Righteous wisdom

May 4, 2021 (Tuesday)

 

James is a very practical book, teaching us how to behave ourselves. Today’s reading is set up by this verse, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” [James 3:16 ESV] So the problems are jealousy and selfish ambition.

 

What is jealousy? I am so glad you asked. I think jealousy is related to “covet,” which is sin. Jealousy is basically being unhappy with someone else’s blessing. Covet is the desire to want what we cannot righteously have. You can see where jealousy leads to coveting.

 

Selfish ambition seems to be “self-evident.” But what is it? Literally the Greek word describes running for elected office. More precisely it is the maneuvering, manipulation, and mean-spirited behavior surrounding what it takes to get elected.   

 

These two problems cause “disorder” and “every vile practice.” The idea behind “vile” is something the looks right but proves to be bad. It’s the art and science of deception. Another idea behind the Greek word translated “vile” is that of being worthless. According to Vincent it follows the process of cheap to bad.

 

Contrary to the attitudes that create chaos, is “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” [James 3:17 ESV] These eight things flow from righteous wisdom. Peaceful and gentle seem to be slipping, if not falling away, in American culture.

 

The idea of “open to reason” is a big one. It seems like we are shouting at and over each other more than listening and trying to make an attempt to understand. This skill will require that we suspend our judgement about the other person and listen. Then again, who knows how to listen anymore?

 

Notice which quality stands first… it is “pure.” The others are actions, pure is internal. Without purity then the others are difficult to impossible to achieve. Here’s the thing. When we see righteous wisdom, we recognize it by these eight traits. They are simple and straight-forward. Unlike the intrigue described in verse 16.

 

James then rounds out the results, “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” [James 3:18 ESV] Here is an eye opener. While righteousness is the state of being right, with God an others. Righteousness also carries the idea of what is called “justice.”

 

Without peace, there can be no justice. While I watch people, basically “burn the house down,” they sow the seeds of injustice. Ironically, injustice is what they claim they are fighting. As the old saying goes, violence begets violence. If we are to be righteous (right with God) then our behavior, words, and attitude will sow peace.

 

But it all starts with righteous wisdom, birthed in purity. Only then can there be peace.