“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.”
In this verse, James contrasts the human wisdom of envy and self-seeking to the divine viewpoint on life. He begins to list eight qualities of divine viewpoint.
But
The word “but” contrasts human wisdom as over against God’s wisdom. Having warned of the folly of human wisdom, James, in this verse, goes on to the benefits of God’s wisdom that comes from above (1:17).
the wisdom that is from above
The wisdom that comes down from above is God’s viewpoint. It is the ability to apply God’s principles to experience. God confers this wisdom, especially on believers who walk with Him. When a person applies God’s viewpoint to his experience, he operates with God’s wisdom. He has integrity with God.
1 Co. 1:24, “…but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
Co. 2:3, “…in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
PRINCIPLE:
God’s wisdom is a divine endowment and not acquired by human attainment.
APPLICATION:
God’s wisdom comes to us by divine endowment and not my human attainment. As we study the Word of God, it will give us a different outlook on life – divine viewpoint.
Pr. 2:6, “For the Lord gives wisdom
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding…”
Pr 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
