WONDERS OF GOD’S WISDOM

“But the WISDOM that is FROM ABOVE is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits…” – James 3:17a

James presents Seven Qualities or WONDERS of GOD’S WISDOM: “But the WISDOM that is FROM ABOVE is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (Jam.3:17). James began his letter with a wisdom-related promise: “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking” (Jam.1:5 New Living Translation). Our generous God says, “If you need wisdom, ask for it!” The hardest part is admitting we need God’s help. If we’re ready to say, “Lord, I’ve made a mess of things; help me out,” God is ready and willing to help. Wisdom is distinct from Knowledge. Anyone can gain knowledge, but only God can give Wisdom. Knowledge refers to the accumulation of facts. Wisdom gives understanding for right application of the facts.

Wisdom is Pure: God is pure, and so is everything that comes from Him. Pure means: “free from moral stain.” God’s Wisdom will expose and expel accumulated grime and dirt in the soul; hidden layers of anger, bitterness, doubt, despair, envy, frustration, malice, and other negative emotions that discolour our souls like a spiritual jaundice. Purity comes first because without it, nothing else matters: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Mt. 5:8). Pure hearts will see God; hearts that are cluttered with wrong attitudes will see everything but God. Purity is where wisdom begins.

Wisdom is peaceable or peace-loving: Wise persons are peacemakers, not peacebreakers. Wisdom would rather talk than fight, listen than yell, find a middle ground or give an inch rather than insist on being always right or claiming “it’s my way.” James warned about a kind of “wisdom” that’s earthly, unspiritual and devilish (vv.14-16). This sort brings chaos wherever it goes. But God’s wisdom from above makes us agents for healing and reconciliation. A peace-loving person is at peace with God, at peace within himself, and brings an atmosphere of peace with him. He’s the opposite of the human tornado who wreaks havoc in every situation. We must abhor violence, bitterness, provocation, hatred and animosity.

Wisdom is gentle: It is considerate, non-combative, not quarrelsome, not easily annoyed. We discover this wonder of wisdom when we’re under pressure, when tempers are short, when we’re worn out, or when life’s demands overwhelm us. If we believe in Jesus, we can be gentle because He has been gentle with us. God does not deal with us according to our vices (Psa.103:10). We need this quality when dealing with difficult people, sinning Christians, and folks who disappoint us.

Wisdom is submissive: It is easy to persuade, willing to yield, and able to disagree agreably. This should not be mistaken for a pushover or lack of conviction. Earthly wisdom is arrogant, short-tempered and stubborn. It likes to dominate every discussion, refuses to listen or hear a contrary opinion, and demands to always be the centre of attention. A persuadable person holds deep convictions without feeling the need to parade them or to constantly argue about them.

Wisdom is merciful: It is full of mercy and good fruits. Mercy goes beyond feelings. Mercy sees a need and meets it. Sympathy is good, but only if it moves us to action. We live in an unmerciful world where vengeance is the watchword. Mercy is to do unto others as God has done unto us. He has treated us well, forgiven, and blessed us; let’s bless others.

Wisdom is Impartial or without partiality, holding firm to the same standard at all times; free from prejudice and favoritism. God’s Wisdom is a consistently impartial umpire. It tells and sides with truth all the time; it is the same in public and private.

Wisdom is Sincere: without hypocrisy, guile, or pretence – What you see is what you get!

Harvest of Righteousness follows when we live according to God’s wisdom (v.18). Anger produces a harvest of violence and hatred; but peaceable Wisdom yields bountiful harvests of righteousness, mercy, love, kindness, and healing, all by Grace!