Today, we have at our disposal more knowledge than at any other time in history. More information has been produced in the last thirty years than in the previous five thousand years.
Our world has plenty of knowledge and education, but it doesn’t necessarily bring along much wisdom.
One might have a lot of knowledge but wisdom is more than knowing a lot of useless information. Knowledge is the accumulation of facts. But wisdom is insight with understanding about practical application. Wisdom is measured not by letters in front of your name, but by deeds accomplished.
James tells us that there are two kinds of wisdom. Wisdom that comes from God and wisdom that comes from the world. How can you tell the difference? By the fruit that is evidenced. By what comes out when you’re squeezed by stress and pressure.
Everyone knows how to be on their best behavior when the situation requires it. So behavior can be changed to fit a particular situation and not actually be a reflection of how we truly desire to live. The real question is how do we act when we are alone? God doesn’t want us to wear masks and act holy, God wants us to be holy. One of the definitions of holy is, “Having a divine quality.” And since we all are part of the divine, we have divine worth, so, doesn’t it make sense then that we treat ourselves that way, treat each other that way and act that way?
Second, wisdom is characterized by the desire to get along with others. “Peaceable. ”
If we are going to have peace, first, we have to experience “peace with God.” Having established peace with God we need to pursue peace with each other. If we’re going to experience peace, we’re going to have to pursue it. How? Intentionally avoid arguments – refuse to participate. It’s difficult to have an argument when one party refuses to argue. Make peace your goal. Wisdom is characterized by the desire to get along with others and, third, wisdom is living with tender consideration for others. “Gentle.”
It’s difficult to find an English word to translate this quality. Matthew Arnold called it “sweet reasonableness” and it’s the ability to extend to others the kindly consideration we would want to receive ourselves.
When we consider others, we are looking outward instead of inward. It’s hard to think of others when we are only thinking about ourselves. One of the most effective ways to give up selfishness is to focus on other people – on their needs and how we can help them. Wisdom is living with tender consideration for others and, fourth, wisdom is always teachable. “Willing to yield. ”
The way this word is used in this context has to do with our own openness and teachability. Do you have to always be right?
Wisdom is teachable and, fifth, wisdom is a life controlled by mercy. (v. 17) “Full of mercy and good fruits.”
James by his use of the word “fruit” reminds us that righteousness is not produced by us, but rather it is produced in us. Wisdom is a life controlled by mercy and, sixth, wisdom is characterized by sincerity. “Without (a trace of) partiality and without hypocrisy.”
It is honest; it never pretends to be what it is not; and it never acts to gain its own ends.
In the Hebrew Scriptures we are told the story of how God came to Solomon (the son of King David) and told him that he would give him anything he desired. He could have riches, power, and prestige; anything he wanted. Solomon’s request was the he be given wisdom.
Rev. Dan Koeshall is the Senior Pastor at The Metropolitan Community Church (The Met) in San Diego, California, themetchurch.org
