of God’s Word, the Bible, which is the wisdom from above, and the application of these things in your life.
These are the principles which are taught in Operation Timothy and in CBMC weekly meetings on a regular basis. If you are missing out on these, please join us or respond to this email for guidance in finding the best place for you to learn these things.
Think and pray
If you are confident in your wisdom and understanding, please sow these seeds among those in your sphere of influence. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:18) Reach out, spread the word, and go deep.
Lord, I feel like just one more voice in the noise across our nation. Please give me Your wisdom to speak with gentleness and peace to those who are angry and hurting. Even to those who speak loudly against the things I believe firmly. Let my walk precede my talk, and help me treat others with mercy and good works. Amen.
Eldon Kibbey has served as the Director of CBMC Indiana since 1998. His earlier career included a tour of duty with the US Air Force, a brief career in the aerospace industry with McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, and then 26 years at the helm of a national janitorial service. Eldon and his wife, Sandy, are the parents of four children, and have three grandsons.
