Wisdom from Above

There is a saying in Spanish, “Echando a perder se aprende,” which translated means, “We learn by ruining things.” We learn by trying out a new cake recipe that turns out flat, or buying a pair of great-looking shoes that always hurt our feet. Those are minor lessons learned at a small price. Too often, we pay a much higher price for lessons learned. Among the most serious, a bad investment that leaves us bankrupt, or a failed marriage (or two) before we find (or become?) the “right person.” May it be our prayer that God deliver us from learning in such a wasteful manner.

Here is the good news. There is a “wisdom from above [that] is first of all pure, then peace-loving, courteous, reasonable, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17) It is free for the asking, without the high price of ruined relationships or finances, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) Given that pure wisdom from above, that divine insight into the human condition, it is possible to learn our lessons by reading God’s Word, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.” (2 Timothy 3:16 NLT) It is possible to learn from the greatest teacher of all, Jesus, who said, “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29)

We can also learn by observing the mistakes of others without judging them, but if we judge them, we cannot learn from them. “Father, give us that wisdom from above, and make us more like Jesus, that we may ‘show in good behavior our good works done in the gentleness of wisdom.’ (James 3:13)” Amen.