... but only one kind that leads to peace.
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James, the brother of Jesus, said in his letter to the Diaspora Jews regarding false and true wisdom,
James, the brother of Jesus, said in his letter to the Diaspora Jews regarding false and true wisdom,
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“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
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“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” –James 3:13-18 (NIV).
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” –James 3:13-18 (NIV).
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Peace and righteousness and peace and wisdom are intrinsically linked. In other words, those who fiercely do what is right, and lead with integrity, can exist in peace and they both intuit and display great godly wisdom. Godly wisdom after all is enshrined in peace; as it’s said, “God’s wisdom, however, is shown to be true by its results.”[1] We can only hope to prove wise in our actions i.e. via our right and peaceful relationships; and this is only ultimately proven by peaceful outcomes in life situations. God’s wisdom always provides a positive legacy.
Peace and righteousness and peace and wisdom are intrinsically linked. In other words, those who fiercely do what is right, and lead with integrity, can exist in peace and they both intuit and display great godly wisdom. Godly wisdom after all is enshrined in peace; as it’s said, “God’s wisdom, however, is shown to be true by its results.”[1] We can only hope to prove wise in our actions i.e. via our right and peaceful relationships; and this is only ultimately proven by peaceful outcomes in life situations. God’s wisdom always provides a positive legacy.
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Balthasar Gracian says regarding a peaceful life being a long life: “To live, let live. Peacemakers not only live: they rule life... Long life and a pleasant one is life enough for two: that is the fruit of peace.”[2] As the proverbs say, “Long life is in her [i.e. personified Wisdom’s] right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.”[3] Wisdom, long life, peace, and fruit borne are commonly linked. A long, pleasant life provides that much value for the person living it; they achieved a double-portion of blessing.
Balthasar Gracian says regarding a peaceful life being a long life: “To live, let live. Peacemakers not only live: they rule life... Long life and a pleasant one is life enough for two: that is the fruit of peace.”[2] As the proverbs say, “Long life is in her [i.e. personified Wisdom’s] right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.”[3] Wisdom, long life, peace, and fruit borne are commonly linked. A long, pleasant life provides that much value for the person living it; they achieved a double-portion of blessing.
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“The signs of the heavenly wisdom… are the character traits of “wise meekness” that shows itself in a true life--that is, one whose roots go down to the ‘truth.’”[4] It is all based in peace that only works with truth. Those who live peacefully (i.e. they get beyond their selfish ends) earn peace because they promote peace for everyone. They pay due credence to everyone’s truth. And this motive is from God.
“The signs of the heavenly wisdom… are the character traits of “wise meekness” that shows itself in a true life--that is, one whose roots go down to the ‘truth.’”[4] It is all based in peace that only works with truth. Those who live peacefully (i.e. they get beyond their selfish ends) earn peace because they promote peace for everyone. They pay due credence to everyone’s truth. And this motive is from God.
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Selfish ambition and envy is everywhere. It is not scarce. This is especially true in the secular world, but it’s also more than occasionally true in churches. Even in so-called godly people it dominates from time to time and makes fools out of would-be saints--a sign of this is when chaos reigns.
Selfish ambition and envy is everywhere. It is not scarce. This is especially true in the secular world, but it’s also more than occasionally true in churches. Even in so-called godly people it dominates from time to time and makes fools out of would-be saints--a sign of this is when chaos reigns.
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The ability for a person to have peaceable relations is the great test. Wisdom reveals peace and peace reveals wisdom; fruit is borne from it--it’s shown to be true by its results. The peaceful and humble person will steer clear of dissension in relationships and will seek a better, more innovative, and more acceptable way--for everyone’s benefit. Again, it’s an outcome with the viewpoint of God in mind. It shows the wisdom that is from heaven.
The ability for a person to have peaceable relations is the great test. Wisdom reveals peace and peace reveals wisdom; fruit is borne from it--it’s shown to be true by its results. The peaceful and humble person will steer clear of dissension in relationships and will seek a better, more innovative, and more acceptable way--for everyone’s benefit. Again, it’s an outcome with the viewpoint of God in mind. It shows the wisdom that is from heaven.
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Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
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