James 3:17—The wisdom from above

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. James 3:17

James asked, “Who among you is wise and understanding?” (James 3:13a.) He knew that believers cherished wisdom and understanding and longed to be rich in both, but he observed jealousy and selfish ambition operating in their lives, creating confusion and every evil work (see James 3:16).  He set the record straight by drawing a clear contrast between the source of wisdom versus that of jealous ambition.

But the wisdom from above…

Wisdom can come from above, and wisdom can come from below. The two are diametrically opposed to one another, not only in point of origin, but also in operation and results. James made it very clear—the end does not justify the means.

…is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.

In order to pinpoint the wisdom which comes from Heaven, James listed eight identifying descriptors. If these characteristics are present both in your life and in the pursuit of your goals, then you can rest assured that you are operating in wisdom from above. If these qualities are absent from your quest, then it’s time to seek God to find out what needs to change. He’s ready and able to redirect you—it’s one of His job descriptions.

1. Pure. James did not merely state that the wisdom from above is pure; no—he wrote the wisdom from above is first pure. First, and above all other qualities, the wisdom which comes from God is pure. This means that His wisdom is free from carnality; it is chaste and modest; it is pure from every fault, and it is clean (see http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G53&t=KJV). Pure water is water without any additives, pollutants, or debris. Pure wisdom is wisdom that is not mixed with carnality, immodesty, impure motives, selfish ambition, or lies.
2. Peaceable. God’s wisdom does not glory in picking a fight. God’s wisdom does not enjoy putting people in their place. God’s wisdom seeks to bring peace to conflict, strife, and chaos. But since the wisdom from above is first pure, it cannot compromise with sin. If you must submit to or compromise with error in order to have peace, then run! Since wisdom is first pure, every solution that violates or compromises the purity of God’s Word is not true wisdom.
3. Gentle. God’s wisdom is gentle and considerate. It views the facts of a case in a humane and reasonable way (see Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words; http://www.blueletterbible.org/search/dictionary/viewTopic.cfm?topic=VT0001187). Gentleness does not use others as doormats to achieve its goal; on the contrary, gentleness will help someone else who is struggling, even when doing so delays the accomplishment of your own goal.
4. Reasonable. When you are reasonable, you are compliant and willing to yield to reason. You are not inflexible or headstrong toward others, but you are easily entreated—meaning that you are neither unapproachable nor do you carry yourself as someone who is better than others.
5. Full of mercy. God’s wisdom will lead you to be merciful toward others who are less fortunate than you.
6. Good fruits. When you are operating in God’s wisdom, you will not only feel mercy toward others who are struggling, but you will also have corresponding works demonstrating your kindness.
7. Unwavering. This word is adiakritos in the Greek and means “without dubiousness, ambiguity or uncertainty” (see http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/Lexicon/Lexicon.cfm?strongs=G87&t=KJV). God’s wisdom is unwavering. When you waver, you negatively impact your ability to receive wisdom or anything else from God;  James said of the one who wavers, “…that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:7-8).
8. Without hypocrisy. The wisdom from above is free from hypocrisy. It is genuine, authentic, and sincere.

Every Christian has two things in common with every other believer: First, all of us have dreams, hopes, desires, and/or goals we long to see fulfilled. And second, all of us have people in our lives—perhaps some are supportive, many are neutral, and unfortunately, others are dismissive, disapproving, or even defiant in their opposition to anything we say or do.

Your Master ran the race set before Him, and He made it all the way to the end. He fulfilled the purpose of God for His life, even while dealing with people all along the way. Some were supportive, many were neutral and carried a “wait and see” attitude, while others were dismissive, disapproving, and even defiant in their opposition—to the point of crucifying Him.

You have the ability through Jesus and His Spirit to run the race set before you. He will provide the wisdom and means to achieve all His purposes in and upon your life without compromising your values or love walk. Your job is to seek the wisdom that comes from above and to flee for your life from the wisdom which comes from below.

Dorothy

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10, NIV