September 1, 2025
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct he should show his works done in the gentleness that wisdom brings. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfishness in your hearts, do not boast and tell lies against the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical. And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace.
James 3:13-18 NET
Few would argue that leadership requires wisdom. The decisions leaders face today are complex and often confounding. Even the U.S. military, known for its clear command structure, recognized this in the late 1980s when it coined the term VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) to describe the shifting global landscape. Since then, the term has found its way into leadership theory, reminding us that wise leadership is more urgent than ever.
But what kind of wisdom do we need?
Many of us think of wisdom as knowing the right thing to do at the right time, something we gain through study, experience, and skill. While that’s partly true, Scripture offers a deeper view. James describes wisdom not by what we know, but by what it produces: peace, gentleness, mercy, and impartiality. Wisdom, in this light, is profoundly relational.
In a VUCA world, the wisdom we need is not just strategic—it’s restorative. It seeks the well-being of others. It looks like Jesus.
Why does this matter? Because we are made in the image of the Triune God of peace, who is love. We were created to lead in partnership with him, stewarding our gifts—our strengths, stories, cultures, and relationships—for the flourishing of others. When we lead from this place, we honor that image.
Growing in knowledge and skill is vital. But true wisdom goes further. It listens deeply, acts gently, and builds communities marked by justice and reconciliation. In today’s world, leadership that reflects this kind of wisdom is not just needed. It’s sacred.
