WISDOM

It is a gift from God given to believers and there remains a substantive progression of its attributes ...  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. James 3:17 

1. Pure ... Untainted by human rationale, it is free from selfish ambition. Wisdom from above glorifies God and builds up the person with whom you are speaking. As you impart that which the Lord has opened to your understanding, no ulterior motives come to bear. 

 

2. Peaceable ... Stirred-up controversies over petty issues are laid aside. While you must never compromise the doctrinal purity of essential truths, fighting over minor matters is contrary to 'wisdom from above'. 

 

3. Gentle ... This attribute includes being 'kind' (free from harsh, stern, or insensitive statements), 'forbearing' (holding oneself back when provoked), and 'unassertive' (having a soothing or easing influence).

4. Willing to yield ... Under God's divine wisdom, you understand when it's wrong to apply the 'letter of the law'. Though you have a right to condemn ... you make allowances, eschew individual rights, and soften justice with mercy. 

 

5. Full of mercy and good fruits ... God is merciful to us and divine wisdom dictates that we show mercy to others; but not in word only. 'Good fruit' is born from practical help to those in need.

6. Without partiality ... It does not waver; it knows its own mind, chooses its course, and abides by it. Wisdom from above is based on Christian certainties that come to us from God through Jesus Christ.

7. Without hypocrisy ... Wisdom is free from prejudice or divided loyalties. It does not deal in deception. It is honest; it never pretends to be what it is not; and never acts a part to gain its own ends.

Steven Cole - If we all would seek to live by these seven qualities of godly wisdom, personal conflicts would be greatly minimized, and harmonious relationships would blossom and grow. But, unfortunately, we all battle the world, the flesh and the devil. These forces combine to draw us astray into worldly “wisdom,” which causes disharmony in our relationships.

Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes. Isaiah 5:21 

As a believer in Christ, pursue the wisdom that comes from Him. It’s never too late to begin, for you have this promise ... If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach ... James 1:5