7 Pillars of Wisdom
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy (Jas.3.17).
It is a common place to hear people talk about wisdom these days. Irrespective of the definitions available, there are two types of wisdom, earthly and divine wisdom. James took time to lay out the difference between the two. We will examine briefly the characteristics of the wisdom that is from above. This helps to distinguish between cleverness that people sometimes display and true wisdom that God gives.
The divine wisdom is first pure. It is undiluted with no form of deception. Its display is uncorrupted. Also it is geared towards peace each time it is displayed. It has no cruelty nor violence attached. Its result is always peaceful irrespective of the chaos before its application. Moreso, it is yielding, not insistence on its own position. Divine wisdom finds it easy to concede ground not out of fear or stupidity but out of understanding of how things work. It yields ground for peace to reign.
Further more, divine wisdom does not seek to oppress others. On the contrary, it is considerate focusing on what others might be experiencing from the aftermath of its display. It is merciful. Another beautiful thing about it is that, it bears good fruits. It has beautiful outlook. Also, it is neither partial nor hypocritical. The expression is as pain as it comes. Not in use because of a preference of persons or to please people. Divine wisdom exists to solve critical problems in the most reputable way possible.
The most beautiful part is that this wisdom is available for the taking by whosoever desires it. There is a pending invitation 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” (Jas 1:5).
© Olusola John.