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James 3:17d
“[The wisdom from above is] impartial and sincere.”
The Apostle James has been unfolding for us the characteristics of godly wisdom—wisdom sourced in God Himself that comes to us as His gracious gift in Christ (James 3:17; see 1 Cor. 1:18). Since this wisdom comes to us in Christ and since we receive Christ and all His benefits only through faith in Christ, it will not be surprising to see that what James says is true of godly wisdom, he says is true of authentic faith also. For instance, the Apostle indicates that true faith and heavenly wisdom are both pure (1:27; 3:17). He also tells us in James 3:17 that heavenly wisdom is marked by peace, gentleness, reasonableness, mercy, impartiality, sincerity, and other good fruits. Elsewhere in his epistle, James teaches that such things also define authentic, saving faith (see 1:19; 2:1; 2:13; 2:26; 3:10).
It is important to note these connections because they tell us that true faith and godly wisdom are inseparable. We can distinguish saving faith and the wisdom from above, and we should do so, but if we have one, we will have the other in at least some measure as well. As with faith, this wisdom may be immature at first, but it will grow to maturity by the power of the Spirit just as faith can also grow stronger over time. Godly wisdom will inform our faith, and our faith will move us to always seek heavenly wisdom, with the result that we will live holy and peaceable lives, serving our Lord in righteousness (3:18).
James 3:17d gives the final two characteristics of godly wisdom: impartiality and sincerity. Scripture often tells us how God hates partiality that ignores the truth, particularly in legal testimony (Lev. 19:15). Certainly, then, the wisdom that the Lord gives will not be anything but impartial. Still, the word translated “impartial” in James 3:17d may be better rendered as “undivided,” which incorporates the idea of impartiality but also adds to it the notion of stability. Coupled with the quality of sincerity in verse 17d, this tells us that those who possess godly wisdom are trustworthy and stable. They do not pretend to be other than they really are, and they are appropriately transparent with others regarding their intentions and beliefs. Matthew Henry comments that godly wisdom “has no disguises nor deceits. It cannot fall in with those managements which the world counts wise, which are crafty and guileful; but it is sincere and open, steady and uniform, and consistent with itself.”
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Godly wisdom creates people of whom it can be truly said that “what you see is what you get.” In other words, those who are wise in the Lord do not put on a show for others, changing their personality depending on their audience. When we possess godly wisdom, we will be honest with others and show sincerity in our words and actions. May we endeavor to be honest and sincere people in order to glorify God and Christ.
For further study
- Deuteronomy 10:17
- Proverbs 24:23
- 1 Corinthians 5:8
- 2 Corinthians 2:17
The bible in a year
- Isaiah 38–40
- Philippians 4