force someone into sin. However, the idea is that by being open to reason, you are demonstrating
an attitude of humility and one of logic that makes a person teachable.
Fully of Mercy and Good Fruits: Like God has forgiven the sins of men, so should we forgive
those who transgress against us. We are to be merciful towards others, in the same way that it has
been lavished on us. Likewise, James says that believers should be full of good fruit. Earlier on in
the epistle (James 2:14-20) James addressed the topic of works. He is calling on believers, those
that have true wisdom, to show the evidence by their good conduct (James 3:13) bearing good fruit
in the works that give assurance to salvation (not produce salvation!).
Impartial: In James 2:1-13, the issue of partiality is addressed in great detail. James accuses
those who show partiality as being in judgment of others. The idea is to not make distinctions
based on partial judgments, but instead treat all the same.
Sincere: It means to be genuine with no pretenses. In church circles these days, there is this
movement in which people say they want others to be genuine with them. In other words, be who
you are and don’t put on masquerades. We can never build true relationships if we are not
genuine, because we never get to know the true person.
After indicating the characteristics of true wisdom, James closes out this section by indicating that
those who sow in peace and make peace, will have a harvest of righteousness. Godly wisdom
produces a continuing cycle of righteousness, which is planted and harvested in a peaceful,
harmonious relationship between God and His faithful people and between those people them-
selves.
Examination & Application of the Text: As Women of Wisdom , here are some basic
questions to ask first in the evaluation of yourself, of course using the definitions provided above
for each word:
1) Am I pure?
2) Am I peaceable?
3) Am I gentle?
4) Am I open to reason?
5) Am I full of mercy?
6) Am I full of good works?
7) Am I impartial?
8) Am I sincere?