PURE WISDOM

According to the biblical book of James, genuine wisdom has seven characteristics, and the first of these characteristics is purity (see James 3:17). God’s wisdom is not contaminated with any other substance.

When we refer to “pure gold,” we are referring to the uncompromised element. The same is true of “pure silver” or “pure sugar.” God wants all of us to be pure. In other words, he wants us to be focused on him and his ways. He will never be content with a tainted heart that is partially committed to him yet polluted with other purposes and affections. He wants all of you. He wants all of me.

Jesus reminded us that the greatest commandment is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37, NIV). God won’t share our hearts or our devotion. According to the Old Testament, he is “a jealous God” (Exodus 20:5; Deuteronomy 4:24, NIV). He broods over you with a godly jealousy, and he wants all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. But the good news is that the pure in heart are blessed. They are blessed because “they will see God” (Matthew 5:8, NIV).

If the heart is pure, the mind is at ease. If the heart is pure, the soul is calm. If the heart is pure, the attitudes of the one who possesses that pure heart will always be positive and life will be more rewarding and less problematic. Seek pure wisdom.