James Week 7 - Part Two - Walk It Out

Have you ever thought someone was really wise? What made you think that? Did it prove to be true? This word for wisdom is the some word we were looking at in chapter one when we were told to ask God for wisdom if we needed it and God will give it. Now we get to see what that wisdom that comes from Him will look like. Read verses 13-18 in James 3 now and I am going to work backwards this time on this passage.

First we will look at what Godly wisdom is (v. 17-18):
pure which means pure from carnality, chaste, modest
peace-loving means loving peace
considerate means fair, mild, or gentle/suitable
submissive means easily obeying, compliant.
full of mercy means kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them.
and good fruit means good constitution or nature in acts
impartial means without dubiousness, ambiguity or uncertainty.
sincere means without hypocrisy or unfeigned.
*Definitions taken from Blue Letter Bible Lexicon

Now when you are seeking wisdom if it does not fall into these categories do not listen to it. It is not from God. And don't give advice to someone contrary to this either. There is so much information in this world flying at us. You must prayerfully filter it through these characteristics.

Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. The passage ends with this. If we live peaceable lives we will end up with righteousness. Hold on to that. Sometimes it does take a while for the harvest to come but that peace that passes all understanding is constantly in our heart if we trust Him in faith.

Then verses 4-16 speak about the things that are not godly wisdom.
¹⁴ But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. ¹⁵ Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

How can you identify this kind of wisdom based on this passage?
This is the world's way. Scary huh? This kind of wisdom is even considered demonic. Flee from it. If you feel envy creeping up in your heart RUN! Selfish ambition, RUN! It is only the start of many other evil practices. By all means do not boast about it. Run to God my friend. He is where true security is found.

The passage in v. 13 begins with "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." You will see a wise person by observing them. Not by perfection but by grace. Keep your eyes open and watch then when you need a good human counselor you will know who to seek out.

1-Who has been your most cherished, wise counselor?

2-Have you ever taken a moment to thank them? Do so now. Don't wait til their funeral to do so.

3-The word for selfish ambition translates as electioneering or intriguing for office in the Greek. I find this interesting considering the political campaigns we often see and that will be coming up soon. Let us watch for those candidates who are wise based on their behaviors. Let us filter them through our wisdom filter above.

4-What things need to change in your life now confronted with the word on wisdom?