James 3:13 - 18 (About wisdom)

September 22, 2021 (Wednesday)

 

By now we should be used to James style. Mirroring the faith/works discussion from chapter 2, James states, “Are any of you wise and understanding? Show that your actions are good with a humble lifestyle that comes from wisdom.” [James 3:13 CEB] James puts feet to the skills of wisdom and understanding by stating the actions will be “good with a humble lifestyle.”

 

What is he talking about? I am so glad you asked!!! In American culture, it seems we want to swap good for something else. Most of us would recognize evil instantly, unless it is marketed as good. The tendency for evil to be exchanged happens incrementally, generally beside constructive change. What we see as now, the enemy of our souls is will to stretch generationally. Good eventually is called evil.

 

Please note, the label does not change the reality. Isaiah warned us of the shifting of good and evil, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!” [Isaiah 5:20 ESV] Another way to say “woe” is sorrow or misery. The reality is when we take what is supposed to be evil and sell it as good, there will only be pain and misery. Thus we see the desperate gasps of American culture thrashing against God (demonstrated by hatred toward those who follow Jesus).

 

James continues by challenging our norm, “However, if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, then stop bragging and living in ways that deny the truth.” [James 3:14 CEB] Jealousy and selfishness are killers. They suck us dry of love for God and others. When we put ourselves first, it can be subtle. Generally these poisons come out under pressure. The trouble is before we are exposed, we will cover up the truth.

 

James calls this bitter jealousy and selfishness, “This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” [James 3:15 ESV] There it is… demonic. It is the demonic that flips good and evil. It is the demonic that inspires selfishness and jealousy. It is the demonic that creates the pain, suffering, and misery in this world. Doesn’t matter if we like it or not, “Wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and everything that is evil.” [James 3:16 CEB]

 

James finishes with a description of the kind of wisdom followers of Jesus have, “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” [James 3:17 – 18 ESV] Maybe if we worked at these skills, this world would be more like heaven than hell.

 

If the tongue is set on fire by hell itself, what will it take to sow what is necessary to have a harvest of righteousness and peace? Stay tuned, James is going to suggest a few things.