Monday of the Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
“Was that wise or foolish?” Those words come out of my mouth several times a week as I talk to my children about the choices they have made. I want to use biblical language that they will be able to connect with when they themselves take up the Scriptures as they get older. I also want to use words that have greater emotional, spiritual, and psychological depth. I don’t know why “smart” doesn’t seem to contain that as much for me, but today’s first reading aligns perfectly with what I’m trying to cultivate in my children. Here James sets forth not a definition of wisdom, but a rubric by which we can seek wisdom and specifically heavenly wisdom.
This pursuit is not limited to my children. All of us need wisdom in our lives. Wisdom is the first of the Gifts of the Spirit in Isaiah. However, while we often desire to be wise, we sometimes lack the tools to determine the wisest choice. Proverbs would tell us that wisdom is derived from the fear of the Lord and so the wisest choice is the one that most clearly reflects the fear of the Lord. By breaking open wisdom, James is breaking open fear of the Lord for us in a way that I have never seen. Here is what James says of heavenly wisdom, “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.” Using this quote as our guide, my hope for the rest of this reflection is that we can look at James’ words in light of Proverbs’ quote that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” and come to better appreciate both gifts.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure: I think I am a product of my society. The first thing I think of when I encounter the word pure is sexuality. I think of purity rings and chastity belts (cf. The Princess Bride). But what about duplicity? What about hidden dangers? Impure water is not that which looks filthy, that’s filthy water. It is the water that deceives. The water looks clean but is contaminated. The wisdom from above is pure because when we fear the Lord we properly acknowledge that duplicity and underhandedness are not only unhealthy but would be utterly fruitless with God.
then peaceable, gentle, compliant: Were I to borrow my friend’s new car I would likely drive it more carefully than I drive my own older car. Another example of this is my concern for the food my kids eat while remaining less concerned about my own diet. When I recognize that all that surrounds me doesn’t belong to me, including every person I meet, then I am quicker to be peaceable, gentle and compliant. It is fear of the Lord that reminds me that all belongs to the Lord.
full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity: And then we see wisdom as merciful, fruitful, true in application and true in intent. I almost see this as reflecting the qualities of God. Wisdom is loving, good, and true. When we are wise we are these things not only because they are right, but because we ally ourselves to God when we act in accord with God’s nature.
I’m so excited to have this list, this test to hold out by which to measure my children’s choices and actions … and by which to measure my own.
- Spencer Hargadon