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!! 

Wisdom that is From Above – A Summary

“But wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17 NKJV)

Consider this:

“Wisdom that is from above is first pure…” – Jesus is first pure:

• Jesus is God (John 1:1, 14) and God is pure (Proverbs 30:5, 1 John 3:3)
• Jesus was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:22-23, Luke 1:30-35)
• Jesus’ purpose was pure (Matthew 1:21, Luke 2:49, John 6:38, Hebrews 10:9)
• Jesus lived a life of purity (Hebrews 7:26, Hebrews 4:14-15)

“…then peaceable…” – Jesus is peaceable:

• Jesus came to bring peace between God and man (Ephesians 2:11-13, Colossians 1:20-21)
• Jesus brings peace between man and man (Galatians 3:26-28, Ephesians 2:14-18) All who can hear the gospel, can obey the gospel – no matter gender, social status, income, or ethnicity – and become members of one body, the body of Christ, which is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23).

“ …gentle…” - Jesus is gentle:

• Jesus was gentle (ex: when helping people, Luke 8:43-48, and when He was being hurt, 1 Peter 2:21-23 and Isaiah 53:7)
• Jesus’ way is gentle (ex: Matthew 11:28-29) Remembering that ‘gentle’ means moderate, mild, and doing what is appropriate, read and consider Jesus’ offer of help.
• Jesus’ teaching methods were gentle (ex: John 8:2-12, Luke 22:54-62 and John 21:15-19)
• Jesus remains gentle (Hebrews 4:14-16, 1 Timothy 2:5, 1 John 2:1) He sympathizes with our weaknesses and He is our Mediator and Advocate.

“…willing to yield…” - Jesus was willing to yield:

• Jesus was ready and willing to yield to His Father’s will (Hebrews 10:7, John 5:30; 6:38, Matthew 26:39, Philippians 2:8, John 17:4)

“…full of mercy and good fruit…” – Jesus was full of mercy and good fruit:

• Jesus was full of mercy and showed compassion on individuals (ex: Luke 7:11-17, Matthew 8:14, John 11:17-44), on multitudes (ex: Matthew 9:35-38, 14:13-21, 15:32-39), and on the whole world – all who would exist in the world’s timeline (John 17:20-26, Hebrews 9:11-15; 23-28, 10:1-39, 12:1-2).
• Jesus was full of good fruit (He showed us how to “walk in the Spirit”, Galatians 5:16-25): love (John 15:12-13, 1 John 3:16), joy (John 15:9-11, Hebrews 12:2), peace (John 14:27, 16:33, “Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:6-7), longsuffering (ex: Matthew 8:18-20; 23-27, 23:37, 26:1-27:56), kindness (Luke 7:11-17, 18:15-17), goodness (His entire character and purpose were good, see Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and consider Psalm 34:8), faithfulness (John 17:1-5, 12), gentleness (Matthew 19:13-15, Luke 18:15-17, Mark 5:21-43), and self-control (Matthew 21:12-16, Luke 9:51-56, 22:41-42, 23:1-25).

“…without partiality and without hypocrisy.” – Jesus was without partiality and without hypocrisy:

• Jesus was without partiality (ex: Matthew 9:10-13, Luke 19:1-10, John 4:1-26, 1 John 2:1-2, consider Isaiah 55:1-3)
• Jesus was without hypocrisy (John 5:16-47, 10:1-18, John 14:1-6, 1 John 2:3-6, God the Father declared Jesus as His Son, Matthew 3:17/Matthew 17:1-8/Romans 1:1-4, Jesus fulfilled all that was spoken of Him in the Law and the Prophets, Luke 24:44-49, and He now sits at the right hand of God, Acts 2:14-39)

“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in Him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” (1 John 2:3-6 NKJV)

    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: read the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), and then read Acts through Jude, and the book of Revelation, too! “These things were written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and that you believing you may life in His name.” (John 21:31)

    In following in Jesus’ footsteps and walking as He walked we, too, will become pure (having washed away our sins in baptism, Acts 22:16, we work to overcome obstacles, and repent and confess our sin each time we stumble, Acts 8:14-24, 1 John 1:7-10) and we will walk in purity (Matthew 5:8, 1 John 3:1-3, Psalm 24:3-5). In appreciation of the peace Jesus’ sacrifice brought about, we will do our best, in humble obedience, to maintain the peace established between ourselves and God (1 John 1:1-9, Acts 26:20), and to bring peace to the situations we find ourselves in (1 Timothy 2:1-4, Romans 12:18, James 3:18, Matthew 5:9). Following Jesus’ example of gentleness we need to correct with gentleness (2 Timothy 2:24-26) and be patient and longsuffering with others (Galatians 6:1-2). Are we willing to trust the Father as Jesus did? To willingly yield to God’s word and will when we hear it (1 Thessalonians 2:13, Matthew 7:21-23, 1 John 5:2-3, don’t be like those in Romans 10:2-3)? Let’s value the mercy we receive daily from God through Jesus and develop a heart that is full of mercy for others (Matthew 10:42; 18:21-35, Luke 10:25-37) and let’s work toward flourishing with fruit, proving that our nutrients come from the good Source (John 15:1-8, Matthew 7:15-20; 12; 12:35-37). And let’s be sure that we are without partiality (partiality being cliques within congregations/favouring certain members over others, being kind or friendly on only a part-time basis, picking and choosing who we shine our light around/who we share the gospel with, etc.), and let’s be certain that we are without hypocrisy because we represent God and His way to the world (Romans 12:1-2), and we represent His church to the community we live in (Revelation 3:14-19, 1 Corinthians 6:1-11). We are members of one another (Ephesians 4:14-32); so as much as depends on us, let’s not let others down nor let opportunities pass where another soul may be helped through our words or example (Matthew 5:13-16, 1 Peter 3:15-17, Daniel 12:3).

    Are you ready to walk just as Jesus walked and flourish in wisdom that is from above?

You can do it! So can I!! 

Earthly Wisdom vs Wisdom From Above

    Wisdom often tops the list of human virtues (Proverbs 12:8). In the past, the aged were sought after and revered for the wisdom amassed over their lifetime, and the young were encouraged to work hard so they could gain it themselves. Today, it seems that anyone – of any age - with a recording device and online access can proclaim themselves wise and thousands, if not millions, of people consume their content every day. Money talks, athleticism talks, celebrity talks, popularity talks, and people readily listen. But is it wise?

Consider these passages:

“Great men are not always wise, nor do the aged always understand justice.” (Job 32:9 NKJV)

“Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” (Proverbs 26:12 NKJV)

“The rich man is right in his own eyes, but the poor who has understanding searches him out.” (Proverbs 28:11 NKJV)

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” (Isaiah 5:20-21 NKJV)

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:7-8 NKJV)

“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”, and again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” Therefore let no one boast in man…” (1 Corinthians 3:18-21a NKJV)

    James, in his epistle, teaches us how to tell the difference between earthly wisdom and wisdom that is from above.

Earthly wisdom (James 3:14-16):

• If bitter envy and self-seeking is its source (this is weakness not wisdom, consider 1 Corinthians 3:1-3)
• It is a lie to puff yourself up and call this behaviour wise (consider Romans 1:18-32)
• It does not come from above
• It is earthly (of the earth, of man’s making and prone to error and change, Matthew 7:21-23; 15:9, Romans 10:2-3)
• It is sensual (governed by passions and evil desires, consider Ephesians 4:17-24, 1 John 2:15)
• It is demonic (under the sway of the devil, John 8:44, 1 John 5:19)
• Where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing is there (nothing good can come from a heart tainted by these things)  

Wisdom that is from above (James 3:13, 17):

• Is first pure (uncontaminated)
• Then peaceable (peaceful in character and intent, promoting peace)
• Gentle (equitable, just, compassionate)
• Willing to yield (wholly convinced and ready to trust and obey commands of God)
• Full of mercy and good fruits (merciful toward others, compassion that leads to charitable deeds, good conduct that shows one's works are done in the meekness of wisdom)
• Without partiality (causing no doubt or uncertainty)
• Without hypocrisy (sincere and free from hidden agenda)

    We can use these descriptions to clearly examine the fruit of the people we consider wise – including ourselves. Let’s look at this information with honest hearts, and if the Lord wills, we’ll use the remainder of our study to dig into each part of heavenly wisdom, so we can better understand it and comprehend its great worth.   

“The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice. The law of his God is in his heart, none of his steps shall slide.” (Psalm 37:30-31 NKJV)

    The LORD gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6). Do not content yourself with your own form of wisdom (Proverbs 3:5) or with men’s wisdom; there is nothing beneficial there (Psalm 134:3-4, Jeremiah 17:5-6). Wisdom from God will be life to your soul and grace to your neck (Proverbs 3:21)! Let’s determine to seek wisdom from its very Source!!

You can do it! So can I!!   

A New Year, A New Month, A New Study: Flourishing in Wisdom

    I did not receive any suggestions for topics/Bible books/questions* to study in this new year, so I came up with a couple of my own; the first one being a topic I have long been interested in and one that I think will be beneficial for us to explore together: wisdom.

 *Note: If you have any topics/ Bible books/questions you would like to study at any point, please email me at any time throughout the year.

“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.” (Proverbs 3:13-14 NKJV)

    Wisdom is attainable, all we have to do is ask of God (James 1:5), who gives to all liberally and without reproach - He will not scold or punish you, He is glad that you seek it and ask Him for it -  God knows what we have need of (Matthew 6:8), and He wants us to trust Him, seek His provision, and make our requests known to Him (Matthew 7:7-11, Philippians 4:6-7). I believe that is why the psalmist states that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10); we need to seek Him (Acts 17:26-27), we need to understand who He is and who we are before Him, and then we will know that His wisdom is the only wisdom worth seeking (Proverbs 2:1-6).  

    To prepare our minds for this study, I compiled two lists: Who Will Obtain Wisdom and The Benefits of Proper Wisdom (proper = wisdom that is from above, James 3:17). Please take the time to look at them and look up each of the Bible references.

Who Will Obtain Wisdom:

• The simple who hear/obey the testimony of the LORD (Psalm 19:7)
• The righteous (Psalm 36:39-31)
• Those who learn to number their days (understand the frailty/shortness of life in comparison to eternity, Psalm 90:12)
• Those who fear the LORD and do His commandments (Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 15:33)
• Those who seek it and search for it as for hidden treasures (Proverbs 2:1-4)
• The upright (Proverbs 2:7-9)
• The humble (Proverbs 11:2)
• The one who walks with wise men (Proverbs 13:20)
• Those who have understanding (Proverbs 17:24)
• Those who love their souls (Proverbs 19:8)
• Those who listen to counsel and receive instruction (Proverbs 19:20)
• Those who are properly disciplined and rebuked (Proverbs 29:15)
• It is given by God to those who are good in His sight (Ecclesiastes 2:26), and to the wise and understanding (Daniel 2:20-21, Romans 11:33)
• Those who learn from the Holy Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:15)
• Those who ask God for it in faith, without doubting (James 1:5-8)

Benefits of Proper Wisdom:

• The law of God is in your heart, and none of your steps will slide (Psalm 36:30-31)
• You will gain a good understanding (Psalm 111:10)
• You will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:1-6)
• Discretion will preserve you, understanding will keep you, to deliver you from the way of evil (Proverbs 2:10-12)
• Happiness (blessedness, inner joy/contentment from living in accord to God's will), when you find wisdom and retain it (Proverbs 3:13, 18)
• It will help you walk in the way of goodness, and keep to the paths of righteousness (Proverbs 2:20)
• Its proceeds are better than the profits of silver and its gain is better than fine gold. More precious than rubies; all that you desire cannot compare to it (Proverbs 3:13-15)
• Length of days, and riches and honour (Proverbs 3:16)
• Ways of pleasantness and paths of peace (Proverbs 3:17)
• It is a tree of life to those who take hold of it (Proverbs 3:18)
• Keeping sound wisdom and discretion will be life to your soul and grace to your neck (Proverbs 3:21-22)
• You will walk in safety in your way, and your foot will not stumble (Proverbs 3:23)
• When you lie down you will not be afraid and your sleep will be sweet. You will not be afraid of trouble from the wicked because the LORD is your confidence; He will keep your foot from being caught (Proverbs 3:24-26)
• You will inherit glory (Proverbs 3:35)
• Wisdom will preserve you, keep you, promote you, bring you honour, place an ornament of grace on your head, and deliver you a crown of glory (Proverbs 4:5-9)
• When you walk you will not be hindered, when you run you will not stumble (Proverbs 4:10-12)
• You can preserve discretion and keep knowledge (Proverbs 5:1-2)
• If you are wise, you will be still wiser (Proverbs 9:9)
• You will store up knowledge (Proverbs 10:14)
• You will be commended for it (Proverbs 12:8)
• The way of life winds upwards, that you may turn away from hell below (Proverbs 15:24)
• It is better to get than gold (Proverbs 16:16)
• You will be called prudent (Proverbs 16:21)
• You will find good (Proverbs 19:8)
• A house is built through wisdom, it is established, and its rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches (Proverbs 24:3)
• Knowledge and wisdom will be like honey and honeycomb to your soul; if you have found it there is prospect and your hope will not be out off (Proverbs 24:13-14)
• Wisdom excels folly (Ecclesiastes 2:13)
• Wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten rulers of a city (Ecclesiastes 7:19)
• Wisdom makes your face shine (Ecclesiates 8:1); you will shine like the brightness of the firmament (Daniel 12:3)
• Wisdom is better than strength and better than weapons of war (Ecclesiastes 9:13-18)
• Wisdom brings success (Ecclesiastes 10:10)
• Your words are gracious (Ecclesiastes 10:12, Colossians 4:5-6)
• Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, and the strength of your salvation (Isaiah 33:6)
• The word of Christ dwells in you richly, and prepared you for teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (Ephesians 3:16)
• Salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15)
• You will receive liberal amounts without reproach from God (James 1:5)
• Your good conduct will show that your work is done in the meekness of wisdom (James 3:13)

Note: If there are any additions that need to be made to the list, please add them in the comment section on my blog (link at bottom of post), or email me (address at bottom of post). I would very much like to dig into this topic together.

    Every day is a brand new opportunity to reassess ourselves and work toward gaining new depths of knowledge of God and His will. I hope you will see that you too can gain more wisdom, and that the benefits found in attaining it, and holding onto it, far outweigh any other earthly pursuit! Wisdom is the tree of life to those who take hold of it (Proverbs 3:18) – are you ready to take hold of it? Me too!

You can do it! So can I!!