True Wisdom – James 3:13-18
29. True Wisdom seeks to build rather than destroy.
1 Corinthians 3:10-23; Proverbs 14:1
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)
Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. (Romans 14:13-19)
Study it Out
- How might you be destructive in your actions or speech without realizing it? How do we actually end up harming ourselves when we seek to build our own “kingdom” instead of working to build up the Body of Christ for His glory?
- What is the difference between building up someone else versus flattery or appeasement? How can you actively be building others up into Christ?