8 Characteristics of Godly Wisdom & the Origin of Wisdom in Creation

Introduction

The epistle of James is supposedly written by James the apostle, who is considered the brother of Jesus Christ our Lord (Galatians 1:19). He was also a leader of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 15:13, 21:18). With one whom was born in such proximity to our Lord, it would give us a great advantage to consider and place special value on the things written by this beloved leader.

Furthermore, since he shares a position of familial relation with Jesus, we have a perspective from him that is unlike any other, except Jude. There are many things we could consider from the writing of the apostle James. However, there are two things I would like to investigate in tonight’s lesson:

What did James think about creation, and

What did James really think about good works?

Here we find that there has been a number of things said about the apostle’s views in comparison to the views of the apostle Paul. However, I think these arguments spawn out of a misunderstanding of what either of these two leaders actually taught. So, I will briefly summarize their views:

Paul was mostly concerned about the Christian’s use of works of the law of Moses towards salvation.

James is mostly concerned about the Christian’s use of faith that produces good works.

The obvious difference is the emphasis on the law of moses and the difference between good works and works derived from keeping the law of Moses.

Paul’s work concentrates on the theological dilemma of the eternal soul.

Jame’s works concentrates on the practical life of mankind on earth.

The obvious difference is on the temporary-eternal dynamics.

The point that brings me to this study tonight is the fact that so many Christians have a narrow view of their life. They focus on the eternal, not realizing that their life, the life God has promised them, includes and is concerned with the temporary, earthly, and material reality. It is not that the faith that saves our soul eternally has negated and completely disregarded our current and temporary needs. Rather, it is that our faith which yields eternal blessings have redefined our temporary perspective as to have a new vision for how life should be lived on earth. This is the unique nature of James’ epistle.

What does the Bible have to say about our temporary endeavors, the responsibilities we have as humans, and the covenant-faithfulness of God towards humans whom he has set over His creation. There’s a terrible misunderstanding about being human: Just because Adam fell in the garden, God no longer sees Himself responsible for those who live in accordance to His purpose. This is not true. God is still loyal to His people. It is only that the people whom God invested His loyalty have been removed from any opportunity to receive on behalf of God’s faithfulness. Yet, God is still loyal to His people and has, in His providence, planned for the well-being of those who trust and obey Him.

So, let’s wrap our minds around the things that pertain to James’ view of this life that is promised to those who will follow God. First, I consider James to be the New Testament’s Solomon. He is obviously influenced by the wisdom of Solomon, and it he is adamantly drawing his Christian community to that ancient wisdom that is intended to guide the lives of God’s people. Secondly, I submit to you that James’ biggest concern for the believers was their quality of life as Christians.

This is a purely Jewish way of thinking about covenant with God. No Jew would have imagined that their faith only reaps dividends in eternity. Rather, they felt their faith would need to be practical and applicable to daily living.

Well how did James imagine this life would be? Through wisdom. Jewish faith taught that wisdom was a tree of life (Proverbs 3:18 “18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who hold on to her are happy.” ). Solomon also taught the earth was founded by wisdom (Proverbs 3:19-20 “19 The Lord founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding. 20 By his knowledge the watery depths broke open, and the clouds dripped with dew.”). Therefore, wisdom is intrinsically involved in the earth’s existence and how it operates.

With this understanding, it is important for us to learn the characteristics of wisdom so we might learn how wisdom can benefit our life.

Characteristics of Wisdom

Pure

Peaceable/peace-loving

Gentle

Compliant

Full of mercy

Full of good deeds

Impartial

Always sincere