Bible Reading: James 1:5-7
An old Japanese proverb says, "Wisdom and virtue are like the two wheels of a cart." A two-wheeled cart is useless if one wheel is missing. A two-wheeled cart can't move or carry a load without both wheels.
That is a good image of wisdom and virtue.
Wisdom is knowing what is right.
Virtue is habitually doing what is right.
Many people know what is right at least part of the time, but don't always act on that wisdom by doing what is right. That is a waste of wisdom. It is useless to know what is right if that knowledge has no positive affect on your life and actions.
Most people will do what is right from time to time. However, without wisdom, those random virtuous acts never become a regular part of a person's life. They are like shots in the dark. They are so erratic that they miss the target more than they hit it. They don't occur often enough to be useful. They aren't consistent enough to have any lasting affect on the life of the person doing them nor on the lives of those seeing or receiving them.
Does the "cart" of your life have both of its wheels – its wisdom and its virtue – firmly attached?
If they are a bit wobbly, go to God for help. Verse 5 of today's Bible reading says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." God will give you wisdom. He will help you to do virtuous acts. Why? That is God's desire for your live.
Matthew 3:8 says, "Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God" (NLT). Our good, virtuous actions, won't get us into heaven. They do prove to other people that we have fully committed our lives to God and choose to live lives that honor and glorify Him.
I hope you will take steps to live a life that is filled with both wisdom and virtue.
"Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path."
Proverbs 23:19
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be wise and know what is right. Then help me to be virtuous and do what is right. In Jesus' name. Amen. "cart" of your life have both of its wheels person doing them nor on the lives of those seeing or receiving them.
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