James 3:13-18 FAITH PRODUCES WISDOM Apparently there was a great deal of wrong speaking among the Jewish Christians. Our words are proof of our justified state and when our words are ill-considered, offensive and self-assertive they produce angry debates that lead to bitter strife. Our words reveal what we are like and whose we are. Christians need wisdom directed by the Lord. When the Holy Spirit guides us, He uses our minds and we are practical in applying wisdom. The believer's tongue can be filled with wisdom from God or false wisdom from Satan. It is incumbent on us to make practical application of true wisdom.
True wisdom is measured by the depth of character in a child of God. A "wise man" in this context is the technical term for a teacher. There has been the time, training and experience taken place in his life that enables him to pass on to others those things he has personally learned and practiced. The knowledge he has gained is not just a casual awareness of many things, but the knowledge of a expert who has studied the subject, practiced the things he has learned and is now able to skillfully pass on those truths he knows well.
Wisdom is demonstrated by the fruit it produces in one's life. The way a person acts in any given situation is the way we can evaluate his wisdom. Wisdom and expert knowledge go together. These two things show themselves publicly by a "good conversation," or a godly lifestyle that is marked by humility that comes from the experience wisdom produces. Careless, foolish words and lifestyle leads to disorder and conflict. Wisdom leads to peace and goodness.
The uncontrolled tongue that passes on gossip, can create and escalate conflicts between people. Words repeated out of context or with malicious intent, promotes discontent and leads to discord and division. One wrote "Boys flying kites, haul in their white-winged birds. But you can't recall them, when you are flying words." God’s wisdom delivers us from the need to compare ourselves with others. Envy and selfish ambitions are inspired by the devil.
There is an earthly wisdom that comes from the devil and leads to strife and selfish ambition that consumes a person's attention. It has the potential of taking over a person's life. This kind of wisdom is not spiritual. It is a false wisdom that comes from below. This kind of counterfeit wisdom produces bitterness and envy in the heart. Jealousy, division and confusion come from the world (earthly), the flesh (sensual) and the devil (devilish). Spiritual ideas from any of these is false wisdom. Such humanistic, man-centered wisdom of the earth and hell can attract Christians by promoting the fleshly ambitions to which almost everyone is attracted. The advice of wisdom from beneath tells those who live by its teaching to "Put yourself out there." "Go for it. You can do it." "Don't let anyone tell you what to do." "Set your own goals."
True wisdom is from above. True wisdom is like the seven pillars of wisdom we read about in Proverbs 9 and verse 1. The man or woman of faith and true wisdom who lives a Christ-centered life, will show good works by good behavior and the meekness that come from those who take Christ's "yoke" upon them and learn from Him. He is the Source of true wisdom. You see true wisdom expressed in daily life (edifying conversation and good behavior) and attitude (meekness). Spiritual wisdom humbles us and keeps us from becoming arrogant.
True wisdom is "pure." It is that which comes from within a believer in Christ. The new birth brought about a new creation by the washing of regeneration. Purity of life and doctrine becomes the key pillar by which one lives and makes decisions. Pure wisdom knows there are no errors in the Word of God. "Peaceable" wisdom is evident by the way we consider the welfare and benefit of our actions toward others. That kind of wisdom leads to peace and harmony. "Gentle" wisdom is not crude nor rude. It is the kind of wisdom that includes patience and forbearance. It is appropriate in words and deeds toward those with whom we are in contact each day. Wisdom that is "easy to be entreated," indicates reasonableness and willingness to yield but not to compromise. A person with that kind of wisdom is approachable and willing to listen to what another person has to say.
Wisdom that is "full of mercy and good fruits" is not selfish but is helpful and considerate toward others and seeks to meet their needs if possible. Wisdom "without partiality" does not show favoritism. In that way true humility is demonstrated. One person is not set above another nor considered of more importance. Such wisdom is consistent and does not vary from one time or person to another. Wisdom "without hypocrisy" is always sincere in words and deeds. it does not act as a show to been seen by others. There is no "wax" covering the cracks of failure or deceit. When all of these are put together and are working together in one's life, there are positive results in daily living and we are able to live in peace with those around us. Our influence will be positive because of careful words and consistent actions that result from faith that produces wisdom. A lesson learned from the sermon on the mount is, blessed are the peacemakers. They sow in peace and reap a harvest of righteousness [Js.3:17-18; Mat.5:9].