Posted on 11/15/2018 12:21:06 PM PST by metmom
The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy (James 3:17).
True wisdom is evident in a persons behavior.
What is true wisdom? James answers that question in verse 17 by pointing out the characteristics or qualities of true wisdom. After purity, the next quality is peaceable, which means peace loving or peace promoting. It refers to someone who doesnt create confusion or disorder. He doesnt promote himself or compromise truth but makes peace.
True wisdom is also gentle. A gentle person will submit to dishonor, disgrace, mistreatment, and persecution with an attitude of humility, courteousness, kindness, patience, and consideration. He will not display hatred, malice, or revenge.
True wisdom is also characterized as reasonable. It refers to someone who is willing to yield, who is easily persuaded, teachable, and compliant. It was used of a person who willingly submitted to military discipline or who observed legal and moral standards in life and willingly submitted to them. A wise person manifests such reasonable traits concerning Gods standards for life.
Full of mercy refers to someone who shows concern for people who suffer and is quick to forgive. He demonstrates kindness and compassion toward others.
Good fruits refer to all good works in general or a wide variety of spiritual deeds. The Christian demonstrates the genuineness of his salvation through his good deedsworks that are produced by faith (James 2:14-20) and are called the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) or the fruit of righteousness (Phil. 1:11).
Unwavering refers to someone who is consistent and doesnt vacillate. He is undivided in his commitment, doesnt make unfair distinctions, and is sincere in his faithfulness to God.
Without hypocrisy is the climax of true wisdom and speaks of someone who is utterly genuine. He isnt a phony or fake. A truly wise person manifests sincere behavior.
If true wisdom is part of your life, it will be evident in your behavior. Make it your aim to reflect the qualities of true wisdom so that others may see Christ in you.
Suggestions for Prayer
Ask God to help you develop the qualities of true wisdom in your life. But before you do, make sure youre being motivated by a pure heart.
For Further Study
Read Matthew 5:1-16, noting how the words of Christ parallel James 3:17.
Studying God’s Word ping
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And a certain amount of humility - something the left - who think they have all the answers and therefor have the right to silence all who disagree with them - doesn’t understand at all......
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