“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17
Prior to this verse James describes the world’s wisdom as being of a selfish nature that does not come from God. The world gives advice on how to get ahead in life without following the standards God has put into place. Now you see what true wisdom really is. This wisdom comes from heaven–from God is has perfect wisdom.
In this verse James describes God’s wisdom as:
Pure: there is no fault found in it. God is perfect and has perfect wisdom and He gives that perfect wisdom to all who ask for it.
Peace-Loving: This wisdom seeks peace first with God and then peace between men. God does not desire a fight with anyone, He desires peace. Seek peace with God and others as much as possible.
Considerate: Jesus put our best interests before His own. He died on the cross to save you, not Himself. Put other’s needs before your own. God will take care of yours.
Submissive: Jesus submitted to the will of the Father–even to the point of death on the cross. Submit yourself to God and to all in authority above you.
Full of Mercy: God could have destroyed you the first time you sinned against Him, but He did not. In His great love and mercy He found a way to save you, though it cost Him His Son. Have mercy on everyone you come into contact with.
Full of Good Fruit: Jesus walked around bearing much fruit for His work: healings, salvations, provisions, and building of God’s kingdom. Do works for God that will show fruit of what is occurring in your heart. Do not be a dead plant for God.
Impartial: Jesus did not show any favoritism to anyone. God treats everyone the same way. Do not show favoritism in your life.
Sincere: Jesus was real and serious about the work He had to do. Don’t spend your life joking when seriousness is required. Be real on outside and inside of your life. Don’t be one person at church and another at work.
Today look at your life: Is your life being governed by God’s wisdom? Are you showing all the traits of His wisdom in your life? Or does your wisdom show the characteristics of the world’s selfish wisdom?
I pray that today God will give you His wisdom; that God will strengthen you to show all the traits of His wisdom in your life; that the world will see you as different finding no fault in you because of your stand with Christ and for Christ; and that God will help you to never be selfish in anything you say or do.
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