Wisdom eludes even the most persistent. One certainly finds little sagacity in our online world. Lots of entertainment and laughs, plenty of consternation and angst, but few nuggets of insight. Like explorers once searched for the source of the Nile, seekers of understanding must turn to the originator of wisdom.

In his missive against the tongue, James pointed out how wisdom from the world around us tends toward boastfulness, falsehoods, jealousy and selfish ambition. Where this wisdom holds court, obnoxious practices spread. He uses the idea of disorder to represent the hearts and minds of those struggling to find a way. James calls this brand of wisdom earthly, unspiritual, and even demonic.

James turns to the better way of slowing our mouths and waiting in the ensuing quiet for words from the Lord: But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

Impartial and sincere people remain scarce in this world. They stand out for their peace of mind and winsomeness. Representing the opposite of disorder, folks like this hold societies together and make our towns and cities wonderful places to live. Befriend these, and seek the impartial and sincere wisdom of the Lord for yourself.

James 3:13-18

Photo by Simon Wilkes