“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:17–18
Why is it that we are so prone and quick to bicker and quarrel among ourselves? Whether online with strangers or with co-workers, family, neighbors, church members, or even other churches, it seems that we are too often ready to wage our war of words at the proverbial drop of a hat. G. K. Chesterton said, “People generally quarrel because they cannot argue. And it is extraordinary to notice how few people in the modern world can argue. This is why there are so many quarrels, breaking out again and again, and never coming to any natural end.” James, on the other hand, says, in the first verse of the fourth chapter of his letter, that we fight and quarrel because of our innate desires, passions, lusts, pleasures, or cravings (various translations). While Chesterton laments that we cannot argue properly (that is, disagree with reason and engage in logical debate that leads to greater understanding), James suggests that our selfish nature leads to divisive quarreling. Both men are correct, of course; we cannot disagree peacefully and productively while our hearts and minds are driven by our self-centered application of earthly “wisdom.”
The book of James is considered not just an epistle but also a primer on practical Christianity – a book of post-resurrection wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all [who] ask in faith,” (1:5-6) says James, echoing Proverbs 2:6 – “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” The Bible is clear that wisdom comes from God, even indicating that wisdom was there at Creation (Proverbs 8:22). Both Matthew (12:42) and Luke (11:31) record Jesus declaring His wisdom to be greater than that of Solomon, who himself had asked for, and received from God, heavenly wisdom (1 Kings 3:9). Paul reinforces the Christ/Wisdom connection, writing that He was “the power of God and the wisdom of God” and that He “became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:24, 30).
In James 3, two kinds of wisdom are contrasted. In verses 14-15, James describes the ugliness of worldly wisdom and its effects: bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, boasting, and falseness. James calls this “wisdom” – in increasingly pejorative terms – “earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” James says, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” Next, James describes Godly wisdom. Having already declared in verse 13 that the wise man conducts himself “in the meekness of wisdom,” James sets forth a picture of that wisdom in verse 17: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”
Before looking closer at James’ depiction of heavenly wisdom, consider that James began chapter 3 by writing evocatively about the need to tame the tongue. Our selfish ambitions and bitter jealousies become evident in our speech. Not lost in these verses is the effect of our quarrelsome words on others. If the tongue corrupts or stains the whole body (3:6), what do our foolish and selfish words do to other members of Christ’s one body – the church? When my lazy mind and my selfish heart cause my mouth, which I use to praise and bless the Lord, to disparage my brother who is “made in the likeness of God” (3:9), what effect does it have? How is that the meekness of wisdom? How is that good for the Body?
James says in verse 8 that “no human being can tame the tongue,” but it seems like he is suggesting at the end of the chapter that the meekness of wisdom that comes from God can control the tongue. There is a Beatitudes-like quality to the description of Godly wisdom in James 3:17. The wisdom from above is: First pure: Like the purity of heart that Jesus called for from his followers, wisdom from above is not merely free from defilements; it is full of integrity and God-centeredness. It is 100% for His purpose and from His truth. Then peaceable: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18) Gentle: Meekness leads to kindness. Gentle wisdom is well-received. Harshness is not. Open to reason: Wisdom listens and yields when necessary. It is persuadable to what is good and true or from what is not. Full of mercy and good fruits: Mercy received should result in mercy given. All good fruits are a form of mercy, really. Respectful dialogue is, for sure. Impartial: Without prejudice or undue suspicion. Intellectual patience bolstered by truth. Sincere: Without hypocrisy. Purity and sincerity are internal aspects of wisdom. The others are external.
The first section of James 4 begins with the question I asked at the beginning of this article, “What causes quarrels and fights among you?” and it is answered with, as mentioned above, our worldly, natural, and selfish passions that “are at war within you.” These passions are at war with the wisdom from above. Closing this first section of Chapter 4, James instructs us: “Humble yourselves before the Lord . . . Do not speak evil against one another, brothers” (4:10-11). If we pray for and exercise humility, wisdom, and a controlled tongue, then we can disagree without being divisive. We can be peacemakers, and there can be a harvest of righteousness.
