“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:17­­–18 NLT)

Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr., famously said, “Some people are so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good.” He seems to be suggesting that “the wisdom from above” (as James refers to it) doesn’t always translate to daily life. James would beg to differ. In the passage above, he identifies several qualities of God’s wisdom that make a very real difference in people’s lives every day.

First, the wisdom that comes from God is pure. It reveals God’s will. It shows us how His will impacts every area of our lives, from our relationship with our spouse or loved ones to the way we approach our work. It teaches us how to prioritize His will. And it shows us how our lives will be better, more impactful, and more fulfilling if we do His will. Period. There’s no hidden agenda or dark underbelly with God’s wisdom.

People may try to twist it or hijack it for their own purposes, but the wisdom itself is beyond reproach. We can commit ourselves to it fully. We can build our relationships on it. We can put it at the center of everything we do. And we never have to worry about what the consequences will be.

Second, the wisdom that comes from God is peace loving. Some people try to weaponize wisdom and use it to antagonize or “defeat” others who disagree with them. God’s wisdom doesn’t encourage those impulses. Instead, it encourages humility, compassion, and bridge-building. God’s wisdom doesn’t encourage us to take sides against other people; it encourages us to find common ground to build on. That’s why it’s so valuable to people in relationships. It unites us and strengthens our bond. It inspires us to work together when we face hurdles, instead of working against one another.

Third, the wisdom that comes from God is gentle. Yes, it has the power to change lives and to make us see the error of our ways. And its truth can’t be denied because it comes from God, the Author of truth. And His wisdom is the highest moral authority. Yet God wants us to handle it thoughtfully and humbly. Not with an “I’m right and you’re wrong” attitude, but with a genuine compassion and concern for others. “We will speak the truth in love,” as Paul says in Ephesians 4:15 (NLT).

Fourth, the wisdom that comes from God makes you willing to yield to others. Here’s that emphasis on humility again. God’s wisdom encourages us to recognize that we can learn from other people—especially if we are “quick to listen, slow to speak” (James 1:19 NLT). If you see other people—including your spouse, family members, and loved ones—as potential teachers, you will value them more. And your relationship with them will deepen.

Reflection question: What have you learned from your spouse or someone else close to you?

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