James 3:13-18; Psalm 143: v 1-2

James 3:13-18
"True Wisdom" might be a good title for this section. James tells us what godly wisdom IS and what it is NOT.

What wisdom is NOT:

• bitter jealousy
• selfish ambition

             These attitudes of jealousy and selfishness are "earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. They cause              disorder and evil of every kind. vv.14-16

What wisdom IS:

• It understands God's ways. v. 13
• It leads to good works with humility v. 13
• It is pure. v. 17
• It is peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. v. 17
• It is full of mercy and good deeds. v. 17
• It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. v. 17

               "And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of                                     righteousness." v. 18

Psalm 143:1-2
David is practicing his own advice here by telling God all his troubles, fears, hopelessness, and depression. He is admitting his weakness with all honesty. We can't fool God!

"Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my plea!" v. 1  God will hear our prayers, and He will listen and answer, but we must pray.

"Answer me because you are faithful and righteous." v. 1 We put our hope in God because He is worthy. We don't pray and expect answer because of our own righteousness but because of His great attributes: faithfulness, righteousness, love, power, wisdom, knowledge, etc.

"Don't put your servant on trial, for no one is innocent before you." v. 2  Confession of sin is an important part of prayer. God will not work in our lives if we are stubbornly holding on to sin.