“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (James 3:17 ESV).

Last week we pondered James’ question “Who is wise and understanding among you?” (James 3:13). This is a convicting question. I think most of us agree that we desire wisdom. We talked about the opposite of wisdom, which is foolishness. None of us desires to be fools in anyone’s eyes. So, allowing James to be our guide, we will explore the first of eight elements of wisdom and how it applies to our Christian walk.

1. Wisdom is pure. Ivory soap was advertised as 99.4% pure, meaning that it did not contain impurities. Likewise, wisdom is wholeheartedly pure, meaning that it is innocent and free from moral fault or blame. Wisdom is also free from mixed motives, intending only good. When one tries to be wise in some areas but exhibits foolishness in others, even those that seem to be insignificant, the entire being is tainted with foolishness. “’Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities’” (Luke 19:17).

• Wisdom is peace-loving. Godly wisdom is concerned with the truth but looks for solutions that bring about wholeness, not division. In other words, wisdom actively seeks unity. “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

• Wisdom is gentle. The quality of gentleness includes a willingness to yield to others. Jesus described himself as “gentle and lowly in heart.” Gentleness, as is peace, is a fruit of the spirit. Although not explicitly stated, it is also an element of the definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13:5 which says that love does not insist on its own way. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” (1 Peter 3:15).

• Wisdom is open to reason. Being open to reason means being quick to listen and slow to speak, taking into account the views of others and being willing to defer to others when matters of moral or theological truths are not at stake. “To answer before listening— that is folly and shame” (Proverbs 18:13).

As you can see from these descriptions, wisdom is more than being able to spout pithy proverbs. Wisdom is wisdom is God-focused and other-focused (both/and not either/or). To be both sometimes takes time and effort, with reliance on the Holy Spirit for the best outcome. Remember James’ question in the opening verse—who is wise and understanding? The fifth of Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People advises to “seek first to understand and then to be understood.” We cannot ultimately be wise if we have not put in the effort to understand—to understand God’s will, our own hearts, and the perspectives of the other person.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5).

In Christ,

Judy

P.S.: If you would like to talk more about any of these devotions or matters that concern you, please stop by my office, or call or text me at 615-804-3453 to arrange a time, and I will be happy to speak with you.