Some things in life are full body experiences. Getting married touches the whole person—the heart, the mind, and the body. Skydiving engages the whole person—the heart’s desire followed by an alert mind, and a capable body all come into play.

The same is true with wisdom. Wisdom may be perceived as strictly cerebral, but James teaches us that wisdom is a full body experience. James says (3:13), “Who is wise and understanding among you?

By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” The wise person is not one of knowledge alone, but one who demonstrates that knowledge in bodily conduct. Wisdom impacts the heart, the mind, and also the body. James asks who is wise? He states that he will not necessarily see it in a lecture but in a life living like Jesus (implied from 2:8).

The manner of this full body experience is important too; it ought to be done in meekness or a humble gentleness. Scot McKnight describes this humble gentleness as a “non-retaliation in the face of criticism.”¹ He states, “[T]he teacher [from the context of chapter 3] is to do good works with a vulnerability, a non-aggressive, non-boastful approach to life.”² Therefore, wisdom and understanding chart non-hostile courses of action that are not ultimately dictated by another’s violence or criticism.

No doubt a wisdom like this is difficult to comprehend in the face of today’s public discourse. Points are scored for aggressive speech and the undoing of an opponent. But God’s wisdom is better than this. It charts a course that takes others into consideration, even our enemies. God’s wisdom moves us to a humble gentleness whereby others may benefit from our actions and not just ourselves.

God’s wisdom changes the way we live—for the better. We need wisdom from God that is action oriented, humble, gentle, and honoring to the Lord. Thank the Lord that He has granted to us this wisdom in Christ Jesus; He is our wisdom from God (1 Co. 1:30). Let us sing the words of this great song—“The Perfect Wisdom of our God.”

O grant me wisdom from above,
To pray for peace and cling to love,
And teach me humbly to receive
The sun and rain of Your sovereignty.
Each strand of sorrow has a place
Within this tapestry of grace;
So through the trials I choose to say:
“Your perfect will in Your perfect way.”³

Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezxuJ_Irpks to hear the whole song. I highly recommend it!