Wisdom, Part 1

James 3:13-18

The Internet is a technological marvel and has enabled wonderful things to emerge from its cadaverous potential.

One of its very strong points is that it exists to give a platform to those who previously had not had one, but this has both good and ill effects. The net and social media by extension allows everyone to voice their opinion, even if it’s not valid. Suddenly, every person with a keyboard and a blog claim authority.

I’ve noticed this trend especially in the last five years. As people with loud and proud opinions paste them for the public to see; they are meant as a declarative statement – and how dare anyone disagree with them, challenge them or give a dissenting opinion! And if anyone does disagree (even if they have valid arguments) they are assaulted with a barrage of straw men, name calling and circular reasoning.

James has spent time thus far talking to us about allowing the Word to change us, which drives real faith, which makes a difference in how we speak. This then leads into his next point, wisdom.

(Jas 3:13) Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

There were those in the area with bad tongues who were elevating themselves as wise, and those that disagreed would be declared as mentally inferior. Where have we heard that before?

James, the practical theologian says real wisdom manifests itself in two primary ways.

1. A good and beautiful life. let him shew out of a good conversation

The old English word conversation is such an interesting one. Now days, we use ‘conversation’ as a word of communication, but back in the day it meant behaviour, or lifestyle. In fact, the Greek word underlying it has the idea of citizenship. As a citizen of Canada, I am expected to act in certain and appropriate ways. As a citizen of Heaven, the same is true, only to a much higher standard. James is saying that the wise person will show true spirituality will always manifest itself in good works.

2. A meek attitude. We show Biblical wisdom and change when it also affects how we deal with people who disagree with us.

However, I can ignore God’s Word and wisdom and act in a way that is contrary to God.

(Jas 3:14) But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

James now is going to target worldly wisdom, the natural and secular way we do things.

When we are challenged, it is natural for us to respond with contention and bitterness, but this is not God’s way. This is in opposition to meekness. This attitude and way of doing things also exposes my heart. I have been exposed as glorying (worshipping) myself and my own desires and not God. This is deceit 101 and lies against the truth.

(Jas 3:15) This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

James explains that this way of doing things is not from God, but is devilish. The natural result of this is when a Christian acts in this type of way; he or she is in fact driving people away from God. And there is a consequence as well. (Jas 3:16) For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

Confusion and badness are the illegitimate children of envying and strife.

This means that parents who manifest these qualities will produce Children who are used to disorder and fighting to further their own agenda.

This means that Pastors that hold themselves above all, and refuse to compare his words and actions to the pure word of life will produce a church that will do the same.

This, my friends is not meekness. (Mat 5:5) Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.