Wisdom from Above

17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy
and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by
those who make peace (James 3:17-18).

Godly wisdom is not just words. It looks like something concrete. It is revealed in a certain type
of character. Notice again that all the things that James lists here are not about intelligence but
rather, fruits of the Spirit. This type of wisdom has a source, a location. It must be given.
Notice that he says it is “from above”. This is just another way of saying, “from God”. God
defines wisdom in a certain way and it’s definition is give by James in verse 17.

Pure.
Peaceable.
Gentle.
Open to reason.
Full of mercy.
Good fruits.
Impartial.
Sincere.

This is God’s definition of wisdom. Jesus was the perfect embodiment of godly wisdom.
He was pure and created ultimate peace between God and man. He was gentle. Gentle enough
to love a small child. He was reasonable such that those who hated God’s truth couldn’t reason
him into a corner. His mercy shines at the cross. He is fruitful such that we are nourished by
him. He doesn’t play favorites. All are welcome to come to him. He is sincere. He is not
faking anything. It’s all true.


As we repent and believe, God’s Spirit will fill us with this wisdom as well. What a
blessed way to live!


Read Galatians 5:22-26
• What similarities do you see between this text and our text in James for today?
• What one aspect of “wisdom from above” do you want to personally grow in in the near
future?

Prayer
Our Father, thank you for showing us what true wisdom looks like. Help us grow into this
vision of wisdom. May we be a blessing to all those around us by how you are working your
wisdom through us by your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.