Closely linked to controlling our tongue is recognising true wisdom. Most of us are far too quick to think that we are wiser than we actually are, and this in turn can lead us to saying more than we really should. Or at least spouting a lot of nonsense. (I realise this is a risky thing to say when writing a blog!).
True wisdom demonstrates itself not in the cleverness of the words we utter, but in the quality of the life we live, and a good life is one that lived in humility. Proverbs says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. We need to recognise our position in relation to God, or else we have a completely wrong starting point.
Bitter envy and selfish ambition often show themselves in people spouting forth their "wisdom". A person who is bitter think they know exactly what is right and what is wrong, but in reality it warps our thinking. Indeed we need to be doubly careful, for the thoughts that result from envy, bitterness or selfish ambition are demonic. This should make us aware of how demonic activity most frequently manifest itself. It does not usually manifest itself with people frothing at the mouth. Though these things can happen, they are rare. Most demonic activity is much more mundane. Moreover, most demonic activity does not need exorcism to deal with it, rather it needs repentance and humility. Now I am not saying that we never come up against overt demonic activity, we do, but we need a Biblical approach to the matter. Demonic activity is far more prevalent than we imagine, and is far more mundane than we imagine.
Envy and selfish-ambition show themselves in disorder and evil behaviour. Godly wisdom could not be more different. It loves peace not strife, considers others instead of riding rough-shod over them, submits to God and to others instead of exalting itself, it is merciful instead of judgmental. It produces peace and righteousness.
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