Wisdom from Above

When I was reading through the Book of James last year, I wrote about a verse that encourages us to ask God for wisdom, knowing that He gives to all generously and without finding fault.

In this post, I focused mostly on the way James 1:5 talks about God, not on wisdom. A few days later, though, I came across an answer to a question I hadn’t even asked—namely, what does the wisdom that God gives so freely actually look like?

Here’s how James 3:17 describes it: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (ESV)

I’ve always thought of wisdom in terms of its synonyms—knowledge, good sense, discernment, insight, and so on. In my mind, it’s something I especially desire when I don’t know what to do—why else would I need to ask God for it?

That’s true, but it’s not the whole picture. The fact that James 3:17 talks about “wisdom from above” indicates that there are other types of wisdom available to us.

We can pray for wisdom all we want, but how do we determine whether the “wisdom” we’re receiving is from God, especially when we’re also seeking out information and direction from other sources, such as online and via social media?

Here’s a starting point. Wisdom from above both enables us and prompts us to act in a certain way. More specifically, it never directs us to behave or speak in a way that is opposite what we read in James 3:17.

In other words, instead of having an arrogant, argumentative, know-it-all, rough or patronizing attitude or tone, people who display godly wisdom are gentle, open to reason, merciful, impartial and sincere (as opposed to hypocritical). In addition, the thoughts they share are pure (which includes not contradicting scripture).

That’s worth pondering for a moment, isn’t it?

This can get complicated sometimes, especially in these days of continual outrage and offendability. If the people with whom we are interacting don’t like what we are saying, for example, they may interpret our tone to be harsh, judgmental or accusatory when it’s really not. Other times, though, we may think we are coming across gently when nothing could be further from the truth, no matter what we are saying.

It reminds me of what C.S. Lewis says about pride in Mere Christianity—that “there is no fault which makes a man more unpopular, and no fault which we are more unconscious of in ourselves.”

As with pride, people who mistakenly think they are operating under the influence of godly wisdom often are the least likely to see that they are not. At the same time, individuals who truly exhibit wisdom from above stand out in all the good ways.

When I think of people in my life who have displayed this kind of wisdom—my dad, mentors I had when I was a young mom, friends I have now as the mom of teenage daughters—I see that they share some similar traits.

They pray. They study the Bible. They read widely (though they don’t necessarily follow many popular voices). They give advice when asked, but don’t often offer unsolicited opinions. They don’t talk excessively, and they listen well.

This is the kind of person I aspire to be, and I also hope to see these traits develop in my daughters. It’s a lifelong process, though. I may have a bit more wisdom now than I did even a few years ago, but just as soon as I start thinking of myself as remotely wise, I’m fairly sure God will find ways to gently (or not so gently) remind how far I have to go.

I pray for my girls to have wise mentors and role models, just as I did, especially when they are far away from me. I pray that, over time, the seeds of wisdom that are already evident in them will grow, mature and bear fruit. I pray that God would teach us all to number our days, so that we may develop a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

I pray with confidence, because if I’m sure of anything, it’s this: In this day of shortages and supply chain disruptions, there’s no shortage of wisdom from above. God is ready and willing to give it to us—generously and without finding fault.

All we have to do is ask for it.

♥ Lois

P.S. I’m linking up this week with #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Recharge Wednesday, Let’s Have Coffee, Inspire Me Monday and Grace & Truth.