James 3:17,18

‘But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy, and the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.'

In total contrast to all this is the wisdom that has come from above, in those who have been born from above (James 1:5; James 1:17; John 3:3). There is here an indirect reference to the Holy Spirit (compare 1 Corinthians 2:11). This wisdom is pure (hagnos) and free from all defilement, besmirchment and divisiveness, for its eyes are fixed on God and it seeks only to know His thoughts and His will (Matthew 5:8, compare 1:28).

o It is ‘peaceable (eirenikos)', encouraging peace and ensuring it (compare Matthew 5:9). Eirene means peace, and when it is used of men its basic meaning is of right relationships between man and man, and between man and God. True wisdom produces right relationships. ‘There is a kind of clever and arrogant wisdom which separates man from man, and which makes a man look with superior contempt on his fellows. There is a kind of cruel wisdom which takes a delight in hurting others with clever, but cutting, words. There is a kind of depraved wisdom which seduces men away from their loyalty to God. But the true wisdom at all times brings men closer to one another and to God.'

o It is ‘gentle (epieikes).' Epieikes means ‘befitting, suitable, equitable, fair, mild, gentle'. Aristotle defined it as "what is just beyond the written law" (and thus the spirit of the law and not the letter) and as "justice and better than justice" and as "whatever steps in to correct things when the law itself becomes unjust." The man who is epieikes is the man who is aware ‘when it is actually wrong to apply the strict letter of the law. He knows how to forgive when strict justice gives him a perfect right to condemn. He knows how to make allowances and when not to stand on his rights, how to temper justice with mercy, always remembers that there are greater things in the world than rules and regulations.' It is to be ‘sweetly reasonable'. ‘It is the ability to extend to others the kindly consideration we would wish to receive ourselves'.

o It is ‘forbearing' (eupeithes), thoughtful and considerate, and ever willing to understand. It is compliant, approachable and responsive.

o It is ‘merciful' (eleos) and compassionate (Matthew 5:7), as God is merciful and compassionate, to both the worthy and the unworthy, and it produces good fruits.

o It is ‘adiakritos', that is, undivided. That means that ‘it is not wavering and vacillating; it knows its own mind; it chooses its course and abides by it'. It is without discord and dissimulation, and not divided in mind, being to some extent like God in His unchangeableness (James 1:17).

o It is genuine and without pretence and show (anupokritos). It is aiming at genuine perfection even as our Father in Heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48). In James 1:20 we learned that man's anger does not work the righteousness of God. But the wisdom that is from above does, and results in blessing and peace for all.

o And finally it is itself the fruit of righteousness, and also produces the fruit of righteousness in the godly living, behaviour and right attitude of those who receive that wisdom (see Matthew 5:16). It is known by its fruits (Matthew 7:20). The ‘fruit of righteousness' may be the fruit that results from righteousness, or the fruit that results in righteousness, or indeed both.

‘The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.' And this fruit of righteousness comes from a peaceable heart, and offers continual peace, to those who are peacemakers, that is, God's true people (Matthew 5:9). Isaiah also similarly tells us that ‘the work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness and peace for ever' (Isaiah 32:17), while Hebrews speaks of ‘the peaceable fruit of righteousness' (Hebrews 12:11). See also Proverbs 11:30; Amos 6:12. It comes from a heart at peace, and benefits all who are of a peaceful heart. Such are those who have been begotten from above through the word of truth (James 1:18).