Finished up James chapter 3 this morning. He talks about wisdom, and so I went to look up a definition. Took me on a wonderful(?) journey across the internet. Names like Socrates and Plato came up – have not really thought about those two since college. Then they dropped the names of others on me, along with their plays. More college memories.
Seems that Socrates was the first great philosopher. Now, the question is “was he?” He may have start the “Socratic Method” (look it up), but I seem to remember Job asking questions like Socrates talks about doing. Also seem to recall that “wisdom” was a thing discussed in the Old Testament – a thing to be desired. There is no confusion, probably just the fact that eventually the truth bursts forth.
Here in James, it seems clear to me that “wisdom” properly applied (lived) does not hurt others, but helps. It soothes, is full of mercy and helps to build up. It brings peace. Wisdom may be applied knowledge, but it is also applied truth – His truth.