The hunger for freedom from oppression will drive people to rise up in revolt of their oppressors. That has been the history of humanity over the centuries. The Jewish people revolted militarily from Rome not once but twice, and it was during the second revolt in 132-135 A. D. that the Roman Emperor Hadrian killed 580,000 Jews, destroyed 985 villages, forbid the Jewish people to enter the city of Jerusalem, what was left of it, and scattered many of the remnants of Jewish people to other parts of the empire. It was under Hadrian that the land was renamed Palestine.
In contrast to this political and military uprising, Church historian, Philip Schaff (January 1, 1819 – October 20, 1893) relates the impact that Jesus and his message had over human history in his book The Person of Christ. He writes:
And yet this Jesus of Nazareth, without money and arms, conquered more millions than Alexander, Caesar, Mohammed, and Napoleon; without science and learning, he shed more light on things human and divine than all philosophers and scholars combined; without the eloquence of schools, he spoke such words of life as were never spoken before or since, and produced effects which lie beyond the reach of any orator or poet; without writing a single line, he set more pens in motion, and furnished themes for more sermons, orations, discussions, learned volumes, works of art, and sweet songs of praise, than the whole army of great men of ancient and modern times.[i]
What an amazing contrast between the human approach to life’s problems and God’s approach in addressing the great injustices of life. While the zealots in Jesus’ day murdered and revolted against Rome, ultimately destroying themselves in the process, Jesus’ message of love and forgiveness prevailed over that very Empire. The kingdom that Jesus ushered into our world still captures the human heart today.
In James 3, we discover the difference between a wisdom that originates from God and a wisdom that defies God, which is demonic and destructive in nature. It is a wisdom that alienates human relationships, while Jesus’ message transforms them. James concludes chapter 3, which began with a challenge regarding our words, now focuses on the core issue of their origin, within the human heart. What is the condition of our heart? The state of our soul is affected by either wisdom that comes from above or wisdom that originates from below. As we evaluate the nature of the two sources of wisdom that shape our heart and affect our speech, which in turn brings either peace and harmony or conflict and strife, we will examine how wisdom affects the condition of our heart.
THE FIRST CONDITION THAT AFFECTS OUR HEART IS THE WISDOM THAT COMES FROM ABOVE
We determine the nature of this wisdom from above by its effect upon our thinking and actions.
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.[ii]
The nature of biblical wisdom is that it is a skill, one of which is the skill in relating to others in a loving manner which helps create a healthy environment. So many people desire a ‘beautiful life.’ Here we are about to discover that a beautiful life is manifested by our humble actions. Alec Motyer explains the significance of this result in one’s life.
He announces its [wisdom] arrival in 3:13 with the words his good life. Greek has two words which receive the English equivalent ‘good’. One (agathos) means ‘that which is intrinsically good, possessing the quality of goodness’. The word James uses, however, is kalos, lovely, and what he speaks of is the loveliness of goodness, the attractiveness of a good life, its wholesomeness and helpfulness, as seen in the Lord’s people: a way of life whose goodness is plain to all who see.[iii]
Again, we see the words of James reflecting the O.T. wisdom literature. Derek Kidner in describing the book of Proverbs describes God’s proverbial instructions is
To make the bad people good, and the good people nice. …it makes the point, with proverbial brevity, that there are details of character small enough to escape the mesh of the law and the broadsides of the prophets, and yet decisive in personal dealings.[iv]
What Kidner is saying is that wisdom literature as reflected in proverbial statements define for us the nature of how to live life ethically, morally, and lovingly before God and with others. They instruct us on how to interact with others by doing what is right and fair. This knowledge gives us insight and discretion. It helps us move from emotional and relational immaturity to maturity. These proverbs provide guidance in what we should be doing. In other words, wisdom begins by humbling ourselves before God and embracing His values.
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.[v]
James is basically recapturing the essence of these proverbs and what they are saying to us in his letter. He is reminding us of the beauty and benefits of the good life which are reflected in the deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. Wisdom is that gift from God and must be sought from God as He is the source of the wisdom that brings peace and grace into our lives. James had already challenged his readers earlier in his letter to seek wisdom in answer to prayer.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.[vi]
James even challenges us to pursue wisdom above financial gains, like Proverbs does.
Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies, nothing you desire can compare with her.[vii]
Paul reminds us of 1 Corinthians 1:30, “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”
Wisdom then is found in Jesus. When we learn to trust Jesus and walk in His ways, we are walking in wisdom. Paul gives that instruction in Ephesians and how to apply it in our relationships to one another and before God.
Be very careful, then, how you walk—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.[viii]
A. The Nature of God’s Wisdom.
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.[ix]
What are these characteristics of God’s wisdom in our lives? Douglas Moo explains that purity here is the overarching expression of the virtues of Divine wisdom. To be pure means to be holy or sacred. It is the idea of being ‘set apart for God’s purposes.’ It is moral blamelessness.
James begins with the quality of peace-loving because this virtue is especially prominent in this context. He criticizes those who falsely claim to be wise for their contentiousness and the disputes they spawn (3:14; 4:1–2). According to the Old Testament also, wisdom produces peace (Prov. 3:17), and Paul lists ‘peace’ as a fruit of the Spirit. Why is wisdom peace-loving? Because it is also considerate and submissive. To be considerate, or ‘gentle’ (epieikēs), is to be kind, willing to yield, unwilling ‘to exact strict claims’ (Hort). With such an attitude, the believer, motivated and empowered by wisdom, will follow in the footsteps of his or her Lord, who also was characterized by ‘meekness and gentleness’ (praytētos kai epieikeias, 2 Cor. 10:1). The person who is submissive (eupeithēs) is one who is ‘easily persuaded’—not in the sense of a weak, credulous gullibility, but rather in that of a willing deference to others when unalterable theological or moral principles are not involved. Wisdom is also full of mercy and good fruit.[x]
When we walk in wisdom, we become reasonable, considerate, and willing to consider the needs of others. We move away from stubbornness and are open to instruction and correction where we need to make changes in our lives.
- The Results of God’s Wisdom.
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.[xi]
In continuing to chapter 4, which is tied to this discussion on Divine wisdom, wisdom produces peace and “reaps a harvest of righteousness”, or right actions. This statement about the effects of wisdom upon our hearts creates within us the desire to bring about peace, and this is spoken in the context of conflict. James is concerned about conflicts in the church, where mutual love and support should be found.
In this verse James singles out for special emphasis one attribute of wisdom—its peaceableness. This emphasis is no doubt the product of James’ desire to eradicate the bitter, contentious quarrels and disputes that were rending the church (3:16; 4:1–2). The peace that genuine wisdom should produce was notably absent.[xii]
Let’s just pause for a moment and examine our lives. Is our life a life of peace? Do we have peace with God? Are we in a right relationship with God? Do we have the peace of God? How are we relating to those in our circle? Is there peace in our marriage? Is there peace in our family? Is there peace with co-workers? Are we exhibiting a considerate, submissive, impartial, and merciful attitude and actions to those we are relating to? If we are, then we are walking in God’s wisdom. If not, then we need to understand the problem. What is at the heart of the issue? Could it be that we are operating out of a heart that is creating tension and conflict? The problem is within us. James is painting a picture of contrast between a wisdom that comes from God and that which is the opposite and comes from brokenness within our own hearts.
THE SECOND EXPRESSION UPON OUR HEART IS THE WISDOM THAT COMES FROM BELOW
In other words, it is cunning and worldly wisdom that’s origin is demonic. What we will see as its basic characteristic is that this wisdom is driven by selfishness.
- The Nature of the Wisdom from Below.
But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.[xiii]
Here we need to unpack the meaning of some of these terms. The word translated here as ‘envy’ or in other translations ‘jealousy,’ should be thought of as simply a strong emotion or passion. The other words, we need to understand is the word ‘bitter’. This same Greek word was used earlier as in describing the water in 3:11, though the NIV translates it as ‘salt water’ in both verses 11 and 12, but they are different Greek words. In verse 11, the water is described as bitter, and the point is that the water is unhealthy. James is simply using two different sources of water to show the inconsistency of blessing God with our mouths and then cursing people who are made in the image of God. The problem is with our hearts. The tragedy is that we do not realize the condition of our heart. In one sense we are in a state of self-deception to our true condition. James talks about not boasting or denying the truth about our state of being. Alec Motyer describes the condition in a way that may help us understand what James is conveying to us.
It does not of itself contain the thought of hostile envy of other people’s gifts or affections. …There are those who are ‘quick on the draw’, more than ready to fight for their rights and easily prepared to feel that they are in some way threatened by others. It is more this sharpness of spirit in personal relationships, this over-concern for one’s own position, dignity rights or whatever, that James has in mind. There is a sharpness of self-interest, that easily leads into the formation of parties and cliques, which is the inner force of the word translated as selfish ambition.[xiv]
[It is] the desire to impose one’s own opinion on others that James condemns. Thus, James’s point would be that although zeal for what one thinks of as truth may have the appearance of wisdom, if such zeal (even if based on truth) introduces discord and instability into the community of faith, it is not true wisdom.[xv]
We could summarize this by saying that if our words create contention and division, what we are doing is not wisdom from above, but is demonically inspired. In other words, the effects of our words should be telling us something of the nature of where our thoughts, words, and actions are coming from.
This is not about speaking the truth in a loving way which creates persecution. Obviously, Jesus and the early disciples experienced that. What we are saying is that in a Christian community, if we are constantly demanding our way at the expense of others, we can be assured that this is a sinful course and the wisdom that we think we are advocating is not Divine wisdom. Our words should be building people up, encouraging them in their walk with God, comforting them in their sorrows, trials, and challenges.
- The Origin of this Wisdom.
Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.[xvi]
The idea of earthly is simply a wisdom that is excluding God from the equation and restricts everything to the material universe. The idea of unspiritual is to be opposed to that which is spiritual and leans on human thinking, apart from a renewed mind surrendered to God. Finally, the wisdom that is described as demonic is the attitude or “desire to advance one’s power and influence to the detriment of others.” (Dan McCartney, 201). Dan McCartney explains how this wisdom sounds like what society promotes.
That kind of wisdom purports to give worldly advancement, prestige, and success, but in fact it proves unstable and productive of all sorts of evil.[xvii]
- The Results of this Wisdom.
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.[xviii]
The outcome of such wisdom is ‘disorder’ and ‘every evil practice.’ We call that state anarchy. This is where there is an absence or denial of all authority. Sometimes in our advocacy for freedom, what we are really advocating is anarchy.
God’s wisdom produces peace. People who are walking in Divine wisdom sow and reap peace and righteousness. James is often overshadowed in the life of the early church as other more prominent leaders seem to take center stage. But a careful look at the early days and the challenges facing the church, which were often contentious, needed James to bring peace and harmony out of those moments. Consider the first church council in Jerusalem. The issue was not only contentious, but it would mean the difference between remaining a small sectarian group in Judaism or branching out to impact the entire Roman empire.
Certain people came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the believers: ‘Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved.’ This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.[xix]
How did it get resolved and who was the principal person who navigated the council to a conclusion that produced a harvest of righteousness?
When they finished, James spoke up. ‘Brothers,’ he said, ‘listen to me. Simon has described to us how God first intervened to choose a people for his name from the Gentiles’…’It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood. For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.’ …It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements:[xx]
James had a ‘word of wisdom,’ that Divine wisdom that comes from above that is pure and peaceable that brought about a healthy resolution to a critical issue in the church
Are you at this moment in your life facing a tremendous decision? How many are embroiled in difficult relational issues? How can we walk in Divine wisdom?
Four important steps to become a peacemaker, which is a person that walks in Divine wisdom, doing what is right for others before God, are:
1. Surrender yourself to God’s will and purposes.
2. Ask God for wisdom (1:5).
3. Meditate on God’s word, to discover who God is and what He is like, so that we can follow His ways.
4. Seek mature believers in your life and learn to ask them for their insights. There is safety in the multitude of counselors (Prov. 15:22).
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[i] Philip Schaff, The Person of Christ, (New York, Charles Scribner & Co., 1865), 21. www.ccel.org/ccel/s/schaff/person/cache/person.pdf
[ii] James 3:13, The New International Version of the Bible, Zondervan, 2011.
[iii] Alex Motyer, The Message of James, The Bible Speaks Today, (Downers Grove, Il: Inter-Varsity Press, 1985), 128.
[iv] Derek Kidner, Proverbs: An Introduction and Commentary, TOTC, (Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1964), 1.
[v] Proverbs 1:1-7.
[vi] James 1:5.
[vii] Proverbs 3:13-15.
[viii] Ephesians 5:15-20.
[ix] James 3:17.
[x] Douglas Moo, James: An Introduction and Commentary, TNTC, Second Edition, E. J. Schnabel, Ed., Vol. 16, (InterVarsity Press, 2015), 172-73.
[xi] James 3:18.
[xii] Doulas Moo, James: An Introduction and Commentary, 173.
[xiii] James 3:14.
[xiv] Alex Motyer, The Message of James, 132-33.
[xv] Dan McCartney, James, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2009), 199.
[xvi] James 3:15.
[xvii] Dan McCartney, James, 200.
[xviii] James 3:16.
[xix] Acts 15:1-2, 13-14.
[xx] Acts 15:19-21, 28.
