WISDOM - SINCERE

 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.”  James 3:13-17

The seventh and final characteristic of divine wisdom in James 3:13-17 is sincere.  Wisdom from God is without hypocrisy - it is sincere and open, steady and uniform, and consistent.  It is real.  It does not pretend to be what it is not.  It is always seeking nothing but God’s glory.   This wisdom is straightforward and offended by scheming and plotting.  Sincerity is the perfection of all the other characteristics.

                                                            Joyce

WISDOM - IMPARTIAL

 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.”  James 3:13-17

The sixth characteristic of divine wisdom in James 3:13-17 is impartial.  Heavenly wisdom is without partiality, suspicion or differences in conduct.  It shows no respect for persons or distinction, consistently treating everyone the same.  It is never swayed by self-interest, worldly honor or fear of mankind.  This wisdom is disposed to equal justice, unwavering and uncompromising truth, plus kindness and love to all.  Godly wisdom is single-minded - it is focused on serving God.

                                                            Joyce

WISDOM - FULL OF MERCY AND GOOD FRUIT

 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.”  James 3:13-17

The fifth characteristic of divine wisdom in James 3:13-17 is two-fold - full of mercy and good fruit.  Heavenly wisdom is inwardly disposed to everything that is kind and good.  It does not judge, but shows compassion seen by the fruit of kind and practical actions on a consistent basis; feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the widows and fatherless, both with respect to God and man.  It is ready to overlook transgression, grant forgiveness and perform acts of kindness. This wisdom knows that the same measure of mercy we grant to others is the same measure God will use with us.

                                                            Joyce

WISDOM - SUBMISSIVE

 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.”  James 3:13-17

The fourth characteristic of divine wisdom in James 3:13-17 is submissive.  Submission has a negative connotation today in our world, but it is actually a very positive character trait.  Godly wisdom yields to the superior judgement of God’s word and to just and reasonable counsel of our fellow man.  True wisdom is not rigid but willing to listen and yield when right and properly persuaded by good counsel.  It is not proud, stubborn, arrogant, obstinate or overbearing.    

                                                            Joyce

WISDOM - CONSIDERATE

 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.”  James 3:13-17

The third characteristic of divine wisdom in James 3:13-17 is considerate or gentle.  It is hard to find an English word to describe this quality, but is the ability to extend to others the consideration we wish to receive.  The wisdom of God makes people mild, yielding and humane so they readily forgive and cover others with love, putting the best slant on the actions of others.  Such qualities as equitable, fair, reasonable and forbearing.  This wisdom believes and stands for the truth, but takes the time to listen and understand with patience, reason and fairness.  

                                                            Joyce

WISDOM - PEACE-LOVING

 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.”  James 3:13-17

The second characteristic of divine wisdom in James 3:13-17 is peace-loving. Peace follows purity and depends on it.  Peace-loving means to promote, preserve and restore relationships with all men.  The effect of wisdom from God is to live in peace with others, readily forgive, and not demand due - it is free of selfish ambition.  It is opposed to strife and contention.  This is the wisdom which attempts to settle disputes rather than provoke them, heals divisions and produces right relationships. 

                                                            Joyce

WISDOM - PURE

 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.”  James 3:13-17

There are seven characteristics of divine wisdom in James 3:13-17.  The first characteristic is pure. Wisdom from God is free from everything that is earthly or carnal.  It is the absence of any sinful attitude or cleansed of all ulterior motives - holy in heart and life.  This wisdom is concerned with motives, with integrity and honesty.  The wisdom of God is truth and takes precedence over everything else.

                                                            Joyce

WISDOM - James 3

 “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.” 

James 3:13

James indicates that wisdom is not just head knowledge, real wisdom and understanding shows in our lives by our conduct.  Wisdom and understanding are like faith - they are invisible inner qualities that shine in all the actions of life.  Wisdom is shown in our conversation and its meek manner as well as our actions.  This wisdom is moral not intellectual and cannot be found outside of a relationship with God.  

James also compares earthly wisdom with heavenly wisdom - one has the characteristics of the world and is evaluated by worldly standards and the other is consistent with the holiness of God.  Earthly wisdom has only this life and personal gain in view, but divine wisdom produces good fruit for the use of others.  The specific character or fruit of Godly wisdom indicated by James will be examined in the weeks ahead.

                                                            Joyce

WISDOM - James 1

 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5

James simply exhorts to humbly ask for wisdom of God in faith - this is one of the practical thoughts which fill and characterize the book of James.  In trials, we need wisdom more than knowledge, we need to know how to use raw information.  The place to begin to find wisdom is the Bible, because true wisdom will always be consistent with God’s word.   God never resents asking for what we need.  One of the privileges of Christians is that they can not only ask for general wisdom for life, but also for specific guidance when a particular need arises.  Wisdom is a gift which is released in fervent prayer.

God does indeed give generously!  We can be sure that if we ask in faith, wisdom will be granted through His word, His Spirit suggesting the way and by His sovereign events which make the path clear and remove obstructions.  God is the giver of all good things and gives to all men to encourage faith in asking by believing that God is and He is ready to give whatever is needed.

                                                            Joyce

WISDOM - JAMES

 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it

—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do."

James 1:22-25 

With the main thought of faith and works in the book of James, it also identifies a twofold God-given means of acquiring wisdom - prayer in faith and obedience to God’s Word.  It is often considered the New Testament book of wisdom as the subject changes constantly and has diverse admonitions a little like Proverbs or Ecclesiastes.  James is a very practical call to a life of faith in Christ Jesus with direct, pungent statements on wise living and godly behavior. 

                                                            Joyce

WISDOM - Ecclesiastes 9-10

“Wisdom is better than strength.
But the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.
The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.
Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.”
Ecclesiastes 9:16-18

Ecclesiastes 9 is all about the best way to live under the sun.  Solomon gives us four observations from a survey of the state of mankind: good and bad fare alike, death puts an end to everything so enjoy it while it lasts, God’s providence includes hopeful probabilities and great calamities, and wisdom makes men useful but gains them little respect.  In Ecclesiastes 9:16-18, Solomon indicates that words of the wise are superior even though unappreciated.  Wisdom is better than strength of body, weapons of war and foolishness, but can easily be destroyed by sin. 

Ecclesiastes 10 includes Solomon’s observation of wisdom and folly.  It is like Proverbs, a collection of wise sayings and observations, yet he recommends wisdom in order to manage our affairs, be submissive to authority, to live quiet and peaceful lives, to govern our tongue, to be diligent and to speak well of others.  In Ecclesiastes 10:2, Solomon observes a wise man’s heart is at his right hand, the side of strength, skill and favor in comparison to the fool, whose heart is at the left, the side of weakness.  The wise man is engaged in doing good with a command over his mind, feelings and actions, the fool in nonsense or evil without restraint. A wise man’s wisdom is always present ready to direct all actions but in contrast,  a fool’s understanding and knowledge is ineffective in governing his actions.

                                                            Joyce

WISDOM - Ecclesiastes 7-8

“Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun.
Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this:
Wisdom preserves those who have it.”
Ecclesiastes 7:11-12

In Ecclesiastes 7, Solomon imparts more wisdom and an example of wisdom.  He addresses the excellence of wisdom, the strength of wisdom and the difficulty in obtaining wisdom plus offers some advice and the benefit of wisdom.  In Ecclesiastes 7:11-12, Solomon recommends wisdom is good for everyone, as good as an inheritance, and makes a man useful.  Wisdom gives perspective.  It is a great advantage in all circumstances and is a Divine blessing giving life to the soul.  It’s true worth cannot be calculated and it doesn’t have a limit.  True wisdom preserves a man from ruin by giving good practical common sense.

In Ecclesiastes 8:1, Solomon reveals wisdom makes a man happier, puts honor on his whole conversation and gains him respect.  A wise man’s countenance is changed - he is visibly gracious in demeanour and gentleness is obvious in his facial expressions.  When a man finds wisdom, his face lights up!

                                                            Joyce

WISDOM - ECCLESIASTES

“I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens.
What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind!”
Ecclesiastes 1:13

Ecclesiastes is attributed to Solomon under the inspiration of God and imparts more wisdom.  It describes life on earth from the viewpoint of a fallen man and the transient and unsatisfactory nature of things.  Solomon shares  his search for wisdom and knowledge but also his disappointment and folly.  In Chapters 7-10 there is a lot of wise counsel as Solomon looks at different aspects and the benefits of wisdom plus the consequences for the actions of mankind.

                                                            Joyce

WISDOM - Proverbs 31

“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
Proverbs 31:26-27

Proverbs 31 contains the inspired wisdom of King Lemuel about sins, duties and virtuous women.  He encourages believers to listen, work hard, speak with }wisdom, defend the poor and fear the Lord!  God honors the woman who fears the Lord and shows a strong connection between wisdom and fear.  Real greatness will come to her through godly devotion and a wholehearted commitment to God’s will for her - it crowns her character.

In Proverbs 30:26-27, the virtuous woman and her deliberate and spontaneous words are marked by wisdom and kindness.  She not only speaks kindly and tenderly to everyone, she does acts of mercy and kindness.  Her wisdom and kindness together put a commanding power into all she says and they command respect.  Her diligence and fervency go hand in hand in serving the Lord, setting a powerful example for all of us.

                                                            Joyce

WISDOM - Proverbs 30

“Every word of God is flawless;
he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” 
Proverbs 30:5

Proverbs 30 is filled with the wisdom of Agur - his confession of faith (v.1-6), his prayer (v.7-9), the wicked generations(v.10-14), things that are never satisfied (v.15,16), despising parents (v.17), wonderful things (v.18-20) , things that disquiet the land (v.21-23), four little but intelligent animals (v.24-28), four things that go well (v.29-31), ending with a call to cease doing foolishly and from strife (v.32,33).  My favorite is his wise and humble prayer for integrity. He did not want to arrogantly deny God because he felt he was so rich he didn’t need God. He did not want to be so poor that he would use poverty as an excuse to sin.

In Proverbs 30:5, Agur confesses or agrees that everything God says is without error.  God’s Word is our instruction manual of His wisdom and every promise and doctrine is pure.  It is sure, sufficient and should be trusted.  However, it isn’t enough to know every word of God is pure if you don’t take the next step and trust Him as your shield to protect by His power and grace.

                                                            Joyce

WISDOM - Proverbs 29

“Fools give full vent to their rage,
but the wise bring calm in the end.”
Proverbs 29:11

Proverbs 29 contains more proverbs of Solomon on the contrast between the righteous and the wicked, the wise and the fools.  He also indicates the blessing of following God’s wisdom.  There is happiness and contentment for the one who keeps or obeys the word of God.  God’s word is a guide given to us by our creator, telling us how to live a wise and blessed life.

In Proverbs 29:11, Solomon shows it is best to be wise and use the self-discipline, power and love that the Holy Spirit gives when we receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  Wisdom should be reserved, taking a second thought to reserve for the right time.  There is a time and a place to disclose one’s feelings when it is to the most advantage and more pertinent.  Overcome anger, not just merely check it, because all thoughts are not fit for all times.

                                                            Joyce

WISDOM - Proverbs 28

“The greedy stir up conflict, but those who trust in the LORD will prosper.
Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.”
Proverbs 28:25-26

In Proverbs 28, Solomon reveals the blessings and the courage of wisdom.  The righteous seek the Lord and are bold, thrive, triumph and receive a good inheritance.  The discerning heed instruction and find understanding and mercy.

In Proverbs 28:25-26, Solomon shows the contrast between the wisdom of one who trusts in the Lord and the foolishness of trusting in one’s own heart.  Humble trust in God, forsakes pride for both temporal and spiritual things.  Dependence on the Lord results in contentment, direction and success.  Instead of trusting our own hearts, believers need to humbly receive our values, morals and wisdom from God’s word.

                                                            Joyce

WISDOM - Provrebs 27

“Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart;
then I can answer anyone who treats me with contempt.”
Proverbs 9-11 

In Proverbs 27, Solomon addresses life and relationships.  He teaches about planning for the future which is uncertain - start praying, planning and preparing with wisdom, knowing God will meet the needs of His people.  He also teaches people are tested by the praise they receive and life reflects the heart. 

In Proverbs 27:11, Solomon encourages children to be wise, which is shown by their words and actions.  Earlier He encourages friendships which provide wise counsel from the heart and soul plus refresh, comfort and lift the spirits.  We should value these friendships not only because they are sweet and rejoice the heart, but also because they profit with practical wisdom including sharpening one another.  Genuine friendships are invaluable.

                                                            Joyce

WISDOM - Proverbs 26

“Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.
Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.” 
Proverbs 26:4-5

Proverbs 26 contains proverbs of Solomon compiled by men of Hezekiah with the main topics of fools and laziness plus the tongue. The greatest fool is the fool who does not know he is a fool - the proud man who is wise in his own eyes.  When we fail to seek the Lord’s wisdom and divine guidance there is little hope of reformation.

Proverbs 26:4-5 teaches communication wisdom - either do not answer, or respond with wisdom and correct foolishness!  Either response requires relying on the Holy Spirit.  We need help to communicate our best, so ask God to increase wisdom and ask the Holy Spirit to lead when it is the right time to speak and the right time to stay silent.  

                                                            Joyce