Wisdom From Above
By Ria Delvespon
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
This letter bears the name of its author, James, who is described as ‘a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ’ (1:1a). Of the four men named James in the New Testament, the likely author of this book is James, the half-brother of Jesus (Matthew 13:55) who played a vital role in the early church in Jerusalem.
Written between AD 40 to 50 it is addressed to ‘the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad’ (1:1b) possibly referring to Jewish believers in Messiah who are living outside of the land of Judea. These early readers of James were suffering persecution, living in poverty and experiencing social and spiritual conflict while living in a worldly manner.
The book covers a variety of themes seeking to address some of these issues and offers a practical handbook for the believer in how to demonstrate through their actions, the faith that they now have in Jesus. One such theme is wisdom, which is introduced early in the chapter and is linked to faith.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. (1:5-6, ESV)
The wisdom theme resurfaces in chapter three, from which the verses for this month’s reflection are taken. The author speaks of a ‘wisdom that comes from above’ and provides a list of attributes that characterises that wisdom. However, in the preceding verses, that wisdom is contrasted with a wisdom that is described as ‘earthly’, ‘unspiritual’, ‘demonic’ and that bears the fruit of ‘jealousy’, ‘selfish ambition’, ‘disorder’ and ‘every vile practice’. This is not the wisdom that comes from above. (3:15-16 ESV)
That Greek word translated ‘wisdom’ is sophia (G4678) which can refer to ‘the wisdom which belongs to men’ or ‘supreme intelligence, such as belongs to God’. As such we see that wisdom is neutral and the context or fruit determines the source of that wisdom – God or man.
So, what does the wisdom from above look like?
Reflection
First, this wisdom is ‘from above’. The Greek word translated ‘from above’ is anōthen (G509) and refers to things which come from above, from a higher place. It is used in the scriptures to refer to things coming from Heaven or from God. In John 3:3 and 3:7, Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be ‘born again’ (same Greek word for ‘from above’) to see and enter the Kingdom of God. He also describes Himself as ‘He that cometh from above’ (John 3:31) and says that Pilate would have no power over Him unless it were given him ‘from above’ (John 19:11).
The wisdom to live a life of faith, a life of wholeness can come only from God. It is a good and perfect gift, and one needs only ask and God will freely and generously give it for every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17 KJV).
Second, this wisdom is ‘first pure’. The Greek word translated ‘first’ is proton (G4412) and is used to describe something that is ‘first in time or place or first in rank.’ I see here parallels with Galatians 5:22-23 where the list of the fruit of the Spirit starts with love. It has often been explained that it is the fruit of the Spirit, not fruits of the Spirit. And the use of the singular noun suggests that all the other attributes of peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance flow from that primary source – love.
I believe a parallel can be drawn here – that the wisdom that comes from God is first pure and it is from this pure source that the remaining traits flow. Interestingly, while there have been different terms used for the other attributes, the translations I’ve looked at all use the word ‘pure’ to start the list. The starting point of God’s wisdom therefore is that it is pure from every fault, clean. It is not mixed or adulterated with any other substance or material. It is not corrupt, distorted or perverted. It takes first place and is pure, clean, honest, uncontaminated and so does everything that flows from it.
Finally, the wisdom from above produces fruit.
And it always bears the beautiful harvest of righteousness! Good seeds of wisdom’s fruit will be planted with peaceful acts by those who cherish making peace.
(James 3:18 TPT)
Such seeds of wisdom’s fruit include being peaceable (friendly); gentle (considerate); easy to be entreated (sensible), full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality (genuine) and sincere (without hypocrisy) (verse 17). Sowing these seeds will tend to return a good harvest of peace and righteousness.
When God’s wisdom is at work in the believer’s life, it is an internal, invisible work. Over time that work will produce a harvest that is seen externally, evidence of the wisdom that comes from above, the true Source of which is the One who is the ‘wisdom of God’ (1 Corinthians 1:24).
Response
Make a list of all the characteristics listed in James 3:17. Then using a resource of your choice look up the definitions or explanation for each one. What stands out? Do any of them raise questions? As you meditate and reflect on these traits, journal any insights or revelation that Holy Spirit highlights.
