James has a lot to share with us about wisdom. Our view of wisdom, it’s value and character, is going to affect the decisions we make, the way we accept criticism, success and failure. Wisdom is not some isolated knowledge or mental activity. It is a skill borne out of love.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all…
pure. God’s sort of wisdom does not have ulterior motives, conscious or unconscious. When we use our own judgment, we often act with improper motives. We may even convince ourselves that we are being selfless. But wisdom born out of love has no place for divided intention. It is selfless and pure.
it is also peace loving. The wisdom that comes from God loves peace. It seeks it. This is no wishy-washy ceasefire or absence of conflict. God’s wisdom seeks real peace. That means restored relationships – even when relationships have been dead and it seems there is no hope for recovery. Even when it requires our own humility.
If you’ve listened to the news from Israel lately, then you have a recognition that peace is not a one-sided endeavor, nor is it easy, nor is it painless. God in his wisdom knows this, and when we act in God’s wisdom, we realize it, too. The Christian life is not a call to subjugate the unbelieving masses, but instead, to offer a message of peace that the nations will run after.
gentle at all times. This one goes hand in hand with “peace loving”. God’s wisdom is always gentle. Harshness is rarely the path to peace. God operates with a wisdom that is gentle. God of all people could be harsh with us. We are sinners and rebellious often without rational justification. But he remains compassionate towards us, gentle and patient. As we seek God’s wisdom, we need to share this characteristic with those who wrong us.
and willing to yield to others. It doesn’t mean much to give in when you’re unsure of yourself. But what if you know you are right? Not as in pridefully thinking so. What if you are right? Can you still yield to another when they are unwilling to hear it? God is so patient with us. He has told us our disease and offered the cure, and often we spit in his face. Some even go so far as to warn others off of the cure, as well. God is so gracious. So patient. But a wisdom that will seek after peace must be willing to yield.
It is full of mercy. God in his wisdom pours out blessings on everyone, whether they “deserve” it or not. It is this fullness of his provision that is so awesome. He wants to share from his great wealth, his strength and power. What he blesses us with may be satisfaction in a job well done, the finances to provide for a family, the means to spread the gospel to an unreached people group, or the time and energy to work with at-risk kids. Whatever it is, God wants to meet our needs. He gives out of love even when we have been faithless, merciless, and stingy with what is “ours”. If we are going to display the wisdom of heaven, our generosity must become like God’s.
and good deeds. “Good deeds” are to be in step with “full of mercy”. These are not actions done because they are good, giving us the impression we can earn or deserve God or anyone else’s favor. These are actions that by God’s standard are naturally good. It can be thought of this way: the fullness is the intent and potential. The deeds are the living out of the heart’s willingness. The wisdom of heaven results in actions that please God.
We don’t often think about widows and orphans in our culture. This is unfortunate. God says he is quite concerned for them. For those in prison, literally, and for those imprisoned, figuratively – God wants us to offer real action. Not just lip service. Not just good intent.
It shows no partiality. God desires us to be loving to all. There is no one who is by nature excluded from God’s reach, from his love. Many reject that love. But God continues to offer it. And so should we.
There is no reason for us to favor one person over another. Yes, there will be some that by upbringing or experience will make for better intimate friends, more suited for service in certain ministries. But, interestingly, we often cannot make that determination on our own. And when we act in our own wisdom, we often fail to recognize those who would be long-lasting friends, powerful servants in the kingdom, excellent vessels for containing and spreading God’s spirit.
and is always sincere. Often I have to make myself say the right thing – something I don’t actually want to say, or something different from what I’d like to say. I’m still learning, still letting God shape me. His wisdom is the sort that is always sincere. It doesn’t have to correct internal conflicts and uncertainty in motives. God sincereley loves, sincerely seeks, sincerely forgives. The wisdom that comes from God helps us to be sincere.
And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness. [James 3:17-18James 3:17-18
English: Contemporary English Version (1999) - CEV
17 But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere.
18 When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice.
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