Wisdom That is From Above – A Few Final Words

    We have spent the first part of this year in taking a closer look at the facets of wisdom that is from above (James 3:13-17).

We have learned that wisdom from above is…

…first pure; pure to its very core, and not in any way defiled by sin, selfish interest, or harmful intent. Wisdom from above, at its very Source, is pure (I John 3:3). Its path is pure; it will not lead us astray or away from God. God’s pure words/commands will enlighten us (Psalm 19:8), chasten us (Hebrews 12:3-11), warn us, and correct us (2 Timothy 3:16-17); they will purify us to the very core when we, in wisdom, hear His words, obey His commands, heed His warnings, and make the necessary corrections.

…then peaceable; undisturbed and undisturbing. This wisdom is pacificatory (wanting to bring peace) and conciliatory (wanting to pacify, soothe, calmly resolve). Having/using wisdom from above helps us to be at peace in conflict (consider 1 Peter 2:20-23) and, as much as depends on us, it helps us to bring peace to the situation so that the conflict is resolved (Romans 12:18, Matthew 5:21-26).

…gentle; helping us to respond to situations appropriately, with mildness, patience, and moderation; it does what is suitable, fair/impartial, mild, and merciful. Think of God’s gentleness when we ask Him for wisdom when we are lacking; He is not disappointed or disapproving, but gives liberally to all who ask Him in faith (James 1:5-8), and consider His longsuffering patience with mankind because He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Read and take note of the benefits of gentleness in 1 Peter 3:1-4.   

…willing to yield; ready to obey, willing to yield your former thoughts and beliefs for the truth that is set before you. Willing to yield your pride, your notions; your own self (Matthew 10:37-38, 16:24, Luke 9:23, 2 Corinthians 5:15), to obey the true and proper way. Every time you choose God over self you are showing yourself wise in your willingness to yield, in your willingness to present your body a living sacrifice, in your willingness to choose holiness and acceptability to God over selfish, carnal desires, and in your willingness to be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:1-2)!

…full of mercy and good fruits; when we are full of mercy and good fruits our faith and service to God will be evident to all (1 Timothy 4:12-13, 15-16), even to those who hate us, curse us, persecute us, and spitefully use us, because we will not limit our love and care to only those who are loving and caring toward us (Matthew 5:44-48, 25:34-40, Titus 3:8-14).

…without partiality; unwavering, undivided, unambiguous. Wisdom from above is consistent, steady and unbiased; without favouritism. It is not influenced by personal opinions or external pressures. Everyone, and every effort we put our hand to, will receive the very best that we can give - every time; others will be able to count on us to be consistently upright, above board, and unmovable in the practice of doing what is right (1 Corinthians 15:58).

…without hypocrisy; the quality of being genuine, sincere, and without pretense. Wisdom from above is seen in genuine people who honour God with their lives; they are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16-17), they carefully walk as Jesus walked (1 John 2:3-6), and prove themselves to be His disciples in every aspect of their lives. They do not carry a basket to cover up their light when they are around certain people (Matthew 5:14-16), but will remain true to God and His way and happily and consistently work as though they are working for Him (Colossians 3:23).

We also learned that Jesus is our perfect example of wisdom that is from above; He had it, and proved it through unwavering use throughout His life. If you want to know more of what this wisdom means and how to apply it, you need only look to Him and His Father, our Lord and Creator – they have provided all we need to know, they have given us both example and instruction, and we have access to more wisdom that is from above simply by asking God in faith!

“For the LORD gives wisdom, from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6 NKJV)

    Now with these facets of proper wisdom refreshed in your mind, I would like to bring a few verses back to your attention. Please consider all that you have learned about wisdom as you read and meditate on these passages:

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” (Psalm 111:10 NKJV)

“If you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding…. If you seek for [wisdom] as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly...” (Proverbs 2:1-7 NKJV)

“When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things, from those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness…” (Proverbs 2:10-13 NKJV)

“Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare to her. Length of days is in her right hand, in her left are riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her.” (Proverbs 3:13-18 NKJV)

“…Keep sound wisdom and discretion; so they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck. Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet… For the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.” (Proverbs 3:21-24, 26 NKJV)  

“The wise will inherit glory…” (Proverbs 3:35 NKJV)

“Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake [wisdom], and she will preserve you; love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal things; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honour, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you.” (Proverbs 4:5-9 NKJV)

“I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble. Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; keep her, for she is your life.” (Proverbs 4:11-13 NKJV)

    Ask God for wisdom – He is ready and willing to give it to you liberally! Let’s ask for it, and receive it with a heart fully determined to apply it, as we follow Jesus’ example each day in both deed and in truth! As you have seen from the passages we read this week, it is worth our every effort and our every sacrifice to obtain it and retain it!

Are you ready to flourish in wisdom that is from above?

You can do it! So can I!!