Meekness of Wisdom

"Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? ¹² Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. ¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom."

James 3:11-13

God's wisdom is in utter contrast to the wisdom of the world.  We are naturally devoid of God's wisdom, and having been born again through faith in Christ we can walk in God's wisdom.  The truth is our attitudes and choices do not always line up with the wisdom revealed in Jesus Christ.  Just like a fig tree bears figs and a fresh spring provides fresh water, the wisdom of God is marked by meekness.  There ought to be agreement between our words and deeds according to God's standard of righteousness.

A fellow believer pointed out this connection to me this morning, that good conduct reveals our works are "done in the meekness of wisdom."  God's wisdom appears foolish to men.  Jesus came with all authority in heaven and earth and He willingly humbled Himself, made Himself of no reputation, and was the servant of all.  He is Wisdom for us from God (1 Cor. 1:30), and He was revealed in meekness.  He was not boastful, arrogant, or threaten His enemies but prayed for them and served them.  He did not raise His voice on the streets to attract followers or likes.  He was content to do the will of the Father without fanfare or recognition.  Even His brothers criticised Jesus in this area, how He seemed reluctant to reveal Himself to the world or garner attention (John 7:1-13).  This wisdom is demonstrated in meekness by faith in God - something the world perceives as weak and useless.

If we were unsure of the difference between the wisdom of God and man, James provides details in the following verses.  James 3:14-17 says, "But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. ¹⁵ This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. ¹⁷ But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy."  The wisdom of the world says we need to look out for self, promote self, and protect self.  When we feel our needs are going unmet or our efforts have not been recognised, envy and self-seeking move us to assert ourselves rather than trust God.  The wisdom of man says it is fine to lie as long as I benefit and no harm is done to others.  Satan is the father of lies, and this kind of "wisdom" is evil and comes from him.

God's wisdom stands in stark contrast to this and is described as "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruit, without partiality and without hypocrisy."  This is a very good working description of "the meekness of wisdom."  Instead of being fuelled by selfish ambition or envy, wisdom from God exudes grace and compassion towards others.  It is pure and righteous, without favouritism or hypocrisy.  There should be agreement between the way we are thinking, feeling, and acting.  The world angles for personal advantage, recognition, and reward, yet the wisdom of God bring rest and comfort to our hearts because we realise God is sovereign and in control.  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and God's wisdom is demonstrated in meekness because we know God who is the Almighty, a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.