Redeeming Wisdom

Jam 3:13-18

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (James 3:13)

                                                  Wisdom that redeems

It is traditionally believed that the book of James was written by James (1:1), the brother of Jesus and a leader of the Jerusalem council. He portrays the difference between wisdom that is given from heaven and wisdom that is acquired in this earth. Bible teaches that God is the source of wisdom. James 1:5 clearly says that “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all liberally and without reproach and it will be given to him." There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. We all acquire knowledge and receive wisdom. In the Post-modern thinking, knowledge cannot be measured by literacy or degrees.  Knowledge varies from one person to another. There is no absolute method to acquire knowledge. The fishermen’s knowledge or a farmers’ knowledge cannot be compared with that of a university scholar. Each one has a unique position in understanding and learning. We cannot ignore or overlook the knowledge system of each individual. Wisdom is different from all these concepts. Wisdom is not gained but given.

James negates the claim that everyone receives wisdom. James says, “Show me your wisdom by your life”. James tries to teach how wisdom and life are connected. The deeds of one’s life is a mirror of wisdom. Chapter 3 is a warning to the teachers who used to boast in their knowledge and wisdom. They used wisdom for wrong motives, selfish ambitions and to attract people to themselves. Therefore, James urges to receive wisdom from God because it is pure and peaceable. When the wisdom is pure then the truth cannot be diluted and contaminated. The text also describes how we are guided by the evil forces which always promote jealousy and selfish ambition. The knowledge that evil provides is against the wisdom from above. James says all those who are wise will be righteous and peacemakers. Let us ask for wisdom from God to discern what is right and wrong so that our life will be meaningful and blessed.