Let’s remember why James is writing this book, His audience is the new Christians who are coming to the church as new believers, many of them. In this last section of chapter 3 James addresses two kinds of wisdom.
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his 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, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
James 3:13-16
The first type of wisdom James refers to is earthly wisdom which comes from Satan. This kind of wisdom is selfish, ambitious and jealous. It speaks lies and deception and is self-centered. Wisdom that seeks to put one’s self above others is certainly not of God. It will cause squabbling and disharmony amongst the people.
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 raise a harvest of righteousness.
James 17-18
The second type of wisdom is heavenly wisdom and it comes from God. It is pure, peace-loving, considerate, and submissive to God’s call. From a person that has this wisdom you’ll find someone who is gentle and considerate. Some who speaks the truth, is organized and pure at heart. It will reap harmony among the people and will result in peace and mercy.
The words from our tongue will reveal what sort of wisdom we harbor inside. A good tongue protects our integrity. Does your wisdom create peace or reveal hypocrisy?
I think we should heed the words of James and spend some time in prayer asking God to reveal to us the true spirit of the wisdom we speak.
I hope to spark a desire to speak the wisdom of truth.
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 