James 3:13-18 New Life Version (NLV)
How would you define wisdom? A biblical definition is the ability to tell right from wrong; the ability to make good use of knowledge. I’ve always thought of wisdom as “applied Truth.” In other words, the Word of God is Truth and when we apply it to our lives, we can operate in godly wisdom.
In our passage today, James teaches wisdom from above is dependent upon the level of commitment a person makes to Christ, as well as the depth of a person’s character forged by the Spirit. Jesus has been made wisdom for us (1 Cor. 1:30). Therefore, wisdom from above is given to those living in Christ—the perfect Peacemaker.
James 3:13-18 Wisdom from Above
13 Who among you is wise and understands? Let that one show from a good life by the things he does that he is wise and gentle. 14 If you have jealousy in your heart and fight to have many things, do not be proud of it. Do not lie against the truth. 15 This is not the kind of wisdom that comes from God. But this wisdom comes from the world and from that which is not Christian and from the devil. 16 Wherever you find jealousy and fighting, there will be trouble and every other kind of wrong-doing. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. Then it gives peace. It is gentle and willing to obey. It is full of loving-kindness and of doing good. It has no doubts and does not pretend to be something it is not. 18 Those who plant seeds of peace will gather what is right and good.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for making Jesus to be wisdom for me. I will allow the Word to be living in my life. Help me to be a peacemaking spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.