Not surprisingly, research suggests that wisdom doesn’t always grow with age (see Job’s question, 12:12), nor is it related to intelligence. Rather, wisdom is associated with inherent character traits, which pursue moral virtue and emotional self-control. 

Charles Spurgeon, a famous nineteenth- century preacher, explained it like this: ‘Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.’*

Our desire as disciples of Jesus is to pursue wisdom that enables us to view life from God’s perspective, wisdom reflected in the virtues described by James (v 17), fruit borne only by walking closely with God. Proverbs reminds us that ‘the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom’ (9:10). The way of wisdom begins with our reverence and knowledge of God, a knowledge that shapes our lives as we seek to reflect the Lord’s glory, being transformed into his likeness (see 2 Corinthians 3:18). This is true wisdom and wisdom that can indeed grow with age if we prayerfully prioritise our relationship with Jesus.
 

*Charles H Spurgeon, Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, Volume 17 

Dear Lord, three things I pray: to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly, day by day.’¹

The problem with our modern Bible translations is that, in splitting chapters into sections, it is easy to lose the coherence of a chapter. In today’s reading, James has remained with the context of verses 1 and 2 where he is addressing the teachers in the community. Much like the teaching on the power of the tongue, the broader category of ‘anyone’ (v 2) remains in view.

Two kinds of wisdom – true and false wisdom – are set before us in much the same way that Proverbs contrasts wisdom and folly.² James sets out the origin of these two kinds of wisdom. True wisdom originates in God; false wisdom in the ‘demonic’ (v 15). Each kind of wisdom is demonstrated through behaviour. False wisdom is demonstrated by those for whom self-aggrandisement is key (v 14), which ultimately leads to discord in the community. In contrast, those who show true wisdom are marked by seven attitudes (v 17) underpinned by humility (v 13). Every one of these attributes is, of course, fundamental to God’s character. As we, the followers of Jesus, embrace this true wisdom, we grow in likeness to Christ and ultimately this leads to peace within the community.

Community discord or community peace – which would you prefer? We would all like to be part of a community of peace, but it can never be peace at any price. The peace referred to by James does not negate that first attribute of true wisdom – purity. True wisdom cannot find an accommodation with false wisdom, simply to maintain peace, and sometimes conflict does have to be faced. However, it takes true wisdom to know when that is required. Key to that is humility not self-aggrandisement. Which wisdom are you pursuing today? 

‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.’³ Pray that God will help you as you pursue true wisdom.

¹ Richard of Chichester, 1197–1253  ² Eg Prov 9:1–18  ³ Prov 9:10