James 3:13-18 “Wisdom from Above”
“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of his wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
This is a passage that I needed to read a few times to soak it in. First let’s take a look at two definitions of wisdom. Wisdom according to Wikipedia: “Wisdom or sapience is the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight, especially in a mature or utilitarian manner.” Wisdom by Psychology Today: “Wisdom is one of those qualities difficult to define—because it encompasses so much—but which people generally recognize when they encounter it.” I then took it a part a little bit more and looked up “meekness” on Google. The first definition showing screamed at me ‘world view’ because of the example sentence: “The fact or condition of being meek; submissiveness. ‘All his best friends make fun of him for his meekness.’” That doesn’t sound very flattering or fun. Then, under Wikipedia, you see the more biblical version: “Meekness is an attribute of human nature and behavior. It has been defined several ways: righteous, humble, teachable, and patient under suffering, long suffering willing to follow gospel teachings; an attribute of a true disciple.” So, if we do have wisdom, we are to show our works in the humbleness of our wisdom…in the teach-ability of our wisdom…in the true discipleship of our wisdom.
BJ asked us to focus on the character of God…and I think this reading speaks it loud and clear: “But the wisdom from above (God’s character) is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” Quite the example and all character traits that you would want in your Heavenly Father.
Happy Wednesday and may people see your works in the meekness of wisdom.
MT