The Book of James: Putting Faith to Work! (Chapter 3:13-18)

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Welcome Back! Let’s continue our journey through “The Book of James: Putting Faith to Work!”

The Book of James: Putting Faith to Work! (Chapter 3:13-18)

This week we will continue our reading of verses 13-18 in completion of chapter 3 as we consider Two Wisdoms…

As we examine this next powerful section of James' wonderful epistle, he continues outlining a series of tests proving true “faith” in Jesus Christ. Here we'll be considering the concept of the “two wisdoms” available. One is heavenly the other is earthly. One is godly the other is demonic. One is true the other is false. One is good and the other is evil – A very important distinction!

When considering this very important portion of Scripture, we will learn that what James is saying through the New Testament is exactly what the Old Testament has already said! Wisdom is divided into two kinds… One represents the “wisdom” of man and the other represents the “wisdom” of God. In other words, this subject matter is not a foreign concept throughout the Biblical narrative – Words of Wisdom!

Two Wisdoms: Which One?

Many people might claim they possess “wisdom” but the question to ask and discern is this: Is it the “wisdom” of men or the “wisdom” of God? Again, there is a distinctive difference! Therefore, James begins this portion of his excellent epistle by asking a simple question in calling true “believers” to a solemn self-examination and then follows it up with an equally simple answer of action:

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom – James 3:13

If we claim to be “wise” among the “brethren” and our “wisdom” is indeed from the Lord, the burden of proof is with us to verify that we possess His “wise” attributes. How do we verify this? James says it is “shown” by our “works” done in “meekness” and by the “wisdom” of God expressed through our lives. In other words, it is “him” who proves this “wisdom” from God to be true by another test of his “good conduct” through specific “works” performed with an attitude of “meekness” – For God’s glory!

THEOLOGICAL THOUGHTS: It is interesting to note that this is the only time in the entire New Testament where the two words “wise” and “understanding” appear together. The word "understanding" in the Greek refers to a specialist or a highly skilled professional. The word for "wisdom" in the Greek refers to speculative knowledge, theory or philosophy. However, the Hebrew infuses "wisdom" with a much deeper meaning with the ability to apply our “knowledge” to the matter of “living” out life. Therefore, in the Greek culture "wisdom" was sheer speculation and in the Hebrew culture "wisdom" was a matter of practical living. The simple distinction here is that “understanding” relates to the knowledge of life principles whereas “wisdom” relates to the application of those life principles. In other words, we can't really be “wise” if we don't “understand” and we can't really “understand” if we’re not “wise” – Makes perfect sense!

False Wisdom

First, James continues by analyzing the false worldly “wisdom” that is not of God, has no “obedience” to God and has no true “knowledge” from God. And James now goes on to “teach” us several points concerning this wicked “wisdom” that is from below:

But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there – James 3:14-16

Here we're introduced to the man-centered motivation for all false human “wisdom” of which is found within the “heart” of “sinful” and “fallen” man-kind. There are two attributes that motivate this human “wisdom” of which are “bitter envy” and “self-seeking” ambition. And these “fleshly” attributes manifest attitudes of which “boasts” and “lies” against the “truth” of God and His Word. James goes on to say that this “wisdom” is “earthly,” “sensual,” and “demonic” in nature – From Satan himself!

This is similar to what the Apostle Paul said in writing to the young pastor Timothy in describing the “false teachers” of whom were teaching “doctrines of demons” generated by the “seducing spirits” of Satan’s invention:

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of demons – 1 Timothy 4:1

In other words, this wicked “wisdom” is not of true “faith” but is from – The pit of hell!

The dilemma of “unbelievers” who think themselves to be “wise” is that the reality is they are actually fools! The worldly, finite system of “unregenerate” men are “living” in stark “confusion” filled chaos and do not know God. They are demanding a humanistic “wisdom” along with every “evil thing” and nothing else. Everything they seek to accomplish is limited to the corruption of “fallen” man's “fleshly” and sinister system of thought. It pervades their “worldly” philosophy, education and every other dimension of his life – Everything is evil foolishness!

True Wisdom

Conversely, James describes for “us” the true godly “wisdom” from heaven of which is “imputed” to the true “believer” in ever-increasing measure as they “grow up” in the “sanctifying” power of the Holy Spirit, baring much “good fruit” for God:

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace – James 3:17-18

This “wisdom” is first “pure” and implies a sincere, moral spiritual “character” that is free from bitter jealousy, selfish ambition and arrogant self-promotion. This “wisdom” is also “peaceable,” very “gentle,” and is “willing to yield” in all humility. It is also “full” of much “mercy” and many godly “good fruits” of which does not show personal “partiality” or “hypocrisy” of a self-serving fake or phony nature. True “righteousness” is equated with God’s “wisdom” because it is “sown” in “peace” that produces a “righteous” life. As we sow the “fruit of righteousness” it produces even more “righteousness” in our lives. Therefore, James says this kind of “believer” has a “pure heart” and motives with a deep desire to “obey” God's “will,” to “serve” God and to “love” God with his life. This is the Biblical law of – Sowing and Reaping!

In fact, many of these Holy Spirit inspired “fruits” can also be found in the Apostle Paul’s epistle to the “brethren” throughout the region of Galatia:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law – Galatians 5:22-23

By the way, that's also the condition of a true “believer” as indicated in the Beatitudes taught by James’ big brother Jesus Christ:

Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God – Matthew 5:8

The word "see" here means to “understand” more fully. In other words, it is the “pure” hearted who really “understand” God! To “understand” God more and more is true “wisdom” and those who have it in an increasing measure are those “believers” who possess a “pure heart” for the Lord. This “wisdom” from God does not create confusion, disorder or self-promotion. It is “peace” loving and will never attempt to compromise God’s “truth” but makes “peace” with Him! Therefore, James is building on our familiarity with Jesus’ very own – Sermon on the Mount!

REAL REFLECTIONS: We know that “wisdom” began for the true “believer” at the point when one was ushered into a personal relationship with God by His reverential “salvation” through “faith” in Jesus Christ alone. In fact, it is of Him through Whom our true “wisdom” is found, as He is the embodiment of all these wonderful characteristics! And when He takes up residence in our “lives” through the Holy Spirit, His nature becomes yours and mine in an increasing and “sanctifying” measure. And although it is a test of a “believer” to manifest the “wisdom” of God, none of us will arrive to the fullest possible capacity this side of Heaven – We are a work of God in progress!

In closing:

According to philosophers throughout the centuries, “wisdom” is that for which man should most singly strive for in life. In fact, Cicero in 52 B.C. had this to say concerning “wisdom”:

"Wisdom is the best gift of the gods, it is the mother of all good things. The best and that which generates all of the best."

That sums up what most “unbelieving” philosophers throughout the ages have felt about “wisdom” itself. Why? Because if one had true “wisdom” he could get just about anything else – The chief pursuit of sinful man!

Summarizing the Scriptures: Among many places throughout the five books of “wisdom” literature found in the Bible (Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon) we find similar promises pertaining to the “acquiring’ of “wisdom” and “understanding” such as this one example:

Acquire wisdom and with all your acquiring get understanding – Proverbs 4:7

And let’s not forget the story of the wisest man in the world Solomon found in the Old Testament book of 1 Kings when the Lord appeared to him in a dream and inquired:

“Ask! What shall I give you?” – 1 Kings 3:5b

Solomon’s answer pleased the Lord! Here is God’s response pertaining to Solomon’s answer and great plea for the true “wisdom” of which is only from “heaven” above:

The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” – 1 Kings 3:10-14

This is God’s great grace! Whether approaching “wisdom” from the viewpoint of a philosopher or the viewpoint of a writer of Scripture. A premium is set on the acquisition of “wisdom” of sorts… Beloved, “we” too as “believers” can have God’s “wisdom” in our lives today! How? We must sincerely and unselfishly inquire of “God” – Ask, seek and knock!

QUIZING QUESTIONS: Do you have the “wisdom” of God? The answer is found in the “character” of your life by the specific “deeds” you do with a godly “attitude” to match. God's “wisdom” identifies those “believers” who belong to Jesus Christ – Is your life one of worldly wisdom or Divine wisdom?

With this information as a foundation for your personal studies, please read through verses 13-18 of the third chapter of James.

Keep looking up and sharing the Gospel while there is still time… Hallelujah and Maranatha – come quickly Lord Jesus!

We are not guaranteed tomorrow – tomorrow may be too late! If you haven't yet made that most important decision of your life, won't you make Jesus Christ your personal Lord and Savior today - before it's too late? Today is the day of Salvation!

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Blessings!
Shane K. Morin <><

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