8 Characteristics of Wisdom

Is wisdom a descriptor of your life?

Asking God for wisdom is consistent with his will. And since we all want to be wise, we should all ask God for it.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

James 1:5 (ESV)

Your life, the life of the church and the condition of the world would all improve with wisdom. But would we recognize it when we see it?

How would you describe wisdom? The Bible has an overwhelming description of it. The eight characteristics revealed here can intimidate us or challenge us. So, ask him to make you wise and watch as these characteristics begin to grow in your life. Remember that as we follow Jesus and ask for things like wisdom, we are not passive recipients but active participants in our transformation. While we don’t have the power of God to transform our lives, we have the power of choice to thwart that transformation.

Here is wisdom.

Pure

Wisdom is demonstrated in a life of purity. God empowers us to live unstained by worldly actions and lifestyles. We are called to live holy lives. We are examples of godliness as we become wiser!

Peaceable

As we follow Jesus, we experience profound peace. As we employ the wisdom he gives, we become peacemakers. Our lives are characterized by the ability to untangle conflict, de-escalate tension and get along with people.

Gentle

The world is full of harsh, rude and violent people. Wisdom eliminates these things from our lives. We are easy to live with and a blessing to fellowship. It is nearly impossible to pick a fight with someone who is wise!

Open to reason

Are you a team player or do you live by the motto ‘it’s my way or the highway’? Wisdom listens carefully and engages in civil discourse. This means that we must patiently weigh the facts before we make decisions. Our convictions can shut our minds to reason. ‘Don’t confuse me with the facts. I’ve already made up my mind.’ To be wise is to be open to reason – to carefully consider the facts.

Full of mercy

Some people get on your nerves. Others have made so many bad decisions that we want to give up on them. Some people have inflicted great pain. Being wise means we demonstrate mercy by forgiving them all. In fact, being full of mercy means you have an inexhaustible supply of forgiveness!

Full of good fruits

Wisdom is on display in someone by the life they lead. Good things emanate from the wise. When God’s wisdom takes root in our lives we are blessing and our presence changes lives around us in a very good way.

Impartial

It is easy to give favor to our friends or to those who are an encouragement in our lives. One of the characteristics of wisdom is that we do not give favor to certain people but treat everyone equally. Wealth, talent, connections, resources or charisma are not factors in determining how people are to be treated. The wise know that these advantages can be fleeting or deceptive.

Sincere

Being deceptive is common. For some, it is almost an art form! Because we tend to selfishness we are apt to be less than honest in order to feel good about ourselves or to present a positive image. However, wisdom is not like that. Sincerity, simple honesty, integrity are characteristics of wisdom!

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

James 3:17(ESV)

Evaluate

As we contemplate these eight characteristics, I would ask this question: if your life is characterized by the lack of these things does that make you foolish? If you aren’t merciful or won’t listen to a different point of view (open to reason) are you opposing God’s will to implant wisdom in your life?

Wisdom means we change. Being wise makes us more temperate and more considerate. It is a challenge we should respond positively to. Are you ready to make the change and become a standard bearer for wisdom?