True Wisdom

James is big on wisdom. "If any of you lacks wisdom," he says, "let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him" (James 1:5). Interesting thing, though. James speaks of two kinds of faith -- genuine and "dead" (James 2:17) -- and two kinds of wisdom. There is wisdom and there is "wisdom that does not come down from above" (James 3:15). So how can you tell the difference? James asks, "Who is wise and understanding among you?" (James 3:13) because he knows there is real wisdom and fake. There is the possession of wisdom and the pretending of wisdom. So how do you know?

James tells the positive side simply. "By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom" (James 3:13). Good conduct in "meekness." The NAS calls it "gentleness." Others refer to humility. Just what is this stuff? Meekness, gentleness, humility ... these refer to a particular concept. It is power under control. But the reason this is under control is because wisdom from above allows the recipient to trust in God. It's not because of confidence in strength; it's because God will provide what he needs, so there is no need to contend, no need to assert oneself, no need to defend. He doesn't have to be noisy, arrogant, boastful. This is the meekness, gentleness, humility of Jesus who, placing all His confidence in the Father, had no need to contend over personal affronts ... like Pilate and the Jews. The wisdom from above produces that kind of gentleness which produces "good conduct."

What is the other kind? It includes bitter jealousy and selfish ambition (James 3:14). It is earthly, natural, demonic (James 3:15). It opens the door to "disorder and every evil thing" (James 3:16). It is an arrogance that lies against the truth (James 3:14).

Who among you is wise and understanding? He is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy" (James 3:17). Do those mark you? Are they the things you think of when you consider someone wise? James ends with "And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" (James 3:18). Those with wisdom from above are marked as peacemakers. That should be the mark of anyone who lacks wisdom and asks God for it. On the other hand, those who claim to be wise or even appear to be wise but are not as described here areoperating in the realm, as James harshly puts it, of demons. Be aware.