Theory and Practice

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  James 1:5

Wisdom – James isn’t Greek.  That should tell you that when he uses the word sophia in his letter, he does not have the Greek definition of the word in mind.  He might write in Greek, but what he wants to communicate is the Hebrew concept hokmah.  Why does this matter?  Because the Greek view is radically different than the Hebrew view.  If we confuse the two, we will end up frustrated and disappointed.

We live in a culture based on the Greek way of thinking.  For use, wisdom (sophia) is the accumulation of correct theoretical knowledge.  It is based in the intellect.  Wisdom is all about getting the right information (facts) in the right order so that we will have insight into the true nature of things.  If that sounds too esoteric, just take a look around you.  Our educational system is based on Greek models.  We train the mind.  Our concept of success is based on the Greek idea of wisdom.  We think we can plan our way to prosperity.  Our view of social obligations, politics and ethics is based on intellectual acumen.  We think we can reason our way to peace and proper action.  Everywhere you look, the Greek idea of rational perfection stands behind our behaviors.

The Hebrew view is very different.  First, wisdom is a gift from God.  It is not the result of educational training or mental development.  Wisdom is not centered in the mind.  It is centered in the will.  Second, wisdom is ultimately practical.  It is not displayed in a great storehouse of information.  It is displayed in correct action.  The wise man or woman acts as God would act.  Someone who knows what to do but does not do it is (as James reminds us) a sinner.  Finally, wisdom’s ultimate goal is to see the world from God’s perspective and to act accordingly in practical, everyday matters.  The wise person lives a life based in fear and respect for a holy God.  Conduct is determined not by my reason but by God’s revelation.

Now you know why James says that God gives wisdom (hokmah) to anyone who asks.  It has nothing to do with mental ability.  God gives instruction in righteousness.  God tells you how to live, how to think, how to act and how to love your neighbor.  If you don’t know what God would have you do in any particular situation, ask Him!  He will tell you what the proper action is that will delight Him and keep the covenant. 

Stop being Greek!  God is not going to give you better brain cells.  He is not going to supplement your mental capacity or rational processes.  God supplies instruction in holiness, not better planning techniques.  Wisdom is not about “rising to new levels of success and freedom” by “overcoming the obstacles that prevent you from living to your full potential with 7 simple steps.”  God’s wisdom is not a collection of strategies that “enable you to become a better you.”  God’s wisdom is given so that you might be holy as He is holy.  That does not mean all your troubles will fade away.  That means you will experience life from God’s perspective – and be subject to the same resistance that His Son faced.  But the end is glorious.  The Father is hallowed, and we are welcomed.  Wisdom is practice for living in heaven.