Shades of Wisdom II

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 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. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James‬ ‭3:13-18‬

This Bible passage has been our point of reference on what wisdom is like. So far, we have looked at three features- pure, peaceable and gentle. Today, let us focus on some more

4. Willing to yield

This quality of yielding paints the picture of one who submits to authority. Too many people brag about being wise because they are accountable to no one or submit to no authority. That is a misnomer. Submission paints the picture of power under control or restraint. It takes a strong person and even so, a wise person to submit. Rebels and renegades have an underlying factor of fear- the fear of being taken advantage of, hence their actions of rebellion. Submissiveness doesn’t mean you are a dummy, it simply means you give permission for one to lead and you follow his mission. How do you relate to your supervisor at work, teacher at school, the policeman or government appointed delegates? This speaks a lot about your wisdom. This quality of willing to yield also talks about not being stubborn or hard up on issues. You easily let them slide for the sake of peace. Most cases or issues are prolonged because of stubbornness.

5. Full of mercy

A wise person is full of mercy and merciful. A merciful person is one that gives chances when people err. May I submit that being merciful & being taken a fool of are not the same. A merciful person is in the know and quite enlightened about what he is doing extending one another chance whilst the latter is naive, may not know the facts of the story giving people the opportunity to make a buck out of him. Being merciful also means you are compassionate. Where is your wisdom if you have no compassion?

6. Full of good fruits

Good fruits here is relative and in context of the Bible. In the Bible, the term fruit is used in various instances like godly character with its traits of love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control. Our passage above terms righteousness as a fruit. Good speech is also a fruit. The short of it all is a wise person is fruitful. You can’t proclaim to be wise yet barren! You have no works or fruits to show forth for. It is not okay to just talk a good game but play one. A wise man doesn’t just wax eloquent on issues of justice and equity but his life and actions embody that quality too. A wise man is a doer. He has fruits or works to show forth when the rubber meets the road

May we be submissive, merciful and fruitful this week. By these, we can safely say we are on the pathway of wisdom

“Wisdom is justified of her children”- Jesus

Till I come your way again…

Peace & Love