James 3:13-18
Wisdom From Above
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13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
14But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth.
15Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
16For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.
17But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
18Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.
Berean Standard Bible
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James asks who is wise and understanding. The answer should be visible in good conduct and deeds marked by humility. Wisdom is more than a claim to know what others should do; it affects how we ourselves live.
Bitter jealousy and selfish ambition contradict that claim. James tells those who harbor them not to boast or deny the truth. Such wisdom is earthly, unspiritual and demonic. It produces disorder and evil because it serves desires opposed to God's good purposes.
Wisdom from above has a different character. It is pure first, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, merciful, fruitful, impartial and sincere. Purity and sincerity keep peace from becoming mere avoidance of truth. Gentleness and mercy keep knowledge from becoming an excuse to treat people harshly.
Peacemakers sow in peace and reap righteousness. The manner of their work belongs with its goal. James has already directed those who lack wisdom to ask the generous God for it. Here he helps us recognize the kind of wisdom to seek: God's gift bears fruit in truthful, humble and merciful conduct.
Questions
1 How should a wise person show wisdom?
AnswerThrough good conduct and deeds done in humility. The claim to be wise must be reflected in the person's life.
2 What results from jealousy and selfish ambition?
AnswerDisorder and evil practices. James says wisdom driven by those desires is earthly, unspiritual and demonic, rather than from God.
3 What marks wisdom from above?
AnswerIt is pure, peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, merciful, fruitful, impartial and sincere. Its truth and kindness belong together.
4 What do peacemakers reap?
AnswerThey reap righteousness as they sow in peace. Their way of dealing with people should fit the good they seek.
What This Means for Us
When making a decision together, examine both your reasons and your manner. Are you willing to hear the truth, admit a mistake and consider another person's need?
Ask God for wisdom where envy or ambition has been steering you. Seek a resolution that is honest and merciful, and work toward it without harshness or favoritism.
Prayer
God of wisdom, expose our jealousy and selfish ambition. Give us wisdom that is pure, sincere and full of mercy. Teach us to seek truth humbly and to make peace in a righteous way. Amen.