How many of us had ever, in our prayers, asked God to grant us “wisdom”? I certainly had. But have we ever wondered what this “wisdom” truly is? What is being wise? James began this portion by asking “who is wise and understanding among you?” Does this bring anyone to mind?

Following the question, James offers insight into two kinds of wisdom – false wisdom and wisdom that comes from God. False wisdom is marked by “bitter jealousy” and “selfish ambition”, which James says does not come from God. False wisdom, according to James is earthly, unspiritual and demonic – it brings about arrogance, envy, selfishness, foolishness, falsehood, and does nothing to strengthen the community. Hence the result of these markers of false wisdom is “disorder” and “every vile practice” – false wisdom causes confusion, a lack of direction and results in evil practices.

What, then, are the markers of true wisdom, which James described as wisdom that comes from God? James says that it is first and foremost pure, where a person is not double-minded and does not carry spiritual, ethical and behavioural imperfections. This attribute is followed by six other virtues of being peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. The result of true wisdom is peace, counteracting the divisive spirit of false wisdom, and prompts an openness to God’s leading. True wisdom is not just about making decisions or having knowledge, it is about behaviour that changes life, and that brings peace.

Dear brothers and sisters, when we ask for wisdom to make a decision, or to manage situations, we are asking for that wisdom that would bring peace . Let us not be fooled by false wisdom that leads to disunity. When we are misled by wisdom that is not of God, we are often sowing selfishness and strife because we cannot see beyond ourselves, and we will only reap conflict, confusion and disunity. Instead, let us seek true wisdom from God that brings peace. This true wisdom urges us to sow respect, love, gentleness, mercy, sincerity, openness, and the fruit that we reap is peace. As we look at the relationships within our families, our work/school, our church, would you think that there is disorder and disunity in these communities, or do you think they are filled with peace? Dear brothers and sisters, would you commit to pursue true wisdom and be the peacemaker in your community, living out the fruit of true wisdom through the good conduct of your life? Ask God to grant you that wisdom today (James 1:5).