One of the most well-known stories from the Old Testament is God’s granting wisdom to young King Solomon.
1 Kings 3:5-12, “In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night; and God said, ‘Ask what you wish Me to give you.’ Then Solomon said, ‘You have shown great loving-kindness to Your servant David my father, according as he walked before You in truth and righteousness and uprightness of heart toward You; and You have reserved for him this great loving-kindness, that You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. Now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. Your servant is in the midst of Your people which You have chosen, a great people who are too many to be numbered or counted. So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?’ It was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing. God said to him, ‘Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have you asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself discernment to understand justice, behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a wise and discerning heart, so that there has been no one like you before you, nor shall one like you arise after you.’”
1 Kings 4:29-31, “Now God gave Solomon wisdom and very great discernment and breadth of mind, like the sand that is on the seashore. Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the sons of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt. For he was wiser than all men, than Ethan the Ezrahite, Heman, Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol; and his fame was known in all the surrounding nations.”
Today, many seek riches, power, long life and other things…. but few make it their chief ambition to seek wisdom. Solomon, though so young in years, understood that there was nothing more important than acquiring wisdom.
Consider some of his proverbs -
Proverbs 8:11, "For wisdom is better than jewels; and all desirable things cannot compare with her.
Proverbs 16:16, “How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.”
How about you? Where does ‘acquiring wisdom’ rank on your list of priorities?
If there is anything that we need in our lives, today, it is wisdom. Wisdom being the ability to size-up life’s circumstances and situations and then to respond by making the right decisions.
If you want a good life filled with blessings, acquire and use wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 19:8, “He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will find good.”
But, wisdom not only brings benefits in this life. More importantly, it is necessary for blessings in eternity. Proverbs 12:8, “Know that wisdom is thus for your soul; if you find it, then there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 15:24, “The path of life leads upward for the wise, that he may keep away from Sheol below.” Proverbs 3:13, “How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding.”
Where does one find wisdom? There is only one place - Colossians 2:2-3, “Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
When Jesus was teaching and preaching throughout Israel, he was met by a great deal of resistance, especially by the religious establishment. In response to those who resisted His message, He said in Matthew 12:42, "The Queen of the South will rise up with this generation at the judgment and will condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.”
If we want Divine wisdom that will bless us in this life and prepare us for blessings in eternity, we cannot ignore or resist the teachings of Christ Jesus. Proverbs 2:6, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Matthew 7:24-27, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell -- and great was its fall."
We need to understand that the primary way in which we can obtain wisdom is a study of the teachings of Christ Jesus, granted to us through His holy apostles in the New Testament.
However, we are told that - in addition to Scripture study - we can pray to the Lord for wisdom. James 1:5, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
I want, this morning, to consider the attributes of godly wisdom. To do that, let’s turn to James 3:13-18.
James 3:13-18, “Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
Let’s examine this passage carefully:
Verse 13 -
James begins with a question: “Who among you is wise and understanding?” This is a rhetorical question. James is expecting that many, if not all, the recipients of this letter are going to respond - ‘Well, I think I am pretty wise and possess a good measure of understanding.’
Such a response is common. There are many who profess themselves to be wise and understanding. There are many who are ever-willing to give their advice and counsel, believing that they possess superior judgment. There are many who think they have all the answers. Consider the advice columns found in newspapers and magazines. Consider the multitude of self-help books on the shelves of libraries and book stores. Consider the so-called wise and understanding that saturate day-time television talk shows and radio programs. Consider the explosion of counseling and therapy clinics in this country in the last twenty years. There are just multitudes of individuals who regard themselves as endowed with the ability or qualified to share there wisdom and understanding.
There are even folks in the church who seem to assert that they have an above average endowment of knowledge and wisdom. They seem to think that their advice and counsel is a bit more superior than most of the brethren around them. They would not hesitate to raise their hand in response to the question posed by James here.
But, look at what James says to those who might think themselves wise -
“Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.”
In Chapter 2 of this letter, James showed that true faith shows itself by works of obedience. Faith without such works is not faith at all. Here, James is saying that, when it comes to wisdom, ‘actions speak louder than words’. A person who is truly wise will be living a life that demonstrates wisdom.
The first thing to look for is their walk with the Lord. Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Do they have a reverence for the Lord and do they possess knowledge from the Holy One - Christ Jesus? Does their life show a pattern of obedience to His word? Psalms 111:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who do His commandments.”
They are obedient because their reverence for the Lord has given them, says James “the meekness [or gentleness] of wisdom.” The word translated “meekness” or “gentleness” is the Greek prautes. It is a condition of the heart and mind that leads one to deny self and be humbly submissive to God and His revealed will and providence. This attitude leads one to reject a life characterized by self-interest and self-assertiveness, which takes us to the next verse….
Verse 14 -
“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.”
James first mentions “bitter jealousy”. The Greek meaning is ‘jealous and contentious rivalry‘. It is seeing matters as ‘me versus them’. It is the burning desire for pre-eminence and domination over others. This desire is so intense that it causes one to become embittered towards those who you perceive to stand in your way.
Closely tied to this is “selfish ambition”. Selfish ambition is translated from a single Greek word. Prior to the New Testament, the only known use of the word was by none other than Aristotle. He used it in reference to political factions whose only concern was their own agendas. It’s likely that James had this meaning in mind when he wrote his letter.
One has “selfish ambition” when one’s opinion is the only opinion that matters. One’s view is the only proper view. One’s way of doing something is the only right way. Any who do not share one’s opinion or view and agree with one’s way is the enemy. One will push one’s opinion, viewpoint and way of doing things without regard of the thoughts and feelings of others.
James says, if these things are in your heart and mind, do not be so “arrogant” as to claim you possess godly wisdom. It is a “lie.” For, such traits are contrary to the spirit of the Gospel. It is just the opposite of the Christian way.
Verse 15 -
“This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.”
Even though the sinful world may condone and even commend it, this wisdom is different than what Christ Jesus has and gives. Rather than being heavenly, it is earthly. Rather than being spiritual, it is natural or carnal. Rather than being Divinely-bestowed, it is demon-inspired.
The products of this wisdom is revealed in the next verse….
Verse 16 -
“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.”
When arrogant people pursue their selfish ambitions, there comes nothing but contention and strife. Everything is unsettled and agitated. There is no mutual confidence, there is no union of plan and effort, and there is no cooperation in promoting a common objective. There isn’t any long-term stability in any plan; for, even a good purpose formed by one portion is defeated by another. This is true whether it be a family, a city, a nation or the Church. Indeed, where this spirit prevails in a church congregation, it is of course impossible to expect any progress in Divine things. In such a congregation, any effort to do good is vain.
However, what a difference is found in godly wisdom……..
Verse 17 -
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.”
The wisdom one acquires through studying the teachings of Christ and through fervent prayer has seven traits:
Pure.
The Greek word translated here as “pure” is hagnos. This word comes from the same root word from which we get the word “holy” and the word “saint”. The word carries with it the idea of being free from any form of defilement, free from impure lusts like pride, jealousy, selfishness, prejudice, wrath, lasciviousness. It values and promotes purity of heart, mind and life. It follows God’s moral directives with unmixed motives. It is innocent of ulterior motives. Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.”
2. Peaceable.
A pure and godly wisdom is peaceable. Solomon wrote these words about wisdom in Proverbs 3:17, “Her [wisdom’s] ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peace.”
The kind of peace James is describing is the kind that yearns to avoid factions and dissension. His or her attitude toward others is one that always looks for ways to show that they not only desire, but also truly love to be at peace. Rather than being contentious and divisive, godly wisdom loves and promotes peace. Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
3. Gentle.
There are times when a Greek word has no exact English equivalent. The word translated as “gentle” is such a word. The Greek lexiconographer Joseph Thayer says “it defines that considerateness that looks humanely and reasonably at the facts of a case.”
The gentleness of a wise person is seen in the way he or she takes great pains to make sure he or she has gathered all of the facts about a particular issue before drawing conclusions or rendering opinions. How many times has healthy fellowship within churches been disrupted, or even destroyed, by members of the congregation jumping to conclusions about a person or a particular issue? I’ve seen it happen. In the situations I’m familiar with, it was a lack of wisdom, a lack of gentleness toward others, which resulted in people reacting, often with anger and bitterness, before they had all the facts. Instead of patiently waiting for all of the pertinent information to be gathered and analyzed, people jumped to conclusions and made sure their opinions were heard loud and clear.
Proverbs 18:15, 13, “The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge…He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.”
4. Reasonable.
What James has in mind here is a person who is approachable and teachable. A person with wisdom from above doesn’t have to win every argument. To a person whose wisdom shows in their reasonableness, getting to the truth is more important than getting in the last word.
I’ve seen this work both ways in some of the spiritual discussions I have had with people. I’ve met people that have held a particular point of view most of their life and when they discover through teaching or their own study of the Scriptures that their point of view is inconsistent with God’s Word, they wisely defer to the Word and let go of their misconceptions. On the other hand, I’ve had frequent opportunity to deal with people in similar situations that cling to their feelings and opinions regardless of what the Scriptures say. Their reaction seems to suggest that they fear they will give up their independence if they submit to teaching that’s not their own. True wisdom will reasonably submit to godly teaching.
Proverbs 12:15, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” Proverbs 9:8-9, “Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you. Reprove a wise man and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.”
5. Full of mercy.
The wise are full of mercy and compassion. The Greek definition of this word “mercy” is ‘kindness or good-will towards the miserable and afflicted, joined with a desire to relieve them.’
Jesus is the epitome of mercy and compassion. He demonstrated the virtue in so many different ways:
Towards Sinners.
Matthew 9:9-13, “As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collector’s booth; and He said to him, ‘Follow Me!’ And he got up and followed Him. Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, ‘Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?’ But when Jesus heard this, He said, ‘It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: `I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’"
Towards the Sick, Emotionally Distressed and Forlorn.
Matthew 9:35-38, “Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Seeing the people, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dispirited like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.’"
Towards The Hungry.
Matthew 15:29-39, “Departing from there, Jesus went along by the Sea of Galilee, and having gone up on the mountain, He was sitting there. And large crowds came to Him, bringing with them those who were lame, crippled, blind, mute, and many others, and they laid them down at His feet; and He healed them. So the crowd marveled as they saw the mute speaking, the crippled restored, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel. And Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, ‘I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.’"
Towards the Lonely and Vulnerable.
Luke 7:11-15, “Soon afterwards He went to a city called Nain; and His disciples were going along with Him, accompanied by a large crowd. Now as He approached the gate of the city, a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and a sizeable crowd from the city was with her. When the Lord saw her, He felt compassion for her, and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’ And He came up and touched the coffin; and the bearers came to a halt. And He said, ‘Young man, I say to you, arise!’ The dead man sat up and began to speak. And Jesus gave him back to his mother.” (Note: James 1:27, “visit orphans and widows in their affliction.”)
Towards the Ignored or Forsaken.
Matthew 20:29-34, “As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him. And two blind men sitting by the road, hearing that Jesus was passing by, cried out, ‘Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!’ The crowd sternly told them to be quiet, but they cried out all the more, ‘Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!’ And Jesus stopped and called them, and said, ‘What do you want Me to do for you?’ They said to Him, ‘Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.’ Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes; and immediately they regained their sight and followed Him.”
Proverbs 29:7, “The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor [lit. dangling; needy], the wicked does not understand such concern.” Proverbs 11:17, “The merciful man does himself good, But the cruel man does himself harm.” Matthew 5:7, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
6. Unwavering or Impartial.
The Greek word here is adiakritos and it carries two possible meanings: A. Unwavering and B. Impartial.
Unwavering - In James 1:6, the root word is used of one who doubts and wavers like a boat on the rolling sea. The wise do not waver in their judgments. They are steady. They do not think one thing one moment and then think differently a short time later. Once they are sure that a viewpoint or course of conduct is sound, they stick to it. They do not vacillate.
Impartial - The evil of partiality in dealt with in James 2:1-9. Those with godly wisdom treat all individuals with love and dignity regardless of their economic status, social standing, occupation, education, intelligence, appearance, color of their skin, and the language they speak. These things do not influence our treatment of them. We see everyone as a person created in the image of God and of infinite worth. James 2:8-9, “If…you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF,’ you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.”
7. Without hypocrisy.
The last of the seven characteristics James lists is living without hypocrisy. A person who possesses wisdom from above is sincere in all things.
I’ve said this before, and I think it’s worth repeating. Sometimes the greatest enemy to the body of Christ is the behavior and attitudes of the members of the body of Christ. Every time an unbeliever sees a Christian claiming to believe one thing and living the opposite, is it any wonder why they fail to see the necessity for Christ in their lives? Why should they submit to the authority of a God they cannot see and a Bible they do not understand, when they can follow the example set by so many in churches today that tells them there is no need for them to change the way they live their lives. They can simply play church on Sunday and live however they want to Monday through Saturday. Wisdom without hypocrisy is seen in the person who wears no masks. They are what they profess to be…..or, at least, diligently striving to be what the Lord wants them to be.
And now we conclude our remarks with Verse 18:
Verse 18 -
“And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
Interestingly, James returns to the theme of peace. He says if you want to enjoy the fruit of righteousness in your life, in the Church or even in society….it requires peace. Righteousness only grows in a peaceful environment. Peace is to righteousness as sun and rain is to juicy, sweet oranges. Peace will only be a reality if peace is made by you and me. If we want to be righteous and promote righteousness, we must first wisely pursue harmony and unity. We must do all we can to smother strife and contention by restraining unwise feelings and attitudes.
