Devotion 17 February 2026
- Feb 17
- 2 min read
Those who make peace plant it like a seed. They will harvest a crop of right living. James 3: 18
READING: James 3: 13-18
This passage from James talks about wisdom. It contrasts worldly wisdom with the “wisdom that comes from heaven”.
We are continually given advice. Our parents and teachers, our friends and colleagues, our newsletters, YouTube and internet searches all tell us how to behave, how to be successful, how to react to others. Very often they advise us to be assertive, to stand up for ourselves, be street-smart and one step ahead of others. Be winners.
In James 3 we see the wisdom from heaven, from God, described as pure. In other words, this kind of wisdom is refined and focused on exactly one thing; whatever God has called us to.
The other characteristics of this wisdom are that it is peace-loving, putting a high value on easing conflict. It is considerate of others, gentle, not ready to fight, but ready to serve. This wisdom is open to reason, ready to see things from another point of view and do it someone else's way. It is impartial, never showing favouritism, and it is sincere, with no need to fake anything to get what it wants out of other people.
This is God's wisdom. To focus on Him, to seek peace, to stretch out a helpful hand, to think of others before ourselves.
But it is also described as full of good fruits, resulting in a positive outcome, and personal fulfilment. This is how to be a winner for God.
This is the wisdom of those who trust God to provide all they need, to give them every good gift, and to fulfil every desire of their hearts. That is how we will “harvest a crop of right living”. It's amazing how much easier life becomes when we give up the requirement of getting what we want at all costs and believe that our good God is providing all we need in every moment.
Prayer
O Lord God, I ask for Your wisdom so that I may be a peace-maker in my home, my workplace and my community. Help me to focus on Your will for my life, so that I may be the voice that speaks Your words of wisdom, the hands that serve in Your name. In that name I pray, O Lord.
