21 February 2022
For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.
From James 3:13-18, NRSV
James was writing to church communities in which there was considerable conflict. He wanted them, and especially those who wanted to be considered as teachers, to consider the attitudes and behaviour that should mark their lives as Christians. James offers a contrast between true wisdom and ‘earthly’ wisdom. He characterises earthly wisdom as being about envy, selfish ambition, boastfulness and dishonesty. Worst of all, he describes it as unspiritual and devilish. By contrast, the wisdom “from above” is pure, gentle, peaceful and honest. The possessor of such wisdom has no need to be loud or argumentative but will be known as a peacemaker.
- Why do you think James emphasised peace as one of the characteristics of wisdom?
- Who are the wise people of your own experience and what were they able to achieve?
Reflect on the qualities that James attributes to true wisdom and pray for the discernment to recognise any you need to work on and how you might go about this.
