For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

But the wisdom from above 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 the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:15-18)

Like the genie who grants three wishes to the clever recipient who asks for more wishes, Solomon was given the opportunity to ask for anything in the universe he could possibly want; he asked for wisdom. Wisdom is the treasure chest of all treasure chests. This passage in James shows why, as it defines what true wisdom looks like. Let’s look at the characteristics listed, ponder them, and pray to see them activated in our souls.

Wisdom is defined as:

1. Pure, first and foremost. Wisdom doesn’t have ulterior motives at heart. It is good at the core.

2. Peace-loving. James, being a Jew, no doubt had the Hebrew word “Shalom” in mind, which can be interpreted, “everything is in its place, all is well, nothing is amuck.”

3. Gentle. A wise person is patient and mild, not given to uncharacteristic bursts of obtuse behavior.

4. Compliant, willing to yield and able to see things from perspectives other than one’s own.

5. Not prejudice nor showing favoritism to certain parties, ethnicities, social status, etc.

6. Always sincere, always true to God, self, and others.

Father,

This description of wisdom sounds an awful lot like Your Son, my Lord Jesus. My heart’s cry is to become more like Him. He is the perfect representation of You, His Father. I ask that you would purify my heart. Make me into a peace-maker. Change me into a soft and malleable person. God, break every root of prejudice in me. Make me Real, not fake, for I can never fool you. Loose me from all foolishness and grant me a heart of wisdom.

Amen