Ah, the hilarious wisdom of old age . . .
The dispersed-among-the-nations Jewish Christians to whom James writes are neither aged nor wise (while professing to be—wise, that is). Instead, they’re foolishly tongue-lashing each other (James 3:1-12), harboring jealously and selfish ambition in their hearts (James 3:14) and arrogantly fighting with one another (James 4:1-12).
Before we dig into James’ rebuke, note three key words, two of which don’t usually make our top-three-church-virtues today. First, peace. This we want. A church at peace. Without internal conflict. No fighting. Everyone loving everyone else.
Second, wisdom. We want a growing church, a friendly church, a great-music church, a well-programmed church. But who longs for a wise church?
Third, righteousness. When’s the last time somebody congratulated your church for being righteous or the last time you read a magazine highlighting a righteous church?
It appears from James, God wants his church to be at peace, wise and righteous.
James starts this section (which really continues his thoughts from 3:1-12) with a question to grab attention . . .
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom (James 3:13).
Yes, who? Not the members who speak and act as if they know more than everybody else. Not simply members with a good sense of judgment. But members who make right moral choices before God. Specifically, in this case, members who do beneficial praiseworthy acts from a spirit of humility and gentleness.
Our churches are not always sanctuaries of peace, schools of wisdom and overflowing fields of righteousness. True, the church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints. But sick sinners should be getting better! And that improvement should be progressively obvious. Apparently, in the churches to whom James is writing, the opposite was obvious . . .
But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. (James 3:14,15).
” . . . selfish ambition” reminds me of politicians. They solicit support more for their own political profit than the nation’s good. A lost seat to a competitor would color them envy-green. James rebukes church members like that. In fact, he reserves some of his harshest language for them. Paraphrase: “You brag about how wise you are as a Christian, when your “wisdom” doesn’t come from above but from here on earth. It’s just natural, human, totally absent God’s Spirit. It is, in fact, demonic. (Can you imagine a pastor preaching this rebuke today? Church-shopping time!)
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (James 3:16).
On what does James base such a harsh diagnosis? The churches’ disorderliness and confusion. Their moral corruptness. Their evil practices. I can’t imagine describing a church like this. Such “fruit” can mean only one thing: members are envious and selfishly ambitious. And their so-called “wisdom” is “earthly, unspiritual and demonic.” What a contrast “the wisdom that comes from heaven”!
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. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness (James 3:17,18).
” . . . wisdom from above” is . . .
- pure. It produces people of moral and spiritual integrity.
- peaceable. It produces people who are conciliatory peace-makers.
- considerate. It produces people who are fair and generous.
- submissive. It produces people who put themselves under others in importance for Jesus’ sake.
- full of mercy and good fruit. It produces people who show compassion and forgiveness toward those they have power to harm,
- impartial and sincere. It produces people without prejudice or hypocrisy.
This is a peaceful church, a wise church, a righteous church reflecting the character of Christ himself. But it doesn’t just happen. It takes members, like farmers, “planting” these virtues in peace. Nor is such a church born in a day. It takes time for “fruit” to grow. But it will; the Holy Spirit will work through “planting” members and eventually “a harvest of righteousness” will be the yield.
Wisdom is the necessary ingredient. How shall we gain it? James has already answered . . .
If any of you lacks wisdom,
let him ask God who gives generously to all without reproach,
and it will be given him.
(James 1:1:5)
Here’s a prayer we might pray . . .
O LORD, I turn my ear to wisdom that comes from your words and commands.
I apply my heart to understanding. I call out for insight.
I cry aloud for understanding. I look for it as for silver.
I search for it as for hidden treasure.
I am trusting that then I will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
I rest on the promise that you give wisdom
and from your mouth come knowledge and understanding.
This I pray in the name of your Son,
who is my wisdom and righteousness. Amen.
(from Proverbs 2:1-6).
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