📖 Biblical Definition
Wisdom from above is James’s sevenfold portrait of true wisdom — the kind that comes down from "the Father of lights" (James 1:17) rather than rising from below: "the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy" (James 3:17). It is contrasted sharply with "earthly, sensual, devilish" wisdom (James 3:15) that produces envy, strife, and confusion. The seven marks read like a moral medical chart: where any are missing, the wisdom claiming the name is counterfeit. Christian leaders especially must test their wisdom by this list — purity first, peaceableness next, gentleness throughout.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
James's seven-fold portrait of true wisdom.
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The wisdom that comes down from the Father of lights, contrasted in James 3 with earthly, sensual, devilish wisdom; characterized by seven marks: first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and without hypocrisy.
📖 Key Scripture
James 3:17 — "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."
James 3:15 — "This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish."
James 1:17 — "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Reduced to inspirational sentiment; James gives a sharp diagnostic checklist.
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James 3:17 is a diagnostic. Apply it: is your wisdom pure-first? peaceable? gentle? willing to yield? merciful? impartial? un-hypocritical? Wisdom from below comes with envy and strife; wisdom from above comes with the seven marks. Test your wisdom by James's list.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek sophia anōthen — wisdom from above.
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['Greek', 'G4678', 'sophia', 'wisdom']
['Greek', 'G509', 'anōthen', 'from above, again']
Usage
"Test your wisdom by James 3:17."
"Pure first, then peaceable."