Wisdom from Above

What It Looks Like and How to Get It

by Lois Flowers

When I was reading through the Book of James last year, I wrote about a verse that encourages us to ask God for wisdom, knowing that He gives to all generously and without finding fault.

In this post, I focused mostly on the way James 1:5 talks about God, not on wisdom. A few days later, though, I came across an answer to a question I hadn’t even asked—namely, what does the wisdom that God gives so freely actually look like?

Here’s how James 3:17 describes it: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (ESV)

I’ve always thought of wisdom in terms of its synonyms—knowledge, good sense, discernment, insight, and so on. In my mind, it’s something I especially desire when I don’t know what to do—why else would I need to ask God for it?

That’s true, but it’s not the whole picture. The fact that James 3:17 talks about “wisdom from above” indicates that there are other types of wisdom available to us.

We can pray for wisdom all we want, but how do we determine whether the “wisdom” we’re receiving is from God, especially when we’re also seeking out information and direction from other sources, such as online and via social media?

Here’s a starting point. Wisdom from above both enables us and prompts us to act in a certain way. More specifically, it never directs us to behave or speak in a way that is opposite what we read in James 3:17.

In other words, instead of having an arrogant, argumentative, know-it-all, rough or patronizing attitude or tone, people who display godly wisdom are gentle, open to reason, merciful, impartial and sincere (as opposed to hypocritical). In addition, the thoughts they share are pure (which includes not contradicting scripture).

That’s worth pondering for a moment, isn’t it?

This can get complicated sometimes, especially in these days of continual outrage and offendability. If the people with whom we are interacting don’t like what we are saying, for example, they may interpret our tone to be harsh, judgmental or accusatory when it’s really not. Other times, though, we may think we are coming across gently when nothing could be further from the truth, no matter what we are saying.

It reminds me of what C.S. Lewis says about pride in Mere Christianity—that “there is no fault which makes a man more unpopular, and no fault which we are more unconscious of in ourselves.”

As with pride, people who mistakenly think they are operating under the influence of godly wisdom often are the least likely to see that they are not. At the same time, individuals who truly exhibit wisdom from above stand out in all the good ways.

When I think of people in my life who have displayed this kind of wisdom—my dad, mentors I had when I was a young mom, friends I have now as the mom of teenage daughters—I see that they share some similar traits.

They pray. They study the Bible. They read widely (though they don’t necessarily follow many popular voices). They give advice when asked, but don’t often offer unsolicited opinions. They don’t talk excessively, and they listen well.

This is the kind of person I aspire to be, and I also hope to see these traits develop in my daughters. It’s a lifelong process, though. I may have a bit more wisdom now than I did even a few years ago, but just as soon as I start thinking of myself as remotely wise, I’m fairly sure God will find ways to gently (or not so gently) remind how far I have to go.

I pray for my girls to have wise mentors and role models, just as I did, especially when they are far away from me. I pray that, over time, the seeds of wisdom that are already evident in them will grow, mature and bear fruit. I pray that God would teach us all to number our days, so that we may develop a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

I pray with confidence, because if I’m sure of anything, it’s this: In this day of shortages and supply chain disruptions, there’s no shortage of wisdom from above. God is ready and willing to give it to us—generously and without finding fault.

All we have to do is ask for it.

Lois

In this day of shortages and supply chain disruptions, there’s no shortage of wisdom from above. God is ready and willing to give it to us—generously and without finding fault. Click To Tweet

P.S. I’m linking up this week with #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Recharge Wednesday, Let’s Have Coffee, Inspire Me Monday and Grace & Truth.

Leave a Comment

20 comments

Bethany McIlrath October 30, 2021 - 7:32 am

Love, love, love this, Lois! A few years ago I focused on one of these descriptors of wisdom from above each day, trying to identify if what I called wise fit the description! It was convicting. So glad today to reflect on this again with your wise insights.

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Lois Flowers October 31, 2021 - 4:15 pm

I can see how that would be convicting, Bethany! But it sounds also sounds like a great practice. 🙂

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Debbie Wilson October 29, 2021 - 11:16 am

I love your conclusion, “In this day of shortages and supply chain disruptions, there’s no shortage of wisdom from above.” As I seek wisdom, this is so helpful. God give it and His wisdom brings peace not panic.

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Lois Flowers October 31, 2021 - 4:12 pm

Debbie, what a good indicator of Godly wisdom: “His wisdom brings peace not panic.” I will be holding that thought close this week as I try to filter what is wise vs. what is not.

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Donna October 29, 2021 - 10:48 am

Lois, I just enocuntered the wisdom which is from above in this post! I am embarrassed to admit I memorized that verse weeks ago, and repeat it almost daily, BUT have not taken it to heart as you have here. God used this post to point out I often speak in pride, relying on my own wisdom rather than God’s, resulting in as you can imagine less than pure motives, or gentle words. Thank you for your faithful lesson today!!

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Lois Flowers October 31, 2021 - 4:10 pm

Aw, Donna … you are definitely not alone in the struggle–it’s a lesson God has been teaching me as well. May He continue to use our words to encourage each other, my friend. 🙂

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Susan Shipe October 27, 2021 - 9:04 am

It’s been a while since visiting over here – always blessed when I do. ♥

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Lois Flowers October 31, 2021 - 4:07 pm

And it’s always good to hear from you, Susan. 🙂

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Lynn October 27, 2021 - 8:26 am

Ah..so much hope in this post. There is never a shortage of God’s wisdom, love, and grace.

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Lois Flowers October 31, 2021 - 4:06 pm

Amen! I’m glad you found this post to be hopeful, Lynn. 🙂

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Linda Stoll October 26, 2021 - 8:28 pm

I’m so resonating, Lois. Your words have touched a tender spot in my heart.

Because this, right here, is what far too many think of us believers / evangelicals / Christ-followers –> ‘an arrogant, argumentative, know-it-all, rough or patronizing attitude or tone.’

Understandably so.

Sadly the world doesn’t define us by our gracious love, overflowing kindness or our gentle wisdom but by ugly vitriol, heavily influenced by politics. If I see another JESUS SAVES banner at a violent political rally, I will scream.

The word evangel, bringing good news, has become a political football, tarnished and dragged through the mud. Our testimony, our outreach to those in need of a Savior has been marred. Lord, have mercy on us all.

This is all a great grief for me.

And now I’ll get off my soapbox.

In love.

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Lois Flowers October 31, 2021 - 4:04 pm

Oh, Linda … I hear you. It’s very difficult to reconcile these kinds of attitudes with the Fruit of the Spirit, isn’t it? Thank you for sharing your heart, my friend.

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Trudy October 26, 2021 - 3:01 pm

Such insightful reflections, Lois. And this is so encouraging – “In this day of shortages and supply chain disruptions, there’s no shortage of wisdom from above. God is ready and willing to give it to us—generously and without finding fault.” Love how ready and willing He is. Thank you for this reminder, my friend. Love and blessings of wisdom!

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Lois Flowers October 31, 2021 - 4:01 pm

I love that about God too, Trudy … ready and willing to give us wisdom and so many other good gifts. Sending you a warm last-day-of-October hug, my friend. 🙂

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Barbara Harper October 26, 2021 - 2:22 pm

This verse has come to mind often in the last couple of years of political and other upheavals online. Then I have to remind myself that my fleshly desire to respond in kind isn’t reflective of God’s wisdom, either. It’s so true that we easily fail to see our lack in this area. I pray often for God to show us out blind spots.

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Lois Flowers October 31, 2021 - 3:59 pm

Barbara, that’s a wonderful–and very wise–way to pray.

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Joanne Viola October 26, 2021 - 12:52 pm

“In this day of shortages and supply chain disruptions, there’s no shortage of wisdom from above.” I am so glad God will give us wisdom in abundance, if we simply come to Him and ask.

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Lois Flowers October 31, 2021 - 3:58 pm

Me too, Joanne. I find myself praying for this very regularly these days!

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Paula Short October 26, 2021 - 10:04 am

Lois I love this lesson. “ We can pray for wisdom all we want, but how do we determine whether the “wisdom” we’re receiving is from God” that is a powerfully thought provoking question. I love your insights here. Blessings.

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Lois Flowers October 31, 2021 - 3:57 pm

Thanks so much, Paula. I’m glad it was thought-provoking for you. 🙂

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