7 Manifestations of Godly Wisdom – 6
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17 NIV 1984
The complexity of leadership in today’s ever-changing contexts calls for wisdom from Him who is its source. Kingdom leaders desperately need wisdom as they seek to navigate the many challenges of our day.
But, what does godly wisdom look like? James describes seven characteristics that paint a picture for Kingdom leaders on how to gauge your leadership (and others) against the standards of wisdom from heaven.
Sixth, we see that God’s wisdom is impartial.
Leaders with godly wisdom do not show favoritism to any, regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, or socioeconomic class. This wisdom manifests as one who can be trusted as fair and just in all circumstances. And this impartiality is consistently demonstrated in all contexts of a Kingdom leader’s life and leadership.
The following passages testify to God’s impartiality and that we, His servants, are to demonstrate the same.
- You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor. Leviticus 19:15 ESV
- For God shows no partiality. Romans 2:11 ESV
- In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. 1 Timothy 5:21 ESV
- My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? … If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. James 2:1-9 ESV
Kingdom leaders who lead with godly wisdom show no favoritism or partiality.
Developing Kingdom Leaders - Tom Yeakley 