Eight Marks of Divine Wisdom

‘But 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. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness’ (James 3:17, 18).

Wisdom is the master key to a life of fruitfulness; it is described as a tree of life. Basically, it is sound judgment - knowing what to do, at the right time and in the right way. By it God laid the foundations of this world and without it no one can be successful on earth (Prov 3:18, 19). Proverbs, the book of wisdom teaches that wisdom is the most important thing, therefore seek it with all your heart and get it. It is the means by which kings reign. Without it no Christian can exercise dominion or rule on earth as God has ordained. There is therefore a need to seek it more than one seeks silver and gold or material things (Prov 2:4). The Bible also says, ‘do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom’ (Prov 4:6, 7).  The All wise God is the source of all wisdom and the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10). The Bible teaches that the wisdom of God is the true wisdom, whereas wordly wisdom that comes from the devil is false wisdom. This lesson focuses on the difference between the two. 

Below are eight characteristics of false wisdom in James 3:14-18 as outlined by Finis Dake.  False wisdom that comes from the devil:

1.    Leads to bitter envying or jealousy (vs 14, 16)

2.    Leads to selfish ambition or strife in the heart (vs 14, 16)

3.    Leads to glory in profession or boasting (vs 14)

4.    Is earthly, having this life only in view (vs 15)

5.    Is sensual, living only to satisfy the animal appetites (vs 15)

6.    Is devilish and inspired by demons (vs 15)

7.    Leads to confusion (vs 16)

8.    Leads to every evil work (vs 16)

On the contrary ‘True wisdom’ that comes from God is:

1.    Pure; chaste, holy and clean (vs 17)

2.    Peace loving (vs 17, Heb 12:14)

3.    Gentle at all times – meek, modest and kind (vs 17)

4.    Easily entreated, not stubborn or obstinate but yielding to others. ‘It readily yields to the superior judgments and stronger reasoning of others; and are easily induced to hope and believe all things, and entertain a good opinion of men’ (vs 17) - Barnes

5.    Full of mercy - always forgiving and performing acts of kindness (vs 17)

6.    Full of good fruits and deeds (Gal 5:22-23)

7.    Without partiality or favoritism - having no respect of persons (vs 17, James 2:1-10)

8.    Without hypocrisy- open, honest, genuine and true (vs 17)

The wisdom of God that can be acquired from the Bible – the Word of God, is the way to a life of fruitfulness and fulfillment. Many have forsaken the wisdom of God and embraced the wisdom of the world to their own detriment. The truth is, the wisdom of the world only offers temporary solutions and pleasure, but the wisdom of God is the only way to a long term life of fulfillment. Today examine yourself; are you living by the wisdom of God or the wisdom of the world? James 3:13 says that, ‘If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom’.