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James 3:17
17 But [de] the wisdom [sophia] that is from above [anothen] is [esti] first [proton] pure [men] [hagnos], then [epeita] peaceable [eirenikos], gentle [epieikes], and easy to be intreated [eupeithes], full [mestos] of mercy [eleos] and [kai] good [agathos] fruits [karpos], without partiality [adiakritos], and [kai] without hypocrisy [anupokritos]. KJV-Interlinear
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. NASB
The differences between the two wisdoms, worldly and spiritual, are phenomenal.
Worldly wisdom comes from evil and promotes evil, and there is nothing good about it. Even those who disagree with this statement cannot argue against the previous verses we have studied. However, they can argue over their interpretations, but there again, they use earthly wisdom or reason, in order to justify their position, and that in itself finds its origins in evil.
In this verse, James explains the differences.
Legitimate wisdom, comes only from heaven, from God, and we become aware of it through our study of the scriptures.
Wisdom is pure. And this simply means that it is without flaws, imperfections, charges of a criminal nature, and so forth. Earthly wisdom is embroiled in deceit, intimidation, threats, and strife, and cannot exist without these things.
Wisdom from above makes a person pure, unlike some religions that seem to believe that a person can become at peace with themselves through knowledge or oneness with nature.
In the case of doctrine, Gods objective for your life is to make you pure through doctrine. His objective in the Christian life is not to make you more intelligent, not to make you more witty, not to make you more brilliant, not to make you more memorable, not to make you more imaginative. Doctrine is there to produce in you, a mature spiritual life.
Being more competitive, intelligent, witty and so forth are earthly characteristics which are used by earthly minded folks in order to draw distinctions between themselves and others. Thus prejudice, bias, elitism, and such come about.
Purity of soul comes from doctrine in the soul and peace comes as a result of that spiritual growth. All fulfilling life comes from God, and from Gods design. Purity is related to the content of your soul, not from any overt works you might be able to perform yourself. Your spiritual actions will follow your spiritual growth. Growth does not result from actions, however actions can serve to reinforce your learning process as you process your life through the cycle of wisdom.
Once your spiritual growth begins to advance, then your life begins its total transformation. Doctrine first, then comes peace, humility, gentleness, reasonableness, tolerance, patience, poise, consistence in your daily life.
