Heavenly Wisdom
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” James 3.17
When the Christian comedian, Jerry Clower, was giving his testimony, one of his adjective phrases he used to emphasize the life of the believer was “the main, most thing.” James has reached a point in his letter in which he is expressing “the main, most thing.”
The word “first” translates the Greek word “prṓton” and speaks of that which is of primary importance in both time and position. In other words, in order to identify wisdom that is above the worldly, yea, from the realms of the Almighty, one must before anything else consider its purity. When considering what is “the main, most thing,” one must begin at the foundational thought of separation from that which is earthly. The Apostle Paul encourages true believers to come out from the world – to separate themselves from the things of the world – to have no association with the works of darkness, i.e. the world. (II Corinthians 6.17)
So, according to James, what is this “purity” (mén hagnós)? The word “pure” is made up of two words, which literally translates as “certainly exciting holiness.” Hagnós denotes freedom from defilements or impurities. In a more restricted sense, it speaks not only of being chaste but also of being virginal. The purity of which James speaks is not simply something that is separate and clean, but is also something which excites others to be of the same mind. After all, one of the characteristics shared between fellow believers is that of a common and shared focus – a focus on being like and following the Savior. As we separate from the world we are drawn to each other and to Christ Himself.
Without this first, “main, most thing” all of the rest of these aspects of Christ-like wisdom fail. Founded upon a separated life, we can then add the following elements:
1. Peaceableness (eirēnikós), which suggests someone who is a peacemaker.
2. Gentleness (epieikḗs), which carries the idea of moderation and respectful consideration.
3. Easy to be intreated (eupeithḗs) is a phrase derived from a single Greek word which is unique to James. Although found only here in the New Testament, the principle of approachability is found throughout Christianity.
4. Full of mercy (mestós éleos) translates two words indicating a person whose mind is filled with kind and gracious thoughts – a person who seeks to bestow mercy and entreat God to bestow mercy on others.
5. Good fruits (agathós karpós) which are contrasted with “every evil work,” (James 3.16) speak of the natural results coming from a pure heart. This wisdom can be seen by the fruit it produces. It isn’t just the inner power to think and talk about things the right way; it is full of… good fruits.
6. Without partiality (adiákritos) is another unique word used by James. The one with heavenly wisdom makes no decisions until he has a complete understanding of the situation. He makes no prejudicial judgments about people based upon clothing, skin color, or any other partially developed understanding. He has no bigoted bone in his body.
7. Without hypocrisy (anupókritos) again features a word prefixed by the alpha negative. By adding the alpha negative to this word, the indication shows someone who is without either hypocrisy or pretense – someone who is an example of a pure heart – one separated away from worldly wisdom and to God.
The “main, most thing” in the Christian life is to live with eternity in view – to understand that we live not simply for today, but we are God’s creations intended to bring glory to Him with our actions, attitudes, and living.
Copyright © 2023 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
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