Characteristics of Divine Wisdom...[172]

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.

[James 3:17]

The SEVEN fruits of divine wisdom on display in the above passage.

1. PURE. The primary fruit of divine wisdom is purity. Purity also carries with it a peculiar promise. But the Bible also teachers that no man has seen God. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known. [John 1:18] Jesus meant that the pure in heart will know God so intimately that they will see him come to their rescue when tempted or come alongside as their closest friend when facing trials. Purity clears our vision to see him in everything we do.


2. PEACE-LOVING. We are prone to quarrel by nature but when wisdom from above fills our heart, a peaceable nature blossoms, one that helps heal relationships rather than tear them apart. None of us are peaceful by nature.
   
3. GENTLE (CONSIDERATE). Gentle means equitable, faith or moderate. TOLERANT would be better but even it falls short.
   
   He knows how to forgive when strict justice gives him a perfect right to condemn. He knows how to make allowances, when not to stand upon the rights, how to temper justice with mercy, always remembers that there are greater things in the world than rules and regulations. ~ William Barclay~


4. SUBMISSIVE. "Easily persuaded". It's the opposite of being stubborn and obstinate. Reflected by those who are open, conciliatory and easy to work with.


5. FULL OF MERCY AND GOOD FRUIT. The natural wisdom we inherit from our sin nature is full of distrust, suspicions, scorn and harshness, especially toward the sufferings of others. The wisdom that comes down from above, however, reacts to suffering with mercy and good fruits. Mercy is the compassionate attitude, and good fruits are actions that naturally flow from mercy.


6. IMPARTIAL (UNWAVERING). "A person with fixed principles". Unwavering believers faithfully adhere to the principles in God's Word regardless of the circumstance. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do" but this individual lives under the precept, "When in Rome, do as the believer should do". Coupled with an unwavering fidelity to truth, this individual is decisive, one who is not afraid to make decisions based on Scriptures.



7. SINCERE (WITHOUT HYPOCRISY). Hypocrite means anyone who wears masks, who pretends to be someone he or she is not. True wisdom is never two-faced or deceptive. It is completely and simply honest.

The Result of True Wisdom...

Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. [James 3:18]

Nothing is more barren and desolate than the Libyan Desert - except the human heart apart from God. But as rain gives life to the desert, so can God cultivates a garden of divine wisdom in us through the living water of his Holy Spirit.