James , #7

2. James, #7 “True Wisdom” 3:13-18

3. James 3:13-18, True Wisdom • James is an epistle of practical matters. • It deals with the everyday life matters of how faith works. • It provides basic concrete ethical instruction in the practice of Christianity. “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.” 1:22

4. James 3:13-18, True Wisdom • Context of the chapter: -vv.1-12 deals with the proper use of the tongue… -regarding those contemplating becomingteachers. -So the paragraph following(vv.13-18)must be first considered in that context. -If onethinkshimself a“perfect man”he will manifest in action the characteristics of“true wisdom”ofvv.13-18.

5. James 3:13-18, True Wisdom This section onwisdomthen is given to build upon and further delineate betweenmere wordsand works.

6. James 3:13-18, True Wisdom What does “true wisdom” look like? • Works, not words,v.13 Remember, -1:22Doers(of works), not just hearers(of words) -1:26-27 Those who speak or live their religion -2:14-27 The difference between what we say and what we do

7. James 3:13-18, True Wisdom Therefore, True wisdomis not that whichtellseveryone how smart it is, but rather simply does the right things! Thus it is demonstrated, not proclaimed. Proclaimed wisdom, as herein described may well be an oxymoron or contradiction at best- true wisdom is demonstrated in quiet fashion with gentleness(NASV).

8. James 3:13-18, True Wisdom • The Negative Picture- qualities and characteristics which demonstrate the decidedlack ofTrue Wisdom: >Bitter Jealousy-Manifested against whom? Most likely those who seem to have true wisdom. Thus their motivation for teaching maybe skewed in the first place, cf. 1Tim.1:3-7 >Selfish Ambition-This type of false wisdom was certainly present in Paul’s day, cf. Phil.1:12-17; and it is likewise present in our day, 2Tim.4:3-4.

9. James 3:13-18, True Wisdom • The Negative Picture- qualities and characteristics which demonstrate the decidedlack ofTrue Wisdom: >Arrogance- This seems to be a part of the package. Ever known teachers/preachers who seemed to have the attitude, “How dare you question anything that I have said/written! Don’t you know how smart I am?” ? cf. 2Pet.2:10,18

10. James 3:13-18, True Wisdom • The Positive Picture- qualities and characteristics which demonstrate True Wisdom: >Purity- That is, not tainted with the “double- mindedness” of the unstable (1:5-8) or the improper motivations of self-proclamation and self-elevation, 3:14,16. But rather that which desires what James sought- to be a doer of the word and not just a hearer: to practice true religion, 1:22,27.

11. James 3:13-18, True Wisdom • The Positive Picture- qualities and characteristics which demonstrate True Wisdom: >Peaceable- Not the “brawler” forbidden in the qualifications of an Overseer, 1Tim.3:3 (KJV; “uncontentious”  NASV). The one who is truly wise is a lover of peace not strife. He is not the one always looking for a religious scuffle, 2Tim.2:24; Matt.5:9; Rom.14:19-20.

12. James 3:13-18, True Wisdom • The Positive Picture- qualities and characteristics which demonstrate True Wisdom: >Gentle-This is the one able to with a gentle answer turn away wrath, Prov.15:1 and with gentleness correct those in opposition to truth, 2Tim.2:25. Perhaps more than any other, this is a neglected quality of Jesus among many proclaiming their own wisdom, cf. Titus 3:2.

13. James 3:13-18, True Wisdom • The Positive Picture- qualities and characteristics which demonstrate True Wisdom: >Reasonable- One aspect of Webster’s definition of wisdom, was having “good sense: JUDGMENT”. The Greek herein used (eupeithes from eu- easy + peithomai, to persuade) is found nowhere else in scripture. It refers to one willing to consider other’s points of view. Literally it refers to one easily persuadable. Not weak nor unstable, but one who when presented with truth, reason, and logic is easily converted by it. This wisdom is ever open to reason and becoming therefore more wise. Contrast it with the words of 2Pet.2:12.

14. James 3:13-18, True Wisdom • The Positive Picture- qualities and characteristics which demonstrate True Wisdom: >Merciful- Able to look and act with compassion and tender affection toward those less fortunate. This quality is contrasted with the previous in that they were primarily conditions of the heart. Mercy differs from pity in that it demands action or conduct suited to the emotion, cf. James 1:26-27; 2:15-17. This wisdom acts!

15. James 3:13-18, True Wisdom • The Positive Picture- qualities and characteristics which demonstrate True Wisdom: >Unwavering-(“without variance/partiality” in other translations) This is exactly the opposite of that depicted in 1:8 (also see 1:6 and 2:4 where the verb form of the same word {adiakriots- a, not + diakrino, to distinguish} appears). It refers to the inability to settle one’s own mind- to come to a conclusion. Thus seemingly opposed to reasonable(literally easy to persuade), it is actually not. The wise is one who is fully convinced in his own mind with such information as he has been able to ascertain. But when presented with better facts and logic, his vanity is not an issue at all and truth is readily accepted.

16. James 3:13-18, True Wisdom • The Positive Picture- qualities and characteristics which demonstrate True Wisdom: >Without Hypocrisy- In true wisdom there is no pretension nor the need or toleration of it. This is true because true wisdom is based upon true dedication to the Lord- not pseudo- Christianity or the desire for fleshly accolades. True wisdom seeks God’s approval for himself and as many others as possible.

17. James 3:13-18, True Wisdom • Conclusion? True Wisdom is a Seed , which produces Righteousness, and it is sown by those who love and make peace, v.18. Do you possess it? If not, why not, James 1:5!