Understanding Divine Wisdom in Everyday Life
Have you ever heard someone talk about having “wisdom from above” and wondered what it really means? In simple terms, this phrase is about a special kind of wisdom or knowledge that doesn’t just come from our own experiences or the world around us—it’s a heavenly or divine wisdom that helps guide our actions and decisions. This idea is most common in Christianity, but you can find similar beliefs in many religions.
What Makes “Wisdom from Above” Different?
Unlike “worldly wisdom,” which is mostly about cleverness, strategy, or getting ahead in life, wisdom from above is about aligning ourselves with a higher, spiritual understanding. Worldly wisdom may focus on self-interest, but divine wisdom looks beyond that and encourages us to be better people in every aspect of our lives.
Key Characteristics of Wisdom from Above
· Pure: This wisdom is clean and honest. It doesn’t twist the truth or take shortcuts.
· Peaceable: It tries to make peace and bring people together, not start arguments or fights.
· Gentle: It is fair, kind, and considerate to others.
· Willing to Yield: It means being open-minded, reasonable, and eager to follow what is right, even when it’s hard.
· Full of Mercy: It shows forgiveness and compassion, just like God does in many religious teachings.
· Full of Good Fruits: It leads to good actions—like kindness, generosity, and doing what’s right.
· Without Partiality: It treats everyone with equal respect, without favoritism.
· Without Hypocrisy: It is genuine and sincere—there’s no pretending or putting on a show.
How Can Someone Get This Wisdom?
· Through Prayer: Many believe that God freely gives this wisdom to anyone who asks for it sincerely.
· Through Scripture: Reading sacred texts, like the Bible, is seen as a way to find and learn this kind of wisdom.
· Through the Holy Spirit: Christians, in particular, believe that God’s Holy Spirit helps guide people toward this wisdom.
· Through Community: Being part of a faith community helps people learn and practice wisdom together, supporting each other on their spiritual journey.
True Wisdom vs. Pretending to Be Wise
According to Christian teachings, especially in the Book of James (3:13-18), there’s a big difference between truly being wise and just appearing wise. It’s not enough to think or speak wisely—our actions and the way we treat others show whether we have real wisdom. If someone is always jealous, angry, or causing trouble, that’s a sign their wisdom comes from worldly motives, not from above.
Genuine wisdom is shown by humility, kindness, and a peaceful attitude. It doesn’t use trickery or deceit, but is open and honest. If our lives are marked by purity, peace, gentleness, a willingness to learn, mercy, and good deeds, it’s a strong sign that we are living with wisdom from above.
Why Does It Matter?
Having wisdom from above isn’t just about knowing the right thing to do—it’s about being the right kind of person. It helps us build better relationships, make just decisions, and live in a way that reflects higher values. In a world full of conflicting advice and quick fixes, seeking wisdom from above encourages us to look deeper and aim higher.
May we all strive for this kind of wisdom in our daily lives, letting it shape our actions and attitudes so that we bring more goodness, peace, and sincerity into the world.
Minister A Francine Green
October 2025
afrancinegreen.com 