Friday, March 1, 2013

Wisdom That Includes

God's wisdom descends it does not climb. It seeks to include but not at the cost of holiness.

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." James 3:13-18 NKJV

Self-seeking wisdom always travels with unwelcome companions. Confusion and evil are always not far behind.

The gospel draws a circle that includes a person inside. I love the words describing the qualities of this wisdom. It is pure (Hagnos - G53) and that holiness comes first. That purity is a purity that only exists in the pure One Himself. Peaceable (Eirenikos - G1516) wisdom has rest embedded in it. It is interwoven with the Shalom of God. It is also gentle (Epieikes - G1933) which is reason derived from and in rest. This gentleness is fair, calm and gracious. It is not rigid there is a willingness to yield or to be entreated (Eupeithes - G2138). This wisdom does not just make impersonal pronouncements it is approachable and transparent. God wants interaction on a personal level. That interaction results in the dispensing of mercy (Eleos - G1656) and good fruits (Agathos - G18/ Karpos - G2590) are the result.

Of all the things that wisdom is what it isn't is equally revealing. It has no partiality (Adiakritos - G87) or hypocrisy (Anypokritos - G505).

This phrase 'without partiality' is an interesting one it is the negation of the word used for doubt or discerning (Diakritos - G1252). In other words wisdom from above does not create wrong divisions by coming to wrong conclusions or making wrong distinctions.

If a hypocrite wears a mask this love removes the mask to reveal it's face. It is the unfeigned approach of someone that has nothing to hide.

This wisdom doesn't make the false distinctions that clique‏s make. It does not have multiple personalities. It yields and invites and loves without ever leaving it's primary quality of purity.

Does this sound like anyone you know?

Jesus was and is all of these things. Believers are people who embrace and take on these qualities as well.

The wisdom of the Gospel is this kind of wisdom.

"And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." Phil 1:9-11

This is love that is 'without offense.' This wisdom is excellent and sincere and if people refuse it our hands are clean.




2 comments:

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    1. Most of it was 'gleaned' last night in our coffee time but it was great to be up early and get into the Greek of that verse. What an amazing verse!

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