Pathways Press.com

Written by Mark D. Roberts, a contemporary author. This is an excerpt from his work “The Gifts of Wisdom.”

We might define wisdom simply as “the capacity or ability to discern what’s right in life.” Such wisdom doesn’t exist “out there” in some disembodied form. Rather, it is found in persons (especially God!). The wisdom from above is deeply personal. When it is active in our lives, it not only helps us to live rightly but also forms us to be more like Christ. … If we think of wisdom as “the capacity or ability to discern what’s right,” we must remember that this is the capacity or ability of a person. Wisdom isn’t a technical ability. Nor is it a list of best practices that could be separated from the best practitioners. Rather, wisdom is something deeply connected to the human being who has it, uses it, and is formed by it. … Commenting on James 3:3-18, Uli [Chi in his book The Wise Leader] writes, “For James, ‘the wisdom from above’ produces a certain kind of person. It’s not first and foremost a body of knowledge but is instead, embodied in a person.” Wisdom is not just something we possess but something that possesses and shapes us. Therefore, as Uli observes, “Wisdom is about formation, not just about information.”

Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace. [James 3:13-18].