Wisdom From Above is… Gentle

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

gentle (Strong’s #G1933) ‘epieikes’ means appropriate, mild, patient, moderation

    This exact word is found in three places in the New Testament: James 3:17 (our main passage of study), Titus 3:1-2, and 1 Peter 2:18 (see below).

“Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.” (Titus 3:1-2 NKJV)

“Servants, be submissive to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also the harsh.” (1 Peter 2:18 NKJV)

    Another form of this word was used by Paul in his second letter to the Corinthian brethren: “Now, I, Paul, myself am pleading with you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ – who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you.” (2 Corinthians 10:1) Here it is ‘epieikeia’ (Strong’s #G1932) which means suitableness, fairness/impartiality, mildness, mercifulness.

    This sort of gentleness is clearly seen in James 1:5, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” God, who is all wise (‘omniscient’), does not belittle or rebuke those who lack wisdom when they ask Him for it; He happily and generously provides it so that they can develop and flourish in it. Read and consider Hebrews 4:16 as well.

    Those who cling to earthly wisdom want to be the smartest in the room. They will seek out the one they deem weakest (in intelligence) when they want a small ego boost, and they will openly target the one considered the smartest amongst the group when they desire a battle for the title. They will criticize, mock, and humiliate to gain advantage, spouting worldly arguments and well-practised conundrums so as to stump and cause hesitation in the other, leaving opportunity for further mocking and ridicule.  

    But those with wisdom from above will assess a situation and respond to it appropriately. When they discover another’s lower level of knowledge and understanding, they will help to raise that level with kindness and patience, with mildness and moderation; taking the time needed, step-by-step, to guide them (think on Ephesians 4:29). And when they find someone with better understanding than themselves they will humbly listen and discern (Hebrews 5:14); which is the very thing we will study next week, if the Lord wills.  

    Simply put, earthly wisdom pushes down others to lift up self, but wisdom that is from above puts self aside to lift up others.

    Take a careful look at how you share your wisdom: Do you get a jolt of satisfaction when you can ‘tsk’ or cluck your tongue at someone’s ignorance, and openly correct them in a patronizing way? Or do you find fulfillment in being able to quietly and gently help another along, taking whatever time and study is needed to help them gain more understanding?

    Think of God’s patience and gentleness with you. There are no lightning bolts hitting you whenever you blunder or fall short; God is gentle – “the Father of mercies” (2 Corinthians 1:3) – and He is patient and “longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish…” (2 Peter 3:9). When God shares His wisdom with us liberally and without reproach, let us appreciate that enough to do the same for others!

You can do it! So can I!!