But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwaivering without hypocrisy.  And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

What does it mean to say that wisdom is pure?  That implies there is a wisdom that is impure.  In fact, look at the other qualities of wisdom in verse 17 - implying also a wisdom that is against peace, not gentle, lacking in mercy, full of hypocrisy...

Do you notice anything special about the list of wisdom characteristics:  Pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy, unwaivering without hypocrisy?  For the most part they all apply to our actions concerning someone else.  The exception is found in the word "pure".

Pure wisdom is the beginning, all wise action and response follows. 

Pure wisdom is from above.  Focused on God and God alone (pure).  It begins with thoughts on God.

Pure wisdom ends with fruit.  James says the fruit is righteousness and it is sown in peace (again, a corporate action and response)

The gist of the story is this:  Pure wisdom begins with God and, after tested, gives birth to righteousness - which is a characteristic of God. 

What begins with a pure look at Jesus, ends with a person who looks more like Jesus.