James: More GraceSample

What does true wisdom look like?

James is trying to help his readers distinguish between a false ‘wisdom’, which he calls ‘demonic’ (3:15), and true wisdom which ‘comes from heaven’ (v. 17). As James describes this true wisdom, he doesn’t talk about cleverness or gifts or qualifications; he talks about character and life. People may think they are wise and want to  be teachers. Such people may sound impressive. But if they are full of selfish ambition and bitter envy, the words of such teachers will be accompanied by ‘disorder and every evil practice’ (3:16).

Now James tells his readers eight characteristics of the truly wise person. It sounds like a description of the Lord Jesus, the true wisdom that ‘comes from heaven’ (see 1 Cor. 1:30).

• It seems that James picks virtues he fears his readers lack! What connections can you see between James’ list (vv. 17–18) and his concerns in the rest of his letter?

Remember the Christian who said to his destitute brother, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed’ (2:15–16), but did nothing to help him. There was no sincerity or consideration there, or any ‘fruit’ of good deeds.

Remember the Christian who said to the rich man, ‘Here’s a good seat for you,’ but to the poor man, ‘Sit on the floor by my feet’ (2:3). We saw no sign there of the mercy and impartiality with which God treats us.

James will go on to talk to his readers about their ‘fights and quarrels’ (4:1). There seems to be no peace in this dysfunctional congregation.

We might wonder why James says that this heavenly wisdom is ‘first of all pure’ (v. 17). When we speak of ‘pure devotion’, we mean that it is wholehearted as well as good. James is concerned that his readers lack such pure devotion to God. He calls them ‘double-minded’, and from that double-mindedness flow all these other problems, including their false ‘wisdom’. No wonder not many of these believers should be teachers! James will call on these believers to ‘purify’ their hearts (4:8).

• Teachers in the congregation are ‘sowers’ of the ‘seed’ of God’s word. What kind of ‘sowing’ will lead to ‘a harvest of righteousness’ (v. 18)?

Teachers need to ‘sow in peace’. They need to be peacemakers. They need to give grace as well as talk about it. The life and the words of the truly wise person will always build loving relationships rather than destroy them. How much we need this wisdom! 

Pray

'If any one of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God ...' (1:5). So ask.