But the wisdom that is from above
Which has God for its author; which is infused into the soul by
the Spirit of God; and leads into the knowledge of things that
are above, of heavenly things; and which only is true wisdom and
knowledge; and those who are possessed of it are the only true
Gnostics; for which, (See Gill on James
3:13) namely, the grace of God: this wisdom
is first pure;
it is pure in itself, it is free from everything that is earthly,
carnal, or sensual, or devilish; it produces purity of heart, of
life, and conversation; and is the means of keeping persons pure
and chaste, and free from impure lusts, lusts of uncleanness,
pride, envy, wrath which prevail in carnal and unregenerate men:
and then peaceable;
it inclines and engages those who have it to live in peace with
the saints, and even with all men; with those of their own
household, with their neighbours, yea, with their enemies: it is
also "gentle"; or makes men gentle, moderate, and humane, so as
that they bear, and forbear; they bear with the infirmities of
the weak; readily forgive injuries done them; do not rigidly
exact what is their due, but recede from their just right for the
sake of peace and love; and do not bear hard upon others for
their failings, but cover them with the mantle of love: and it is
easy to be treated;
or those who have it readily yield to the superior judgments and
stronger reasonings of others; and are easily induced to hope and
believe all things, and entertain a good opinion of men, and
their conduct; and are far from being proud, arrogant, obstinate,
and overbearing:
full of mercy and good fruits;
of compassion and beneficence to the poor; feeding the hungry,
clothing the naked, visiting the widows and fatherless in their
affliction; and doing all other good works and duties, both with
respect to God and man, as fruits of grace, and of the Spirit:
without partiality:
to one another; or making a difference between them; showing no
respect to persons; bestowing upon the poor and indigent, without
any distinction: and
without hypocrisy;
either with respect to God or man; not making show of that which
they have not, or do not intend.