Every Good Gift: A 28-Day Advent DevotionalSample

Wisdom, according to Scripture, is an immensely valuable quality to have. Proverbs 8:11 tells us that “wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” Biblical wisdom is precious and practical. It is meant to be both pondered and practiced. 

In our key verse this week, James asks the question: “Who is wise and understanding among you?” Is that you? How do you know if you are wise? To know this, we must understand the description of wisdom.

If you read on to James 3:17 you will find that he describes this wisdom that helps us live the good life. He says, “Wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” 

Wisdom is precious because it comes from heaven. There is more to it than common sense and logic. There is a quality about it that is distinctly spiritual because it reflects Christ. In First Corinthians, Paul shares that the gospel message—the hope we have—is a reflection of the power and wisdom of God in Christ. This type of wisdom is an approach to life that reflects this hope to the world around us. It is a way of living that puts our knowledge and resources to use on behalf of others, like Jesus would. 

James takes care to describe what this wisdom acts like as well as what it doesn’t act like. Wisdom that is from heaven is pure in intent, desiring only good for others. It creates peace, it considers others, it does not have to be in control, it is robustly good to everyone with no partiality and it is free from pretense. These qualities all have one thing in common: they put blessing others first. 

So when James’ asks “Who is wise and understanding among you?” we can confidently answer: those who have the hope of Christ and share it through “deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (James 3:13). The wise are those who live their lives to bless others. 

Prayer: 

Jesus, You are a reflection of the wisdom of God. I know now that this is because You lived Your life to bring hope to others and to bless them with the good life. Help me to examine my heart and truly understand if I am among the wise and understanding who reflect the wisdom that comes from heaven. Thank You for shaping in me this type of wisdom which is so precious to You. Amen.