Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 Wisdom of this kind does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it (Js. 1:5).” The author of James was writing to the non-Palestinian Jews, the Jews who had settled throughout the Greco-Roman world (Jn. 7:35). They would have been familiar with wisdom derived from contemplation using knowledge. The author explained that true wisdom comes from God (Prov. 2:6) and is, “Pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity (v. 17)". If anyone possesses Divine wisdom let it show in his works (Js. 1:22-23).
The type of wisdom we possess is demonstrated by our works; by how we act in social situations. Christian leaders who lack God given wisdom can be disruptive to the community. They boast of wisdom, but it is an earthly wisdom which produces bitter jealousy and selfish ambition (2 Cor. 12:20). These are unspiritual, opposed to what was revealed to us through Jesus Christ. Christian leaders who possess Divine wisdom are humble/meek (Col. 3:12) and demonstrate gentleness, moderation, compassion, kindness and courtesy in their interactions with the community. Divine wisdom is contrary to worldly wisdom and is unknown to worldly rulers (1 Cor. 2:8). Divine wisdom grants us the virtues of the fruits of the spirit; “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, and faithfulness (Gal 5:22).”
Almighty God, grant us the grace to seek your wisdom so that we can come to recognize your presence in all that we do and tremble at how awesome you are. In your abundant mercy teach us to love you with our whole heart so that we may embrace fully the revelation given to us by your Son. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
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References
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Expanded Edition, Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
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