James 3:13-18
Who is wise and knowledgeable among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant and lie about the truth. This is not wisdom that comes down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:13-18 (NRSVUE)
The Oxford Language Dictionary defines wisdom as the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. We may consider someone who has wisdom to be very intelligent, shrewd, clever, and discerning.
Years ago, when I was on the high school debate team, we were expected to use our wisdom to locate and cite reliable news sources. At that time, there was no social media, and our choices were more limited.
In the current political climate, finding the truth may appear overwhelming! Sometimes, we may be tempted to retreat into our own little world. It is very difficult to know where to begin.
The words of the Letter of James enlighten us. We learn there are two kinds of wisdom. One kind of wisdom is false. It involves jealousy and a self-centered focus. People behave poorly and can be downright evil. That is the wisdom of this world.
The other kind of wisdom, however, is the wisdom we aspire to. That is the wisdom that, as NT Wright reminds us in his commentary, The Early Christian Letters for Everyone: James, Peter, John, and Judah, “comes from above.”
It is not the memorization of or knowledge of a lot of facts or even skills in leadership, management, or academic areas. Rather, as Wright reminds us, “It is holy, peaceful. gentle, compliant, filled with mercy and good fruits, unbiased, sincere.”
This is the very wisdom upon which we, as Christians, should focus. It is, indeed, the wisdom from above! As we revisit the Oxford definition of wisdom, our experience, knowledge, and good judgment are truly beneficial only when they reflect our intent and efforts to live life as Christ intended us to live it!
Questions for Reflection:
- What are some Christ-like characteristics you consider essential to achieve a wisdom that comes from above?
- Do you know any individuals who demonstrate Christ-like wisdom? What are some of their positive qualities?
Prayer:
God of Truth, please help us discern the Christ-like qualities that will enable us to further your kingdom on earth. Allow us to do this peaceably as we work to become better neighbors to all others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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