The Wisdom that We Need

The Merriam-Webster dictionary describes a wise person as someone who is marked by deep understanding and keen discernment, enabling them to consistently exercise sound judgment in every circumstance. In our society, this description is usually reserved for older individuals who have “grown wise” through a lifetime of accumulated experience. Even so, when it comes to navigating complex moral issues, secular wisdom remains largely subjective, and is dependent on an individual’s natural disposition or the prevailing culture of the day. 

I suspect society viewed wisdom much the same way in the first century. Perhaps it was this very view that prompted the apostle James to pose a probing question to the congregation: Who is wise and understanding among you?" (Jas 3:13). His answer is surprising. True biblical wisdom, according to the apostle James, is neither developed from within nor subjective. It is a gift from above, and made visible in our daily conduct and speech.

Wisdom from Above

In his response, James contrasts two distinct kinds of wisdom: that which is "earthly, unspiritual, demonic" (v15), and the wisdom that is "from above" (v17). The fundamental difference James highlights is one of origin.

Worldly wisdom, at its core, originates from within ourselves. It is inherently flawed and finite, bounded by our sinful natures that cannot be remedied even with a lifetime of accumulated experience. In contrast, wisdom from above is divine and only has one source: God Himself. As the Westminster Shorter Catechism reminds us, God’s wisdom is infinite, eternal, and unchangeable. In our digital age, whether learning to prompt AI or working with data, the basic truth is that the output is only ever as good as the input. Because of our sinful and fallen state, it is impossible for heavenly wisdom to be manufactured by any amount of human effort. It must be humbly sought from our loving Father up above, who gives generously to all who ask in faith (Jas 1:5, 17).

Heavenly Wisdom is Visible

As we have learned in the book of James so far, genuine faith that saves is active and reveals itself through works of obedience to God. The same holds true for genuine wisdom from above. James insists: "By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom." (v13)

The wisdom from above is not an abstract concept. It is displayed in how we speak and relate to one another, flowing from a humble dependence on God who supplies it. In verse 17, James paints a picture of what this wisdom looks like in practice –

Pure: Holy and blameless, untainted by “bitter jealously and selfish ambition” hidden in our hearts (Ps 24:3-4)

Peaceable: To not be quarrelsome and actively seek peace and reconciliation (Romans 12:18)

Gentle: Forbearing and approachable (Titus 3:2)

Open to reason: Teachable and willing to listen, yielding to sound counsel rather than remaining obstinate (Proverbs 12:15)

Full of mercy and good fruits: Eager to forgive and to show compassion to the undeserving and needy (James 2:15-16)

Impartial: To be fair and not show partiality (Jamess 2:1)

Sincere: Authentic and earnest (1 Peter 1:22)

May we therefore continuously examine our hearts, and pray for the Lord to deliver us from earthly self-reliance, granting us a wisdom from above, for the glory of His holy Name.

^{Deacon Tan Jiayi}