Linda Burch

James 3:  13-18 NIV
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Reflection
Recently, my college suitemates and I had a reunion in Huntsville. We walked the campus, visited our old dorm, told stories non-stop, and laughed for hours.

One story that came up concerned the tally marks of my wrongs that occurred one month. MJ was allowed to place a mark on the wall by my dressing table each time I lost an argument (I hated being wrong). After we laughed, she said, “Over the years, I’ve learned to say, ‘You might be right.’” For my part, I hope I’ve gained the wisdom to readily admit when I’m wrong.

Who wants wisdom? Don’t we all! The question put to us in James concerns two kinds of wisdom—the wisdom of the world and the wisdom that comes from seeking God’s guidance.

James tells us that one who is wise and understanding will show it by deeds done in humility. Some translations use the word meek. In classical Greek, meek was used for people who were gracious and mild. The word was even used for a horse that has been broken. That was “power under control.” Those who are wise allow God’s power to control them—not earthly ideas. 

On the other hand, one who harbors bitter envy or selfish ambition in his heart is dealing with practices of the world, not God’s wisdom. If we harbor something, we keep it close and don’t want to let go. It feels good and self-justifying. When we envy we become resentful of what someone else has and feel entitled to the same. It takes our focus off God and becomes about what others have that we don’t. Selfish ambition is focused on what we are going to get, and it doesn’t matter who gets hurt in the process.

Worldly wisdom is boastful and wants others to be impressed with its accomplishments.  It doesn’t care much about what is true. Success in life and the opinion of others are of primary importance. James says this wisdom is demonic. These things lead to disorder and every kind of evil. When we listen to the news, read the paper, and follow social media it is certainly not hard to find disorder and evil practices.

God’s wisdom is pure. It has no ulterior motive. It has the best interest of others in mind.  Wisdom from God is peace-loving. When we are peace-loving we are good listeners and willing to hear others’ points of view. I read somewhere that God has many points from which to view. It is beneficial to keep that in mind. People practicing Godly wisdom are submissive and don’t feel the need to be in control of people and every situation. They keep their focus on God. 

Wisdom from God is full of mercy and good fruit. Mercy is an attitude. Good fruit is shown by being merciful. Forgiving others and offering grace and release are the marks of good fruit. When we are impartial and sincere we see everyone as important to God and therefore treat them with respect. James ends by saying people who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

People who seek Godly wisdom are good listeners and bridge builders. They focus on the needs of others before their own needs. When they are wrong, they are willing to change. When they are right, they are gracious and easy to live with.

Prayer

Oh, God,

Thank you for friends that point me in your direction when they remind me that others might be right and I could be wrong. Please grant me a heart that daily seeks your wisdom, and make me submissive to your guidance. In the name of your Son. Amen.