God’s wisdom produces good fruit!
“The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17 NIV)
How do you know if you are being wise according to God’s standards? This verse gives the answer.
It must be pure
Pure is defined as not mixed or adulterated. Having no moral failing or guilt. To be virtuous, ethical, good, righteous, honorable, reputable, wholesome, clean, honest, upright, upstanding, exemplary, irreproachable; decent, worthy, noble, blameless, guiltless, spotless, unsullied, uncorrupt.
It must be peace-loving
Peace-loving is defined as appeasing, peaceful, amicable, calm, conciliatory, diplomatic, friendly, gentle, neutral, peaceable, peacemaking, quiet, tranquil, untroubled.
It must be considerate
Considerate is defined as careful not to cause inconvenience or hurt to others. It’s attentive, thoughtful, solicitous, mindful, heedful; obliging, accommodating, helpful, cooperative, patient; kind, unselfish, compassionate, sympathetic, caring, charitable, altruistic, generous; polite, sensitive, tactful.
It is submissive
Submissive is defined as ready to conform to the authority or will of others; meekly obedient or passive. It is compliant, yielding, acquiescent, unassertive, passive, obedient, biddable, dutiful, docile, pliant.
It is full of mercy
Mercy is defined as compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm. Mercy demonstrates leniency, clemency, compassion, grace, pity, charity, forgiveness, forbearance, soft-heartedness, tenderheartedness, kindness, sympathy.
Full of good fruit
Good fruit is defined as that which is produced by the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law. (Gal. 5:22 ESV)
It must be impartial
Impartial is defined as treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just. To be impartial means to be unbiased, unprejudiced, neutral, nonpartisan, nondiscriminatory, fair, fair-minded, just; without favoritism.
It must be sincere
Sincere is defined as free from pretense or deceit; proceeding from genuine feelings. To be heartfelt, wholehearted, profound, deep; not dishonest or hypocritical.
Wisdom is the principle thing!
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Prov. 4:7)
Need God’s kind of wisdom? Ask God for it!
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)