Question Title

* 1. Would you like to answer a few questions about the reflection on James 3:17-18, I delivered on Tuesday Jan 28, 2013? All responses will be held in strict confidence, and all feedback received will be used to make my future reflections better.

Please choose, Yes, No, or other at the bottom of the page.


Pax et bonum!


The Scripture

James 3:17-18

Wisdom from above is first of all innocent. It is also peaceable... lenient... docile... rich in sympathy... and the kindly deeds that are its fruits, impartial and sincere. The harvest of justice is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.


My Reflection

My brothers and sisters in Christ.

Wisdom is derived from God. Wisdom existed with God before creation itself came into being. Wisdom is a mirror of God’s power and goodness… It is said that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but this is not the end of wisdom. The end of wisdom is not to fear God, but to fear what God fears.
The book of James is considered by many to be a book of wisdom as the letter James draws on the wisdom expresssed in the Old Testament.

This verse comes from chapter 3 of the letter, where James is speaking specifically to teachers of the Word who are building the Church. James tells the teachers that they are at greater risk than most for making mistakes in what they say, as because of their position, their words are more likely be heard.
In this verse, James is specifically talking about wisdom from above, that is the wisdom that is derived from God… It is with wisdom from above that words will not harm.

In the verse just prior James has told them “if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, then you are focused on earthly wisdom”. Earthly wisdom as opposed to Wisdom from above, is measured in worldly terms and its aims are worldly.

There are examples of earthly wisdom in the New Testament. For example the disciples thinking the crowd should be dismissed to find their own food in Matthew Chapter 14, verse 15. Earthly wisdom, instead of bringing people together as Jesus wanted, produces jealously and drives us apart. Earthly wisdom produces strife vs peace and is designed by Satan to agitate personal relationships.

Wisdom from above has its origins in God, not man. Its character is heavenly and not earthly. It is God's gift and must be received from Him. There is a meekness to wisdom from above as we can not be wise on our own. We are God's children, and are dependent on our heavenly Father to give us life... love... peace... joy... and the wisdom to live.

Living by God's wisdom will sow righteousness and peace, and by doing so we will reap God's blessings. Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father. If any of us lack wisdom, simply ask God for it as it will be given liberally and without reproach.
When I hear the word wisdom, I think of the Old Testament story involving King Solomon, the son of David. Shortly after becoming King at the age of 12, God asked Solomon (in a dream) what he wanted as gifts to help with his Kingship. Solomon's only request was for the gift of wisdom. God granted his wish and because of Solomon’s great wisdom, people came from far and wide to ask Solomon questions throughtout his life.

One of the examples of Solomon’s wisdom is demonstrated in the following story. There were two mothers living in the same house, both of whom had new born children. The child of one of the women was killed when the mother accidentally rolled over on her baby while she was sleeping. The grieving mother snuck into the other woman's room while she was asleep and exchanged her dead baby for the living one. A dispute broke out over who was the real mother of the surviving baby and they came to King Solomon to ask to have the matter settled.

King Solomon’s suggestion was to cut the surviving baby in half so that each mom could have part. The mother who had accident

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