How is Godly Wisdom demonstrated?

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy.” –James 3:17 (HCSB)

In the book of James, one finds excellent instruction on wisdom. Some call James the proverbs of the New Testament. God’s supply of wisdom never runs out and is always available to God’s people through the Word of God, meeting the demand for every hour. What remains desperately needed in the church today is discernment and wisdom. Wisdom is the application of the knowledge to daily living. James gives us a great list in James 3:17 of how wisdom should look day to day. Here is his list of fruits from James 3:17:

Pure- Purity is the first on James’ list because Godly wisdom relies upon God’s holiness (4:8). You would not drink a glass of water with one drop of raw sewage in it, would you? In a similar way, God’s people must look first to God’s Word as the source of all wisdom.

Peace-loving- True peace follows the outgrowth of purity. The blessing of peace comes only by God (Prov. 3:13-17) and peace remains availed from God alone (Psalm 119:65; Isa. 26:3; Phil. 4:7)

Gentle- When we speak to others are we gentle in our speech or rough like sand paper? Strife comes from following the world’s wisdom, but God’s people should remain gentle towards one another, anyone being restored from sin, and especially unbelievers. Jesus was tough and tender in his ministry. He was always tender with those who were unbelievers.

Compliant- this word means “willing to yield or take instructions” God’s wisdom has a friendly spirit and listens to reason.

Full of mercy and good fruit- Not jumping to conclusions, but instead showing mercy in all situations. I once knew a Godly man who would not even jump to conclusions when his urgent emails remained answered.

Impartial- Those who possess God’s wisdom do not decimate against others, nor are they uncertain within themselves. The wise do not take a position In one circumstance and then change their position when the circumstances change.

Sincere- The hypocrite says one thing but does another. Wisdom from above is honest and real; no game –playing, no mask wearing, no acting. Sincerity in daily living will serve as an immense tool for evangelism and joy for all we encounter.