Wisdom That Comes From Heaven

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James 3:17 (KJV)

17. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

1. True wisdom is contrasted with the devil's wisdom . . . (v.17).
   "But the wisdom that is from above is first . . ."
   1. False wisdom is not from God . . .
      All the darkness of selfish ambition is not from the Lord.
   2. True wisdom is form God . . .
      Wisdom is a gift of grace. Though you may strengthen it, it is a gift.
      "God gave Solomon wisdom and great insight" (I Kings 4:29).
      "For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth comes knowledge" (Proverbs 2:6). "We . . . speak a message of wisdom among the mature . . . God has revealed it to us by his Spirit" (I Corinthians 2: 6,10). Wisdom is a gift of God's wonderful grace.
2. True wisdom possesses a primary criterion . . . (v.17).
   "But the wisdom that is above is first pure . . ."
   James gives eight characteristics of true wisdom in this verse, but he emphasizes purity as the primary characteristic. This is an attribute of God (I John 3:3) and is given to believers.
   1. A definition of purity is "undefiled."
      This word speaks of an "unmixed, undefiled" heart for God. This is contrasted with the other kind of wisdom that has at its innermost core a love for self.
   2. A difference this kind of purity makes is evident.
      A person with this kind of heart for God will constantly be having eyes upon God.
      What does God think? What does God say? What should I do in light of Him?
3. True wisdom possesses seven other characteristics . . .(v.17).
   The little word "then" is important. A heart for God must be first, then these things follow:
   1. Peaceable --- or literally "peace-loving." It seeks to preserve peace or promote it.
      This is the kind of person who will stand for what is right without wishing separation.
   2. Gentle --- which is translated "considerate" in the NIV. This carries the idea of being willing to find the best in people when others would see the worst or condemn.
   3. Easy to be entreated --- or "open to reason." It's the only time this word is found in the New Testament and it means the opposite of "stubborn or rigid."
   4. Full of mercy --- which carries the idea of being compassionate to those in need.
   5. Full of good works ---- which takes us back to (James 2:16) and "works" vs. "words."
   6. Without partiality --- which echoes all that James has said in James 2. A wise person will not show favoritism to the rich or discriminate against the poor.
   7. Without hypocrisy --- which means "without an eye toward the praise of men."