True Wisdom
Excerpt from S. (2014, February 07). True Wisdom (James 3:17-18) ~ A Daily Devotion for February 7, 2014. Re-
trieved from https://solideogloria.me/2014/02/07/true-wisdom-james-317-18-a-daily-devotion-for-february-7-
2014/
“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
James 3:14-16 describes what false wisdom looks like. James now moves on to true wisdom and
the evidence it gives in one’s life.
Pure: This word pure means to be blameless. Quite literally it is to be free from any impurities
in one’s life. It is the same word that is used in Philippians 4:8 when Paul makes mention of what
to keep one’s mind focused on. Note that this is the first thing that James mentions in this list of
characteristics, denoting that it is of paramount importance. If one is not pure first, then the
other characteristics will not follow, because it is purity that impacts everything else.
Peaceable: It does not say to be a peacemaker, but rather be peaceable. Being peaceful, in the
sense of not causing strife, division, etc. should be part of a person’s nature, if they have true
wisdom.
Gentle: It carries the ideas of equitable, seemly, fitting, fair, moderate, forbearing, courteous,
and considerate.
Open to Reason: The word here is interesting because it means compliant and also easy to
persuade. This idea must be understood immensely in order to apply it appropriately. Rather
than being subject to our own emotions, we should be rational. For example, how do we respond
to discipline? Often we get emotional and upset, and as a result we lash out against whoever is
delivering the discipline. However, being open to reason should mean that we reasonably con-
sider the discipline. This does not mean that when Biblical authority is being challenged that one
simply allows it to continue. We must be logical and thoughtful (thus being open to reason)
however we cannot contradict Scripture and do something that is contrary to Scripture, because
that would