James 3:13-15

March 28, 2008

As you read today's passage, look for these words or phrases: wise, gentleness, jealousy, and selfish ambition.

Passage for the day: James 3:13-15 (NASB)

13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.
15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.


Questions for thought: Take a few moments to answer these questions before you go on to the next section.


What is the difference between “understanding” and “wisdom?” See Proverbs 9:10 for help on this one.



What does James mean by “gentleness of wisdom?” Give a practical example.



What is bitter jealousy and selfish ambition? What are you jealous about and why? Is that true wisdom with gentleness? If not, what steps do you need to take to change?



Why do you think that James describes earthly wisdom as demonic in verse 15?


CHEW ON THIS:

In these verses, James introduces us to true wisdom. Those who are truly wise and have knowledge according to God’s standards will prove it by attitudes and good actions. So what is understanding and wisdom? Understanding comes from getting to know God and seeing His wisdom in action. Understanding knows where to how to get wisdom and why wisdom is worth getting. Wisdom takes that knowledge of God and applies it in everyday life. Wisdom knows what is good and knows how to do the good, as a result of knowing God. Wisdom then concerns the conduct of one’s life. Wisdom from God gives birth to deeds and a way of life that grows in understanding.

However, there is another kind of wisdom – the kind that is found here on earth. The character of this kind of wisdom is bitter envy and selfish ambition. It is also seen as earthly, natural, and demonic! Wow. James is really going for shock value in these verses! He does not want us to miss the comparison. Any wisdom that does not come from God is not worth getting. It is Satanic and will result in a life of jealousy and selfishness. This is in complete contrast to the wisdom God gives, which results in a life that is characterized by gentleness and humility. We see this lived out even in the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve sinned. They listened to Satan’s so-called “words of wisdom” and it resulted in selfish ambition – not a life of humble submission and obedience to God’s words of wisdom. The words from Proverbs 14:12 characterizes this “wisdom” as well as any in the Bible: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

So where are getting your wisdom to live your life? Don’t buy into the lie that the world’s wisdom has all of the answers! Only the wisdom of God will give you what you need – and it can only be acquired by getting to know Him. Let's be committed to knowing God and then humbly obeying Him with our actions and attitudes.


For His Name,

Pastor Stephen