Tiago 3
Steven Cole · Citado em PreceptAustin
Tiago 3
Cole - True wisdom is based on knowledge, but it is more than knowledge. It is the ability to live in a manner pleasing to God because you understand His truth and you live in constant submission to His Spirit, applying that truth to all of life. (James 3:13-18 Wisdom for Harmonious Relationships) Related Resources: Discussion of the Need for the Holy Spirit to obey NT commands ("How to Keep All 1642 Commandments in the New Testament!") Filled with His Spirit/Richly Indwelt with His Word - Chart Comparing By his good behavior - Wuest has "a good and beautiful manner of life." As explained above, good behavior is ultimately behavior enabled by the Spirit of God (notice God is one letter short of good). And the fruit of this supernaturally enabled good behavior is gentleness one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23+), which further supports the premise that the only way to daily obey the command to "let him show" is by daily dependence on the Spirit. James makes the point that heavenly wisdom is not just what one knows (intellectual) but how one lives (behavioral). His deeds in the gentleness of wisdom - NET renders it "the gentleness that wisdom brings." Thus we see that gentleness is a defining quality of godly wisdom, the "fruit" so to speak. It is ironic that James uses gentleness as a fruit of godly wisdom because the Greeks, who prized philosophical worldly wisdom (1 Cor 1:22), despised gentleness which they considered a weakness. Greeks and men in general who consider themselves to be wise in their own eyes (Pr 3:7, Pr 12:15, Pr 26:12, Pr 28:11, Isa 5:21), generally let you know it and thus show their "wisdom" by their arrogance, the antithesis of gentleness! Deeds is ergon which is used 12x in James, most concentrated in the discussion of faith and works (ergon) - Jas. 1:4; Jas. 1:25; Jas. 2:14; Jas. 2:17; Jas. 2:18; Jas. 2:20; Jas. 2:21; Jas. 2:22; Jas. 2:24; Jas. 2:25; Jas. 2:26; Jas. 3:13; So James gives us a practical description of a person who is wise and understanding -- he demonstrates it by his good behavior and gentleness. Robert Johnstone says "‘Let him show,’ then, what? We expect ‘his wisdom,’ but the apostle expresses himself differently. He says, ‘his works,’—that is, ‘his works as a wise man,’ or, substantially, ‘the works or fruits of his wisdom.’ We have here again what may be described as the central thought of this Epistle, that where religion has real saving hold of a mind and heart, it cannot from its nature but powerfully influence the outward life; and that the more a Christian has of true wisdom and spiritual knowledge, the more manifestly will his life at all points be governed by his religion. Talk of orthodoxy and Christian experience, however fluent and animated and clever, does not of itself prove wisdom; the really wise man will ‘show his works.’ ‘Out of a good conversation [CONDUCT],’ James continues. ...‘Out of’ [BY - Greek = "ek"] here represents the same original particle which is rendered ‘by,’ in ‘I will show thee my faith by [Greek = "ek"] my works’ (James 2:18). The meaning seems to be similar, and the same translation would be clearer here: ‘Let him show by a good course of life his works.’ The ‘works’ (ergon) here spoken of, and the ‘good (beautiful, noble)(kalos) course of life,’ are the same, but looked at in different lights. The ‘works’ are the separate acts of holiness, of godly earnestness and godly patience, which constitute the ‘noble life;’ and each such act, when we know it to be not isolated, but consistent with the whole life, is to be regarded as a new fruit and evidence of wisdom. We have here, you observe, the truth brought before us, that genuine Christian wisdom, whether it lead a man to become a teacher in the church or not, will, at all events, in all cases find expression through giving spiritual loveliness to the whole daily life. He is the wisest Christian, whether he occupy the pulpit or the pew,—he exhibits the most knowledge of God, and of himself, and of Christianity,—he shows the broadest and profoundest views of the philosophy of religion, of the chief end of man, and the way to obtain happiness,—who walks most closely with God, and is most perfectly changed into His likeness (Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James)(Bold added) Ronald Blue succinctly states that let him show "is an original "show and tell." Wisdom is not measured by degrees but by deeds. It is not a matter of acquiring truth in lectures but of applying truth to life." (The Bible Knowledge Commentary - Page 28) Let...show (1166)(deiknuo) in this context means to show so as to prove something is true or to make clear by evidence or reasoning. To exhibit or present to the view of others. As noted above James used this verb one other time (James 2:18+). James is in a sense issuing a challenge - "Okay, you say you are wise and understanding. Now prove it to me by how you live!"
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Cole says that in James 3:13-18 he is "showing us God’s wisdom that will lead to harmonious relationships. He contrasts it with worldly “wisdom” that inevitably leads to conflict. The things he writes here apply to harmonious relationships in the church, but also in our homes and in all of life. James is saying, For harmonious relationships, behave with godly wisdom, not with worldly “wisdom.”...In typical fashion, James sets his trap and then springs it! He asks (Jas 3:13a), “Who among you is wise and understanding?” Perhaps some of the self-appointed teachers were thinking, “I’m glad that you recognize my talents!” Then in his no-nonsense style, James springs the trap (3:13b): “Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.” (James 3:13-18 Wisdom for Harmonious Relationships) Dan McCartney: [Contextual Linkage] 3:13–18 serves: by contrasting God’s wisdom with the human wisdom that is at root self-seeking and envious, it moves from the dangers of speech (especially for those who would be imparters of wisdom) to the problems of intracommunity strife found in James 4. (James (Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) Who among you is wise and understanding? - Anyone can make the claim he is wise but James says "the proof is in the pudding!" A T Robertson calls this a "rhetorical interrogative" (like Lk 11:11+). It is interesting that wisdom and understanding (epistemon = applying what you know which is different then sunesis/suniemi which is more of an assembling of facts into an organized whole) are a lot like faith which James described in James 2:14-26, because all three are basically invisible inner qualities which show themselves or prove themselves in one's actions or behavior. So even as James instructed us in how to discern whether one has genuine faith (by his works), in this section he tells us how to discern whether a person is truly wise and understanding by listing (and contrasting) the traits one would expect to see associated with heavenly wisdom versus with earthly wisdom. John
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Cole applies these two negative traits noting that "they are traits that those who teach the Word may easily yield to (ED: HE BELIEVES JAMES IS SPEAKING TO TEACHERS BUT OTHERS THINK HE IS ADDRESSING THE ENTIRE CHURCH). If someone challenges our teaching or another preacher across town has a bigger congregation, we can become jealous. Godly wisdom, as we’ve seen, would listen to the one who raises an objection and consider whether he may have a valid point. If we hear that the preacher across town has a bigger church, as long as he’s preaching the truth, we should think, “Praise God that His truth is going forth!” But worldly “wisdom” doesn’t seek God’s glory. It is rooted in selfishness and pride." (James 3:13-18 Wisdom for Harmonious Relationships) There is disorder and every evil thing - Amplified has "here will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices " James chose one of the strongest possible words for societal collapse, not mere disagreement, not minor friction, but the complete unraveling of ordered human community. Its three dimensions: Political — instability, governmental collapse, unrest. Insurrectional — tumult, uprising, active rebellion. Social — rioting, mob action, civil disturbance. The church at Corinth was experience "disorder" which prompted Paul to write "God is not a God of confusion (akatastasia = same word in James 3:16) but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." (1 Cor 14:33). Paul used this akatastasia again in his Second letter to the church at Corinth writing "For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish; that perhaps there will be strife, jealousy (zelos used in James 3:14, 16), angry tempers, disputes (eritheia- used in James 3:14, 16), slanders, gossip, arrogance, disturbances (akatastasia)." (2 Cor 12:20, recall that in 1 Cor 3:3 Paul had characterized them as "still fleshly. For since there is jealousy (zelos] and strife [eris] among you.") Clearly Paul was afraid that wisdom which was earthly, natural and demonic had crept into the Church at Corinth and potentially was wreaking havoc in the harmony of the body, resulting in disorder and every evil thing. Hiebert - In James 1:8, James used the adjective (akatastatos) to describe the impact of double-mindedness upon the individual, and in James 3:8 it is descriptive of the uncontrolled tongue. Here the noun (akatastasia) points to the resultant public confusion, disorder, and chaotic turbulence in the assembly....In Luke 21:9 it is used to describe the tumults, uprisings, and revolutions that will mark the period preceding the parousia. Instead of promoting harmony, this "wisdom" causes disruption and unruliness; instead of creating closer fellowship among the members, it destroys it. Such a "wisdom" cannot be from God. (Commentary on James or digital copy) Disorder (confusion, tumult)(181)(akatastasia from akatastatos [adjective] in turn from a = negative + kathistemi = set in order) means literally without order or stability and thus has a basic meaning of instability = an unsettled state of affairs, an upheaval, a state of violent group disturbance, a tumult, or unrest, especially in a political or social setting (riots, revolutions). Louw-Nida - "to rise up in open defiance of authority, with the presumed intention to overthrow it or to act in complete opposition to its demands." Here it would refer to the disorder caused by those who with their false wisdom trouble the group of believers by demanding their own rights and exercising a party spirit. (Borrow Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament : based on semantic domains) AKATASASIA - 5X - Lk. 21:9; 1 Co. 14:33; 2 Co. 6:5; 2 Co. 12:20; Jas. 3:16 John
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Cole applies this attribute of wisdom to church life - We especially need to keep this in mind when we get into a doctrinal dispute with anyone. It is easy to want to win the argument, but you can destroy the person you are arguing with. Or, you want to prove that you are right so that you look good, but you excuse your pride by telling yourself that you are contending for the faith. Before you jump into any doctrinal dispute, ask first, “How important is this issue in light of God’s glory and this person’s spiritual wellbeing?” Also, keep in mind how difficult it is for you to change your mind on an issue! It takes time, so be gracious in granting that to the other person. Keep in mind Paul’s words about not quarreling, being kind, patient, and gentle. And, ask God to open the person’s eyes and grant repentance. Your motives must be pure, or you are not acting with godly wisdom. Pure (53)(hagnos) means freedom from defilements, contaminants or impurities (e.g., Jesus is hagnos - 1 Jn 3:3+). No alloys, not tainted by any impurity (in 1 Ti 5:22 hagnos is translated in NASB as "free from sin"). Hagnos implies sincere, moral and spiritual integrity. Hagnos describes wisdom that is morally undefiled and not corrupted by any form of evil in this fallen world. Unfortunately believers can sometimes corrupt the purity of God's wisdom by intermixing worldly wisdom, especially when we compromise and mix worldly principles with Biblical principles. Hagnos is in the list of virtues ("whatever is pure") on which Paul commands believers to continually dwell (present imperative - continually = need the Holy Spirit to obey). (Php 4:8+). Hiebert on pure - In its very nature it is "pure," clean and undefiled, free from all vices, such as jealousy and party factions. (Commentary on James or digital copy) William Baker makes an interesting point stating that "Much of worldly wisdom is a blend of true wisdom with earthly wisdom, something the evil one uses to enhance the world's approach to things—something that gives earthly wisdom some measure of credibility." (James Commentary - Twenty-First Century). William Barclay on pure wisdom - came to describe the moral purity which alone can approach the gods. On the Temple of Aesculapius at Epidaurus, there was the inscription at the entrance: 'He who would enter the divine temple must be pure [hagnos]; and purity is to have a mind which thinks holy thoughts.' The true wisdom is so cleansed of all ulterior motives and of self that it has become pure enough to see God. Worldly wisdom might well wish to escape God's sight; the true wisdom is able to bear his very scrutiny.(James 3 Commentary) Peter Davids: The chief characteristic of true wisdom is purity. The meaning here is that of the OT in which God’s words are pure (Ps. 12:6 [11:7]) or the ways of the righteous are pure as opposed to crooked (Pr. 21:8 LXX) or unjust (Pr. 15:26). This purity, then, means that the person partakes of a characteristic of God: he follows God’s moral directives with unmixed motives. This person serves God alone, and so does not need the cleansing about which James will speak later (Jas 4:7–8; cf. 1:27; 3:6). Moral purity is expanded by means of a list of adjectives arranged to take advantage of assonance (first initial ε, then initial α).(The Epistle of James - Page cxi) Ralph Martin: Wisdom is first and foremost a virtue that is marked by purity (ἁγνή; cf. Sir 21:8). It is no accident that James begins his list with this word, for he who is pure has taken on the characteristics of God’s word (Ps 12:6; cf. 19:8). Such a person serves God only and is not defiled (Jas 1:27) or unrighteous (Jas 3:6). The one who is pure is free of the moral and spiritual defects that are the marks of the double-minded (Jas 1:7, 8; 4:8: see Introduction). The presence of such stains produces the inevitable jealousy and strife that are characteristic of some in James’ church. The absence of such blemishes produces a church that is loving, tolerant, and healthy; above all, it is centered in God’s holy will. The idea of purity is expanded in what follows and can rightly be considered the “key” to all the qualities of wisdom. (James, Volume 48 - Page 133) Robert Johnstone on pure - The Christianly wise man shrinks from moral defilement of every kind. Nothing less wide of range than this is involved in the word ‘pure’ here. One great fundamental characteristic of the morality taught in the Bible is, that it occupies the whole nature. ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God:’ ‘Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.’ The truly wise man is he who has conformity of spirit to the ‘only wise God,’ who believes what God teaches, loves what God loves, lives as Jesus lived—He who was the express image of the invisible God. ‘Purity,’ as required by God, and exemplified in the measure of their faith by all Christ’s people, implies a superiority of soul, which will show itself continually in word and deed, to everything low and sensual, to everything selfish and mean,—a freedom from petty views and sinister ends, and, on the contrary, a relish and love of everything really great and good. By such moral convictions, and feelings, and conduct, a man is proved to be wise with that heavenly wisdom which consists in a true, vital, energetic apprehension of his relations to God, of the chief end of man, of duty and happiness." (Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James) Wisdom is peaceable (eirenikos) but that does not mean peace at any price. In other words if you compromise the purity of wisdom in order to maintain the peace, this is not godly wisdom. Conversely you may hold fast to purity but do so in a contentious manner and neither is this godly wisdom because it is not peaceable. The point is that wisdom that is peaceable does not cause friction and disharmony like bitter jealousy and selfish ambition will almost invariably do, resulting in disorder and every evil thing. Steven Cole on peaceable - Seeking peace in relationships is not a minor theme in the Bible! Just after his counsel to wives and husbands (1 Pet. 3:1-7), the apostle Peter cites from Psalm 34, “He must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it” (1 Pet. 3:11). Those words apply to all relationships. We are to go after peace as we would pursue an animal in the hunt. Paul echoes this theme often. In Ephesians 4:3, he says that we are to be “diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Seek peace and pursue it with diligence! If you are always stirring up controversy over petty issues, you are not acting with godly wisdom. While we should never compromise doctrinal purity on essential truth, neither should we fight over minor matters where godly, Bible-believing people differ.Years ago, I received in the mail a number of papers from a man who had graduated from the same seminary that I graduated from. I assume he got my name from an alumni directory, since I did not know him personally. I threw the papers away in disgust, although I should have saved them for sermon illustrations! But the guy was going on at length about how someone at the seminary took some Hebrew word from Chronicles in a way that this guy insisted was not correct! He thought that he was wise and that he was defending the truth, but he was not displaying godly wisdom because he was not peaceable. (Ibid) Her (wisdom's) ways are pleasant ways, And all her paths are peace. - Proverbs 3:17 Daniel Doriani: “Peace-loving” (Jas 3:17 NIV) or “peaceable” (ESV; Greek, eirēnikē) contrasts with the social discord caused by envy and ambition (Jas 3:14) and the fights caused by uncontrolled desires (Jas 4:1–2). True wisdom leads to peace (Prov. 3:17). Hiebert on peaceable - "Then peace-loving" names the first of the external qualities flowing from the inner purity of this wisdom. This heavenly wisdom is "ready for peace," desiring and fostering peace by restraining discord and pacifying the turbulent elements around it. It promotes "right relationships between man and man, and between man and God." But it does not pursue peace at the expense of purity. It will not compromise with sin to maintain peace. But even when fighting against sin, it hungers for peace, yearning to heal all divisions by its wise counsel. (Commentary on James or digital copy) Peaceable (1516)(eirenikos from eirene = peace) characterized or promoting a state of wholeness and well-being, that is, loving and promoting peace. The opposite of unrest. Louw-Nida - "pertaining to freedom from anxiety and inner turmoil—‘peaceful, free from worry." BDAG - "pertaining to being conducive to a harmonious relationship." The only other use of eirenikos is Heb 12:11+ " All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." (So here the peaceful state is the result of divine discipline!)
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Cole says "In other words, godly wisdom is not theoretical, but practical. It rolls up its sleeves and takes action." Does this describe your Christian life? Hiebert says full of mercy and good fruits is "the only double characteristic in the list, stands in direct contrast to "every vile deed" in James 3:16." (Commentary on James or digital copy) Heavenly wisdom is full of mercy like our Heavenly Father - "Be (present imperative = only possible by relying on the Holy Spirit to obey) merciful, just as your Father is merciful." (Lk 6:36+) Recall that James had earlier alluded to the virtue of mercy in writing that "judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment." (James 2:13+) Mercy (1656) (eleos) is the outward manifestation of pity and assumes need on the part of those who are recipients of the mercy and sufficient resources to meet the need on the part of those who show it. In short not just feelings but actions! The idea of mercy is to show kindness or concern for someone in serious need or to give help to the wretched, to relieve the miserable. Here the essential thought is that mercy gives attention to those in misery. Leniency and compassion toward offenders by a person. Steven Cole aptly observes that "God is merciful to us in spite of the fact that our problems usually stem from our own sin and rebellion. But while we were yet sinners, He sent Christ to die for our sins (Ro 5:8+). We are to extend the mercy that we have received to other undeserving sinners." (James 3:13-18 Wisdom for Harmonious Relationships)
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Cole says "If we all would seek to live by these seven qualities of godly wisdom, personal conflicts would be greatly minimized and harmonious relationships would blossom and grow. But, unfortunately, we all battle the world, the flesh and the devil. These forces combine to draw us astray into worldly “wisdom,” which causes disharmony in our relationships." (Ibid) James 3:17 Level Ground - Racial prejudice can take root early in human hearts. Children are colorblind until they hear adults making unfounded statements or see them shunning people of a different race. Prejudices soon become well-established weeds with deep taproots. Eradicating them isn't easy. Laws can help to minimize discrimination in housing and the workplace. But no legislation eliminates prejudice in the heart. Its only sure killer is a long and hard look at what Jesus accomplished when He died on the cross. It's there that we can receive a wisdom "full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" (Jas. 3:17). It is said that after the Civil War, General Robert E. Lee, a devout Christian, visited a church in Washington, D.C. During the Communion service, he was seen kneeling beside a black man. Later, when someone asked how he could do that, Lee replied, "My friend, all ground is level at the foot of the cross." What makes that ground so level? The awfulness of our sins, the terrible price Jesus paid to forgive them, and the love He has for all people. Prejudice cannot survive in soil from that ground. Forgive me, Lord, for prejudice, Remove its subtle lie; Remind me that for everyone You sent Your Son to die! --Dennis De Haan To keep from looking down on others, look up to the cross. Only A Rivet The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, . . . without partiality and without hypocrisy. —James 3:17 Today's Scripture: James 3:13-18 Scientists have determined that faulty rivets may have caused the rapid sinking of the “unsinkable” HMS Titanic. According to researchers who recently examined parts recovered from the wreck, impure rivets made of wrought iron rather than steel caused the ship’s hull to open like a zipper. The Titanic proves the foolishness of spending resources on fancy equipment and public promotion while neglecting the “ordinary” parts. In a sense, churches are like ships, and many of their people are like rivets. Although rivets seem insignificant, they are essential for holding the ship together and keeping it afloat. Feelings of insignificance are rampant these days, even among Christians, and some do hurtful things to make themselves feel important. James says, “Where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there” (3:16). People corrupted by worldly desires for beauty, wealth, and power can bring down great churches, but people who are pure and undefiled (1:27) hold churches together. Reflect & Pray The task Thy wisdom hath assigned, O let me cheerfully fulfill; In all my works Thy presence find, And prove Thy good and perfect will. —Wesley It is a great thing to be faithful in little things. No Trouble Read: James 3:13-4:6 The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable. —James 3:17 A Christian high school had taken its chorale to England to minister to the churches there. One day after the young people had sung, a member of one of the churches struck up a conversation with the principal of the school, who was on the trip as a chaperone. The Englishman was a new believer and was excited about his faith. He asked, “Are these the best singers in your school? Is this your whole choir?” The principal explained that this was a select group of young people, chosen not just for their singing but also for their Christian testimony and their walk with the Lord. “We wouldn’t want any troublemakers to be in the chorale,” the principal explained. The new believer was surprised. “Troublemakers? Why would a Christian be a troublemaker?” Why, indeed! That man may not yet have had much biblical training, but he knew one truth for sure: The term Christian troublemaker is an oxymoron. Those two words shouldn’t go together. O Prince of Peace, keep us, we pray, From strife and enmity; Help us to speak with loving words That quell hostility. —JDB Never invite trouble—it always accepts! Wisdom From Above The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable. —James 3:17 Today's Scripture: 1 Samuel 24:1-10 If Kiera Wilmot had performed her experiment during her high school science class, it might have earned her an A. But instead she was charged with causing an explosion. Although she had planned to have her teacher approve the experiment, her classmates persuaded her to perform it outside the classroom. When she mixed chemicals inside a plastic bottle, it exploded and she unintentionally unsettled some fellow students. The Old Testament tells the story of another case of peer pressure. David and his men were hiding from Saul in a cave when Saul entered (1 Sam. 24). David’s companions suggested that God had delivered Saul to them, and they urged David to kill him (vv.4,10). If David killed Saul, they thought they could stop hiding and David could become king. But David refused to harm Saul because he was “the Lord’s anointed” (v.6). Reflect & Pray (AND SING) Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way! Hold o’er my being absolute sway! Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see Christ only, always, living in me. —Pollard One is truly wise who gains his wisdom from above. Which Wisdom? Read: James 3:13-18 The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield. —James 3:17 Is it wise to be bitterly envious of other people’s possessions, talents, or good looks? Is it wise to be selfishly ambitious—and then brag about what your ambition brings you? A passage in the Bible actually seems to call such attitudes wise. James used the word wisdom to describe “bitter envy and self-seeking” (3:14-15). That’s surprising, because we normally equate wisdom with something good. But James used the word in a specific context. The source of this wisdom, he pointed out, is evil. It doesn’t come “from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.” It is the wisdom that leads to immoral decisions about how life should be lived. This kind of “wisdom” is all around us. Bitter envy and selfish ambition threaten many of our institutions and destroy relationships. Society pays the price for this twisted thinking at all levels, for it always leads to “confusion and every evil thing” (v.16). The wisdom from above flies in the face Of what the world holds in death's embrace; Willing to yield, yet resolutely pure And peaceable, God's wisdom will endure. —Gustafson There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. —Proverbs 16:25 Where Can Wisdom Be Found? If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God. —James 1:5 Today's Scripture: James 3:13-17 Wisdom is the beauty of holiness. James says wisdom is reasonable; flexible; forgiving; peaceful; caring; given to friendly visits, small acts of courtesy, and kind words. It is humble, transparent, simple, gentle, and gracious to the core (James 3:17). Where can wisdom be found? It comes from heaven (1:5). “Wisdom,” wrote Charles Spurgeon, “is a beauty of life that can only be produced by God’s workmanship in us.” It’s good to ask from time to time: “Am I growing in wisdom?” After all, life is relentlessly dynamic. We’re either growing sweeter and wiser as the days go by, or we’re growing into foolish or even sour-faced curmudgeons. Into what are we growing? It’s never too late to begin growing in wisdom. God loves us with an ardent, intense affection that can deliver us from our foolishness if we yield ourselves to Him. His love can make the most difficult nature into a miracle of astonishing beauty. It may hurt a little and it may take a while, but God relentlessly seeks our transformation. When we ask, His wisdom will begin to rise in us and pour itself out to others. Reflect & Pray Lord, please put an end to our foolishness and turn our hearts toward the wisdom that comes only from You. We ask You now to take our lives and transform them into Your likeness. True wisdom begins and ends with God. James 3:17 - The wisdom that is from above is… without hypocrisy. SPEAK AND DO - In ancient Greek dramas, a person behind a curtain spoke the lines while the performer on stage acted out the role. We might refer to the speaker behind the scenes as the one who didn't "practice what he preached." This person behind the curtain reminds me of a problem we as Christians experience today. Many of us are skilled at sounding religious, but we don't put our words into action. This is hypocrisy. When there is a discrepancy between what we say and what we do, we create confusion in the minds of our "audience." That's why many nonbelievers do not take the gospel message seriously. A Christian who makes the greatest impact on a watching world, and who furthers the cause of Christ, is one whose actions harmonize with his speech. When James spoke of the "wisdom that is from above," he described it as "pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" (3:17). You're writing a "gospel," a chapter each day, By the deeds that you do, by the words that you say; Men read what you write, whether faithless or true - Say, what is the "gospel" according to you? -Gilbert When actions and words agree, the message is loud and clear. Speak And Do The wisdom that is from above is . . . without hypocrisy. —James 3:17 Today's Scripture: James 3:13-18 In ancient Greek dramas, a person behind a curtain spoke the lines while the performer on stage acted out the role. We might refer to the speaker behind the scenes as one who didn’t “practice what he preached.” This person behind the curtain reminds me of a problem we as Christians experience today. Many of us are skilled at sounding religious, but we don’t put our words into action. This is hypocrisy. When there is a discrepancy between what we say and what we do, we create confusion in the minds of our “audience.” That’s why many nonbelievers do not take the gospel message seriously. A Christian who makes the greatest impact on a watching world, and who furthers the cause of Christ, is one whose actions harmonize with his words. When James spoke of the “wisdom that is from above,” he described it as “pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17). Reflect & Pray You're writing a "gospel," a chapter each day, By the deeds that you do, by the words that you say; Men read what you write, whether faithless or true— Say, what is the "gospel" according to you? —Gilbert When words and actions agree, the message is loud and clear. The Pure And Gentle Way Read: James 3:13-18 The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits. —James 3:17 The parents were heartbroken when their young adopted daughter died in an unusual accident. She suffocated when the drawstring of the hood on her jacket became caught in a playground slide. They learned later that she was not the first child to die this way. Design flaws in both the clothing and the slide made this an accident waiting to happen. Some people might have seen in this tragedy an opportunity for a lucrative lawsuit against two big corporations. But the parents refused to sue. In a television interview, the mother said they would have seen any remuneration as “blood money.” She and her husband knew that the leaders of the companies involved never intended their products to harm anyone. So the parents appealed to the clothing and slide manufacturers to correct the problems that led to the death of their daughter. Both firms took immediate action. The mother is now leading a crusade to promote child safety. Thinking It Over What is wrong with wanting revenge? (Rom. 12:19). How do I react to vengeful people? To gracious people? How, then, can I best honor God and help others? Nothing is so strong as gentleness James 3:18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (NASB95) Amplified And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God’s will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts]. Phillips And the wise are peace-makers who go on quietly sowing for a harvest of righteousness - in other people and in themselves. Wuest And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace NET And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace. GNT καρπὸς δὲ δικαιοσύνης ἐν εἰρήνῃ σπείρεται τοῖς ποιοῦσιν εἰρήνην. NLT And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. KJV And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. ESV And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. ASV And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace. CSB And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace. NIV Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. NKJ Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. NRS And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace. YLT and the fruit of the righteousness in peace is sown to those making peace. NAB And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace. NJB The peace sown by peacemakers brings a harvest of justice. GWN A harvest that has God's approval comes from the peace planted by peacemakers. BBE And the fruit of righteousness is planted in peace for those who make peace. fruit is righteousness Jas 1:20 Pr 11:18,28,30 Isa 32:16,17 Ho 10:12 Mt 5:9 Joh 4:36 Php 1:11 Heb 12:11 make peace: Mt 5:9 James 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Youtube Video Verse by Verse Teaching on James 3 5W/H Questions on James 3 for teaching and personal study SOWING PEACE AND REAPING RIGHTEOUSNESS The NIV has an excellent, straight-forward rendering stating that "Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." Robert Johnstone - As the false, exhibiting itself in ‘envying and strife,’ (James 3:16) thus brings in ‘confusion and every form of evil,’ and in this way proves itself to be from beneath; so the true wisdom, showing itself in ‘peace’ and peacemaking, thus brings in ‘righteousness,’ and proves itself to be from above. (Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James) John