Wisdom From Heaven

I am reflecting on a few passages from the letter of James.  I like James because he seems to be practical in his application of the Word.  He lays things out clearly and calls for an actual living out of one's beliefs.  In these passages he is speaking about wisdom - James 3:13,17-18 NIV:

[13] "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."

[17] "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness."

Here James is laying a foundation of behavior that is evidence of wisdom, again tying together belief and behavior, thinking and acting.  It is not enough to think a certain way but our thinking should be witnessed to through our actions. In other words, if you are wise, show it through your good deeds, and good life!  The goal is that others may witness your life and observe your wisdom.

James draws a distinction between earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom.  I didn't quote his section on earthly wisdom, as I wanted to focus on what he calls heavenly wisdom.  Suffice it to say the two are opposites in most ways.  Wisdom that comes from heaven could also be described as a renewed mind, or thinking differently.

I want to look at his list of attributes that would be evident in one operating in heavenly wisdom, taking them one at a time.

#1 Pure: The Greek word used here is hagnos - meaning 1) exciting reverence, venerable, sacred;  2) pure from carnality, chaste, modest;  3) pure from every fault; 4)  immaculate or clean.

We find here a God-focused, un-tainted by selfishness or sensuality, thinking.  Wisdom from heaven is concerned about God's perspective and following His example of life.

#2 Peace-loving:  The Greek word here is eirenikos - meaning 1) relating to peace; 2) peaceable, pacific, loving peace; 3) bring peace with it, peaceful, salutary

We find here a thinking that is not based in conflict, not focused on stirring things up, not thinking about one has been wronged.  Again this a perspective that comes from God's point of view, and it makes no sense for the Prince of Peace to bring dissension or division.

#3 Considerate: The Greek word is epieikes - meaning  1) seemingly, suitable;  2) equitable, fair, mild, gentle

Other translations use the word gentle rather than considerate.  The focus though is on taking a perspective that is not selfish, which relates quite well to being considerate.  When we are able to look to others, to see their needs, to consider the situation from their perspective, to be gentle in doing so, to be equitable in our assessment then we are operating in the wisdom that comes from heaven.  I like this because that means this is also how God considers me.

#4 Submissive: The Greek word used here is eupeithes - meaning 1) easily obeying, compliant

Other translations use the word reasonable, and this is probably more tolerable to us than submissive.  The point is that we are willing to be directed, willing to receive guidance and not obstinate or resistant to such.  I definitely struggle with this one, but at its base level, it means we recognize that their is a perspective that is better than ours, and what better one to recognize than God's?!

#5 Full of Mercy: The Greek word used here is eleos - meaning 1) mercy: kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them;  2) of men towards men: to exercise the virtue of mercy, show one's self merciful

This is clearly the opposite of selfishness, where one's eyes are focused solely on oneself.  Here we are encouraged to look at others, to see their need, their distress, their weakness, their situation and desirous to do something to help them.  It is not enough to feel sorry for them, but one must be moved to action. In this case, James said it would cause one to be full of mercy, or never running out of mercy.  I know that is definitely the type of person I would want to be around, and that is what God is like, thankfully.

#6 (Full of) Fruitfulness: The Greek word used here is karpos - meaning (I am taking the second meaning) 1) that which originates or comes from something, an effect, result;  2) work, act, deed;  3) advantage, profit, utility;  4) praises, which are presented to God as a thank offering

This brings us back to the original thought in verse thirteen, if one is wise let them show it by their good life.  This is bearing fruit, the proof that you have been  changed in the way you think and act.  Wisdom from heaven directs us towards action, action that produces good fruit. James spends quite a few verses discussing this in more detail earlier in his letter (James 2:14-18).

#7 Impartial: The Greek word used here is adiakritos, which is a negative version of diakrinos, which means that one is not  1) to separate, make a distinction, discriminate, to prefer  2) to learn by discrimination, to try, decide;  3) to determine, give judgment, decide a dispute

I think the case that James is making here is that one would not prefer, or have pre-existing ideas or proclivities when dealing with someone.  Impartiality generally means one will be fair, and consider all factors, all sides and be consistent in this regard.  This is the way God is towards us, and they way He encourages us to be towards each other.  It is so easy to judge someone without finding out all the circumstances, or their side of the story.  God calls us to embrace His impartiality, recognizing that He does so in our regard.

#8 Sincere: The Greek word used here anupokritos - meaning:  1) unfeigned, undisguised, sincere

This is pretty straight-forward, sincere means real.  We are called to be real with everyone, to allow the wisdom of heaven to truly change the way we think and act, so that whether seen of unseen we will be the same person.  Our behaivior is not faked, our interest in others is not a show, our desire for each and everyone we meet is their betterment.

As I look at this list, I am definitely encouraged to embrace the wisdom that comes from heaven, for this is the type of person I want to be, and type of people that I want to be surrounded by in my life!  Lord help me to recognize the thoughts and perspective sent to me from heaven, that I might live my life in beiing a witness to Your wisdom.