James 3:13-18 

Study of James

Week 5  

When we think of our Christian faith, we tend to think about having enough faith to “hang on” in difficult circumstances or sufficient faith to live a good life.    

 

Here James, while sending this letter to young churches, for reasons unknown, sees the importance of addressing faith with regards to wisdom. We do not know if he was referring to certain men who were touting their “wisdom” in hopes of gaining a position. Or possibly, James felt it was necessary to lay the groundwork for the future. We can only speculate.  

However, as we move through these few verses, I think you will agree that James presents a formidable contrast of earthly wisdom and wisdom that comes through faith in Christ.   

As a popular song suggests, “let’s start at the very beginning.”

“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.” (v13)

Let’s break some of these key words down.

“Wise” is a practical term meaning “governed by (personal) integrity.” I can probably think of only a handful of people who really are “wise” as described here. How about you… “governed by personal integrity”?  

“Understanding”( only time it’s used in the Bible), is knowledge gained over long-term through personal acquaintance, emphasizing an understanding that results from building on previous knowledge. This understanding does not come overnight.

“Good behavior” is a good that inspires and motivates others to change their outward behavior because of unchanging inner beliefs. 

“Gentleness of wisdom” means a meekness which is a divinely initiated virtue that can only operate through faith, manifesting in wisdom.  

All of these attributes sound wonderful, don’t they?

 

But here comes the contrast.

“…if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.”(v14)  

“Jealousy” is just that, zealous envy.

“Selfish ambition” is referring to a carnal ambition, self-seeking for one’s own gain. (We can all relate to knowing people like this, right?)

“Arrogant” is downgrading others with a sense of false superiority. (And again, hand raised!)

There we have it, the line in the sand. There are glaringly defining differences between earthly wisdom and wisdom that comes from God.

 

His wisdom is “peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering without hypocrisy.”(v17).

Let’s look at our original scripture again with the knowledge we’ve just gained.

“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.” (v13)

Do you see what I see?  Real wisdom doesn’t come with a degree, plaques on the wall or a title. It doesn’t come with a social media account or a well of followers. It isn’t always the loudest voice in the room or the most popular person on the platform. Wisdom cannot be microwaved!  Real knowledge that comes from faith in Christ has been tested, tried, and refined.

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” (Prov 2:6)

“Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” (Prov 3:5-6)  

Is your heart questioning today? Do you feel like you are at a crossroads needing some kind of answer?

There have been seasons in my life where I have known that intense desire to know Him and His will, His wisdom. As I leaned into Him, He never failed me. Not one time. It is my prayer that as you seek Him, the wisdom found only in knowing Him will fill your heart. I am sure of this, you will have no regrets.

jeannaswann

#nowuntohimwhoisable

Question for discussion (your email is never posted or shared)

As we have learned, real faith in Christ produces wisdom. What area of your life can you see this most evidenced: family, work, church, etc?