The Practice Of Heavenly Wisdom

by Pastor Mark
April 18, 2024

The source of true wisdom

The Apostle James raised the question of who is wise and understanding (James 3:13). The truly wise person does not display bad fruits, such as bitter envy and self-seeking. False wisdom is earthy, sensual and demonic, leading to confusion and evil (James 3:14–16). The truly wise and understanding man derives his wisdom from above, “But the wisdom that is from above is…” (James 3:17). His wisdom is heavenly and not from this earth. God is the source of all his wisdom.

A wise and distinct lifestyle

“Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13)

  1. The wise would manifest wisdom throughout his life.
    1. His life would display good fruits of wisdom.
    2. He would manifest good conduct and behaviour.
    3. His manner of life would be wise.
  2. The wise would also manifest works in his life.
    1. His genuine faith would lead to works…faith and works go together (James 2:18).
    2. These works would be done in the meekness of wisdom…with gentleness and graciousness.
    3. This is in contrast to those who are proud and boastful.

The display of the fruits of heavenly wisdom

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17)

What are some of these fruits of heavenly wisdom like?

  1. Pure…True wisdom is pure and without defilement…there is nothing evil.
  2. Peaceable…This wisdom is peace-loving…it brings about peace, as there is no bitter envy or confusion.
  3. Gentle…This wisdom is mild and appropriate…there is nothing harsh.
  4. Willing to yield…True wisdom is willing to yield to the advice of others…to be persuaded by wise counsel and is not self-seeking.
  5. Merciful…This wisdom is compassionate…able to show mercy and compassion.
  6. Good fruits…True wisdom will yield good fruits…James was making an argument for this.
  7. Without partiality…This wisdom has been stated earlier (James 2:1–4)…holding the faith of the Lord Jesus without partiality is wise.
  8. Without hypocrisy…To be genuine and sincere…what true wisdom will display as fruits.

The fruit of righteousness

“Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:18)

Heavenly wisdom will result in us having the fruit of righteousness. When we genuinely believe in the Lord Jesus, righteousness is imputed to us. Righteousness is sown in peace and we have peace with God (Romans 5:1). This is possible because we are helped by those who make peace. True believers will become peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). They will help us to have faith and find peace with God. They will also help us be at peace with each other.

Let us be challenged to be wise and understanding. This is possible through wisdom from above. Let us be challenged to pursue and practise this heavenly wisdom. Let us be challenged to bear good fruits of wisdom…fruits of righteousness.

Back to Article Listing

More Articles

View more