“The wise men shall be put to shame; they shall be dismayed and taken; behold they have rejected the word of the Lord, so what wisdom is in them?” (Jeremiah 8:9) Wisdom is from God, and Apostle James provides the characteristics of that noble wisdom. (James 3:17)
1. Pure and Holy
God’s revelation teaches us chastity, purity, and holiness. God is holy, and His desire for humans is holiness like His. Such holiness is demonstrated in day-to-day life as righteousness. They insulate themselves from lust, envy, covetousness, pride, and selfishness.
2. Peaceable
God’s revelation teaches humans to be at peace with God – that is, to be reconciled spiritually with Him in the only way this is possible, through saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He gives peace that is beyond understanding, and extends and transforms all relationships.
3. Gentle
Gentle people are meek, able to recognize the best intentions of others, willing to help, guide, and mentor them – and hope for their redemption, not condemnation.
4. Open to reason
Wise people are open to superior judgments, righteous reasoning, and change. They are willing to accept faults, ask for forgiveness, and willing to receive wisdom and ministry from others.
5. Full of mercy
Merciful people are willing to forgive others and bear hurts without being broken in spirit. They treat others with dignity and courtesy, and show acts of practical kindness to people in need, even to strangers.
6. Marked by good fruits
They joyfully do good works like feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, and providing opportunities for the least privileged members of society, for the marginalized, and for the oppressed to come up in life. Connecting resources to needy people.
7. Impartial
Such people are not swayed by selfish interest, monetary profit, or fear of man. They show no discrimination based on caste, language, gender, or class. Wise people of God are neither corrupt nor practice nepotism.
8. Sincere
Sincere people are of integrity and not hypocrites. They are deeply committed to their goals, relationships, lifestyle, and work.
Have I asked the Lord for this wisdom and received it?