Wisdom

Wisdom

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness.

James 3:17-18

We identify a wise person the same way we identify a tree—by the fruit he bears. A tree is identified by the lemons, cherries, or grapefruit it bears. A wise person is identified by the following:

• Purity. Pure morals come from being cleansed by Christ’s blood. When we receive Christ’s purity, we set aside sensuality, pride, and covetousness. Purity of devotion is a result of our focus on God. We concentrate on serving and pleasing him.
• Peace. This is not a passive quality, meaning we avoid conflict and become doormats to whatever our children or husbands want. Rather, it means having a calm, tranquil spirit, which comes from a close relationship with Christ.
• Consideration. We treat others the way we’d like to be treated. This means that sometimes we put others’ needs first.
• Submission. This involves a willingness to yield to another. A wise person is open to reason and doesn’t always need to be right.
• Mercy. This is compassion that is not just thought about but is acted out toward another person at times when it would be easier to judge or condemn.
• Impartiality. Impartial people are unbiased and unwavering. They don’t compromise the truth in a difficult situation. Wise people are steady.
• Sincerity. A wise mom doesn’t say she believes one thing, then act out something else. Sincerity leaves no room for hypocrisy.

It would be as impossible to cultivate these qualities by ourselves as it would be to grow a garden without seeds. But when we have been cleansed by Christ’s blood and we remain close to him, we—and our children—will see that these fruits grow in our lives.

God of wisdom,

Thank you that as we walk near you, we will grow in purity, peace, consideration, submission, mercy, impartiality, and sincerity. Amen.