Wisdom From Above is… Peaceable

“But wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable…” (James 3:17a, NKJV)

    As we continue in our study to better understand the “wisdom that is from above,” let’s now dig into the term peaceable.

    Peaceable means loving peace, harmony, tranquility. Its use in the New Testament often refers to the character or behaviour that promotes peace and unity among people, bringing peace to a situation instead of additional conflict; to be at peace and a willingness to bring about peace.

Consider these uses in the New Testament:

“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour who desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1-4 NKJV)

    Peaceable, in this passage, means to keep one’s seat, to be still (undisturbed and undisturbing). Now, we all know that the world’s wisdom would have us rail against governments and those in authority, but God’s wisdom teaches us to bow our heads and humbly pray to make intercession for all people in these positions. Take time to meditate on 1 Timothy 2:1-4, and while you’re thinking on it, read Psalm 4:4-5 and 1 Peter 2:20-24. We must always remember to trust God and continue to do what is good and acceptable in His sight.

“If you endure chastening, God deals with you as sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? …Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields that peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:7, 9-11 NKJV)

    Peaceable, in this passage means pacific (peaceful in character and intent) and salutary (beneficial, producing good effects, health-giving). Again, the world with its carnal wisdom will be quick to counsel you toward railing and rebelling against correction and instruction – “Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do!” – but when we submit to wisdom from above, and allow ourselves to be trained by it, we will develop the peace-bringing fruit of righteousness. We will come to know peace and desire to be at peace with God, willingly making the necessary changes to obey His commands and instructions, so that we can continue in His righteousness (1 John 3:7, Matthew 6:33). Read and think on Hebrews 12:7-11 as well as James 3:18. God wants us to live properly, peaceably, and be beneficial to others.

“If it is possible, as much as depends of you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18 NKJV)

    Peaceably, in this passage, means to be pacificatory (wanting to bring peace) and conciliatory (wanting to pacify, soothe, calmly resolve). The world’s wisdom says, do whatever it takes to get what you want: fight, argue, backbite, slander, etc. But wisdom from above instructs you to give your anxieties to God (Philippians 4:6-8), run to Him for help in times of need (Hebrews 4:16), pray to Him for more wisdom (James 1:5-6), love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you (Matthew 5:44-48), and train your mind to think on good things (Philippians 4:8-9). Think on Romans 12:18-21 and then read and consider Psalm 73, as well as Ephesians 4:29-31 and Matthew 18:21-35.   

    The wisdom that is from above will help us to be at peace in conflict and, if at all possible, to bring peace to the situation so that the conflict is resolved. Take time to think on Hebrews 12:14. God wants us to live peaceably in righteousness; are you ready to pray to Him in wisdom, submit to Him in wisdom, and live for Him in wisdom?  

You can do it! So can I!!