“But the wisdom that comes from
heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full
of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17 – NIV)
I
have learned of wisdom, how to receive it, why I should want it, and who is
willing to give me wisdom. But what I’ve never noticed is this list. The list
of qualities wisdom possesses and then bestows upon its recipient.
So
let’s break this down and learn a little more about wisdom.
Wisdom is Pure
James
gives purity first place in the list. David asked that God create in him a pure
heart (Psalm 51:10). Free from contamination of the world. Wisdom from God will
always be pure.
Wisdom is Peace-loving
I
know there are some people in this world who love to “stir the pot.” Perhaps
they aren’t really trying to start a fight, but they try to cause some kind of
friction. When we possess Godly wisdom, this action would never be part of our
lives. Jesus spoke of peacemakers during His Sermon on the Mount. Peacemakers
will be called sons of God (Matthew 5:9). I think that is a title I’d like to possess.
Wisdom is Considerate
Caring
about others and how they are feeling makes this list because it is a characteristic
of God. When we show kindness to others, God’s wisdom is evident. Ephesians
4:32a (NIV) tells us to “Be kind and
compassionate to one another…” Being considerate was Jesus’ way of life. It
should be ours as well.
Wisdom is Submissive
I
know submission isn’t a popular topic and it isn’t just for women. Everyone is
to submit (Romans 13:1; Ephesians 5:21; James 4:7). Being submissive in God’s
wisdom shows great strength. Staying within God’s boundaries and allowing His
ways to be your ways shows submission.
Wisdom is Full of Mercy
God
has granted mercy to His believers. Receiving mercy leads to extending mercy. That
is part of wisdom. James also says, “Mercy
triumphs over judgment!” (James 2:13b – NIV) I don’t know about you, but
God’s mercy that is triumphant is exactly what I seek. And when I possess God’s
wisdom, I must be merciful to others just as God is merciful to me.
Wisdom is Full of Good Fruit
I
don’t like fruit. I like fake fruit even more. God’s fruit, of course, is
another matter. When His fruit is abundant in my life, I have allowed the Vinedresser
to do His work in me (John 15:1-8). I’ve allowed His pruning, His cutting out
of the non-bearing fruit branches, and have accepted His call to remain in Him.
The result is an abundance of fruit and wisdom. As a side note, God doesn’t
like “fake fruit” either.
Wisdom is Impartial
James
speaks of this topic in his book. Favoritism in God’s Kingdom is strictly
forbidden. I love the verse, “Has not God
chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to
inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” (James 2:5 – NIV) God
shows no partiality. Neither should we. Because to be honest, I’m not so sure
where I would be sitting if it came down to picking and choosing in God’s
kingdom.
Wisdom is Sincere
Being
fake doesn’t make it in the kingdom of God. Scripture teaches that we are to be
sincere (2 Corinthians 11:3), have sincere love (2 Corinthians 6:6), have sincere
faith (1 Timothy 1:5), and sincere hearts (Hebrews 10:22). We are to be
genuine, without pretense or hypocrisy. God’s wisdom is always sincere. It can
be no other way.
God’s
wisdom is amazing. But it sure doesn’t come without some sacrifice on our part.
Giving up some of the worldly ideas we have accepted as truth. Allowing God’s
Spirit to guide us in our words and our actions. Godly wisdom totes quite a
bundle with it.
But
how blessed we will be when we come to realize that wisdom from God will keep
us within His will. It will keep us from falling. It will be triumphant. The
giving up that is required somehow doesn’t seem so bad. It is very much worth
the sacrifice.
Matthew
Henry has this to say about wisdom in relation to this verse. “May the purity,
peace, gentleness, teachableness, and mercy shown in all our actions, and the
fruits of righteousness abounding in our lives, prove that God has bestowed
upon us this excellent gift.”[i]
This
excellent gift. Wisdom. It’s no wonder Solomon knew exactly what to ask for
from God. How foolish we would be not to ask for this excellent gift.
James
says if you have wisdom, “Let him show it
by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
(James 3:13 - NIV) Wisdom is visible. Wisdom is evident. Our humble lives prove
Godly wisdom dwells within us.
Have
you received wisdom from God?
Grace
and peace be yours in abundance,
Donna
[i]
Henry, Matthew. Concise Commentary on the
Whole Bible. 1997. Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc. p. 1227
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