The 40 Day TBC Life Devotion

“Never be wise in your own sight” (Romans 12:16c, ESV).

This continues yesterday’s instruction, “Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly” (16b). The wisest among us do not know that they are wise. They will not allow themselves to believe it. It’s their humility that gives them a step up in wisdom.
 
The Bible tells us what a wise person looks like, “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy” (James 3:17). This is a good way to test our thoughts and opinions:

1. Pure: Are your thoughts and words sincere, full of integrity, lacking an agenda?
2. Peaceable: Do your thoughts and words result in peace or in conflict?
3. Gentle: Are your thoughts and words tender, fair-minded, and willing to yield?
4. Reasonable: Are your thoughts and words cooperative and approachable?
5. Full of Mercy: Are your thoughts and words full of compassion and restoration?
6. Good Fruits: Are your thoughts and words backed by consistent and spiritual action?
7. Unwavering: Are your thoughts and words without bias, or people-pleasing? 
8. Without Hypocrisy: Are your thoughts and words real and genuine?

This is a good list to print out and tape to the refrigerator. You can refer to it often—when you are having an argument, when you are upset with someone, and when you have a strong opinion.

“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing” –Socrates (470-399 BC).

Which of the above eight points do you most need to address in your life? How can you begin to practice this biblical list every day?

Dave Samples