“… His name will be called Wonderful Counsellor …” (Isa. 9:6). The majority of scholars are satisfied to link these two words together. The term “Wonderful” is in itself deeply suggestive. As someone has said, ‘It both expresses and hides the incomprehensible” (F. C. Jennings). Then the thought behind ‘Counsellor” is that of one who gives advice and counsel. He is the only One in the universe who requires no counsel Himself. So Paul asks, ‘For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counsellor?” (Rom. 11:34). The apostle sums up the attributes of this Wonderful Counsellor best when he declares in Colossians 2:2–3, “… Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Note:
1) Christ is Full of Wisdom
“… in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom …” (Col. 2:3). James tells us that “… the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17). What a contrast to the earthly, sensual, and devilish wisdom of the world! Observe carefully that it is described as “… wisdom that is … pure …” (James 3:17). It is not tainted by worldliness or selfish gain. It is not contaminated by our own ideas; rather, it is characterized by the very life, light, and love of God. Anyone can give advice, but how seldom is their counsel right and pure?
It is “… wisdom that is … peaceable …” (James 3:17). When people have the right answer they usually have the wrong attitude. We do not help people by arguing with them. Instead, we set up walls of resentment, frustration, and defeat.
When we turn to Christ He always speaks peace to our disturbed spirits. Indeed, as we follow Him throughout the Gospels we find Him using an often repeated expression, “Go in peace.” His last words to His disciples were ‘Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
But look again. Here is “… wisdom that is … gentle, willing to yield …” (James 3:17). Jesus Christ was the most approachable person who ever lived, the perfect Gentleman. His enemies had to admit it. Sin-sick souls crowded around Him, and little children sought the blessing of His arms. This Wonderful Counsellor never breaks a broken reed or puts out a smoking flax (see Isa. 42:3).
Then observe that this “… wisdom … is … full of mercy and good fruits …” (James 3:17). Our approach to people is usually critical, overbearing, and unforgiving. Not so when we come to Jesus in all our need and brokenness. He is full of mercy and good fruits. Not only does He forgive our sins, but He regenerates us by His Spirit so that in the place of hatred there is love; in the place of sorrow there is joy; and in the place of unrest there is peace.
Our text goes on to speak of “… wisdom that is … without partiality …” (James 3:17). It is humanly impossible to be impartial. However objective we may try to be in making our judgments, invariably our own feelings and prejudices enter into our counselling. But the wisdom from heaven which is embodied in the Lord Jesus Christ never takes sides, except against sin. We can trust Him to be utterly fair and just in all His dealings with us.
Finally, we are told that this “… wisdom … is … without hypocrisy” (James 3:17). It is free from doubts, wavering, and insincerity. Very often we get advice from people who repudiate their counsel by the rotten lies they are living themselves. This is never true of our Wonderful Counsellor. God is never an Actor. When He speaks He does so genuinely, sincerely, and transformingly. What a glorious attribute is this characteristic of wisdom!
Posted 16/12/2011
