Gentleness When Practicing Wisdom - 03/10/2024

Everyone wants to be considered as wise and having understanding; to be one who has wisdom. Along with defining two types of wisdom, James instructs his readers to practice with gentleness the wisdom that “comes down from above” (James 1:13-18).

The concept of being gentle has to do with being “mild-mannered.” It is not the idea that one cannot be firm in their convictions or their faith; it is not a sign of weakness. Whether one is born with this disposition or it is learned, James encourages his readers to exhibit gentleness.

James wants his readers to have the wisdom that “comes down from above” and not the wisdom that “is earthly, natural, demonic.” James uses several words and phrases to illustrate the contrast. The basic idea is that the wisdom of this world brings about conflict while the wisdom which “comes down from above” brings about peace.

The world’s wisdom brings about “jealousy,” strife, “disorder and every evil thing.” James says a person with this type of wisdom will be exhibiting “selfish ambition.” James is not saying we cannot have a “strong desire to do or achieve something” through hard work, rather he is talking about when we are seeking to better ourselves at the expense of others. It is the idea of elevating oneself above another for the purpose of some type of gain.

If the wisdom James is discussing is related to teachers, then James is telling those who desire to be teachers how they are to impart their knowledge. While the teacher may want to share his knowledge with others, he should not have the attitude that his knowledge makes him better than the other person. This attitude of the elevation of oneself, James says, will not be present in the teacher who practices wisdom that “comes down from above.”

However, this message is not limited to those in a position of being a teacher. It is applicable to everyone in how they are living their daily lives. Consider the words James uses to describe a person’s actions – “pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.”

When a person possesses these attributes and puts them into practice in their daily lives, they will be exhibiting a lifestyle that will produce righteousness. This type of person will be one who can have a great influence on others when it comes to living a life based upon faith in God and His message.

Gentleness should not be considered a sign of weakness in character or faith, but rather a sign of great strength. When exercising the wisdom that “comes down from above;” a person is living God’s way. - cgm

Scriptural quotations from the NASB1995.