Would you say that you’re “wise”? Do you realize that being “wise” is not the same as being “smart”? Some of the smartest people in the world are not very “wise.”
James teaches us much about wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God” (1:5). True “wisdom” is given by God “from above” (1:17). Later in the book, God gives a full description of the manifestation of true wisdom. Do you think you’re wise? Don’t listen to the world’s evaluation! Listen to the qualities identified by God Himself that true wisdom possesses (in James 3:17).
“The wisdom from above is first pure…” Jesus taught, “Blessed are the pure in heart” (Matt. 5:8). Paul taught, “…whatever things are pure…meditate on these things” (Phil. 4:8). Are you wise? First answer—are you pure?
“The wisdom from above is…then peaceable…” Jesus taught, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matt. 5:9). Paul urges us to “live peaceably with all men” (Rom. 12:18; cf. 14:19). Are you wise? Well, are you peaceable?
“The wisdom from above is…gentle…” Paul taught, “Let your gentleness [reasonableness, ESV] be known to all men” (Phil. 4:5). This is someone who is fair and reasonable in his dealing with others. Are you wise? Well, are you gentle?
“The wisdom from above is…willing to yield…” Scripture emphasizes a spirit of submission that should characterize Christians (Jas. 4:7; Eph. 5:21; Heb. 13:17; 1 Pet. 2:13, 18; 5:5). One must be ready to hear and to consider another’s viewpoint. Are you wise? Well, are you willing to yield?
“The wisdom from above is…full of mercy…” Earlier James asserted, “Judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment” (2:13). We desperately need mercy, but we must extend it first. Are you wise? Well, are you full of mercy?
“The wisdom from above is…full of good fruits…” Jesus said, “A tree is known by its fruit” (Matt. 12:33). Only a “good tree” can put forth the deeds of “righteousness” that are pleasing to the Lord (Matt. 7:17-18; Jas. 3:18). Are you wise? Well, are you full of good fruits?
“The wisdom from above is…without partiality…” One who fails to receive wisdom from God is “a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (1:8). But heavenly wisdom will not show “partiality” or “favoritism” (2:1, 9). Are you wise? Well, are you without partiality?
“The wisdom from above is…without hypocrisy.” A Christian’s faith (2 Tim. 1:5) and love (1 Pet. 1:22) do not pretend to be what they are not, but always strive to be sincere and genuine. Are you wise? Well, are you without hypocrisy?