![](https://kenboa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/A-Life-of-Wisdom-Part-25.jpg)
The Wisdom of James
The book of James inverts the world’s value system, contrasting the way of the Word with the way of the world, and urging us to choose the way of the Word.
The book of James inverts the world’s value system, contrasting the way of the Word with the way of the world, and urging us to choose the way of the Word.
The key to living a life of wisdom is to recognize that the things that matter most are the things the world cannot provide.
Apart from God, you have no hope. But the book of Ecclesiastes teaches us that there is hope, and there is wisdom in fearing God.
What gives your life meaning? Conventional wisdom abounds telling us how to find meaning in life. On the surface, much of it sounds like good advice. The problem is, every one of them will ultimately fail to bring you meaning and satisfaction. According to Solomon, two key truths must guide us if we are to live meaningful lives.
“Is this all there is?” This is the question we find ourselves asking when we achieve a goal, thinking it will have given us our heart’s desire. But whether we strive for popularity, power, possessions, or prestige, we will find that the things of this world cannot satisfy us.
One of the wisest things you can do is to put your unflinching trust in God. If your joy is dependent on circumstances, it will not be stable. On the other hand, surrendering to God provides ultimate security and satisfaction.
Either life is meaningless, or it isn’t—there are no options in between. If life is meaningless, then this temporal world is all we have, and it will quickly pass away. But the wisdom Psalms teach us the truth: life has meaning, and that meaning is rooted in our eternal God.
Do you want to know how to have an eternal perspective? The wisdom psalms focus on cultivating this long-term mindset, teaching us to fix our hearts and our minds on what is truly ultimate rather than living for short-term gain.
There is a futile emptiness of trying to find meaning and satisfaction “under the sun.” But when we fear the One who is above the sun, our futility is transformed into a living hope.
Psalms 119 and 127 teach us how to gain perspective in times of affliction as well as how to have a Christocentric view of our lives.
Receive the Latest from Reflections & Ken Boa