Two Kinds of Wisdom James 3:13-18
We have looked at Paul recently. Today I want to look at another Biblical author, James.
The first thing I want to do is look at who James is. I found it interesting that evidence points to this letter being written around the year AD 48. And the style of this letter has more in common with the Jewish wisdom literature of the Old Testament than with later Christian writings.
James’ letter is the most practical of the New Testament therefore some say it contradicts Paul’s writings. Paul focuses on grace; James seems to focus on works. A close examination of the writings of Paul and James shows them to be complimentary of each other. Paul writes of faith in Jesus and James writes how this faith leads one to action, James 1:22, “Do not merely listen to the word…Do what it says.” Another translation says, “But be doers of the word and not hearers only…” As to the author, with Jerusalem as the letter’s origin and its focus on Jewish literature, James the brother of Jesus is identified as its author.
A little about James. He did not believe in Jesus during Jesus’ ministry, John 7:5, “For even his own brothers did not believe in him.” Yet James is noted as one who Jesus appeared to after his resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:7, “Then he appeared to James…” And after Jesus ascension James became an early leader in the church, Galatians 2:9, “James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars…” And according to the Greek historian Eusebius of Caesarea, James died by being pushed off the Temple ledge and then stoned by the Jewish authorities.
As I said before, James’ letter describes how faith in Jesus leads us to certain actions and to explore this we have our reading today. Our reading shows us a contrast, the contrast of the chaos that comes from following earthly wisdom and the peace that comes from following God’s wisdom. The whole of James chapter three deals with the contrast of what we believe by faith and what we live out in daily life; James 3:9, “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with the same tongue we curse human beings who have been made in God’s likeness.”
In his comparison between earthly and heavenly wisdom James shows us three things. First, he gives us a description of each. In verse 14 he says that earthly wisdom is “…bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts…” Bitter, great animosity; jealousy, prideful longing for what belongs to another. Those who live by and promote earthly wisdom are identified because their motives are for their own gain. Self-ambition, a strong desire for personal success without moral inhibitions.
As I was researching, I kept being brought back to a very popular evangelist. This minister charges fees of $100,000 to preach, he travels by private jet, stays in luxury hotels and demands a private “green room” while he waits to take the stage. Does this mean this person is not saved? I don’t know. I do know that as Christians we need to be mindful of our motivations. It is true Satan cannot cancel your salvation, but it is also true that as a Christian who operates under earthly wisdom we can actually be forwarding Satan’s agenda. We know this because of2 Timothy 2:26, “…they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil after being captures by him to do his bidding.”
Verse 17, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is pure, peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy…” All this points me back to the lens I look at scripture through, Mark 12:31, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Is it heaven’s wisdom when we look away or treat with contempt those displaced by war, natural or economic disaster or poverty? Is it heaven’s wisdom if we ignore or exclude those who are different; those who look different or live different? Is it heaven’s wisdom if we hoard God’s blessings and refuse to use them to lift up those in despair? I don’t think so.
Is it heaven’s wisdom when we give ourselves, when we teach God’s love, when we engage whomever we encounter no matter ethnicity, lifestyle, economic position; or when we let heaven lead? Is it heaven’s wisdom when we show our God, the God of love and redemption? I believe it is.
I believe we all should be reaching for that wisdom and letting go of fear and prejudice, letting go of restraint and criticism. I believe we should look past race, religion, life partner and see someone for who they are, a creation of God, as someone who is “…fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Psalm 139:14)
Second, James tells us where these two different wisdoms come from. Earthly wisdom as explained in verse 15 “…does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” Earthly wisdom comes from earth, it is learned. Babies aren’t born prejudicial; it’s taught and learned.
I saw a video of two little girls, one black, one other white. They come from different families, and they say they are twins. These two girls see all the similarities they have and none of the differences. What a world this would be if everyone saw each other like that.
Heaven’s wisdom comes from heaven, given to us through God’s Word, our faith, and the teaching of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible tells us of things we should avoid, of things God says is wrong; we have the Ten Commandments that spell it out. But heaven’s wisdom is the spirit infused in God’s Word. In his Sermon on the Mount Jesus explains, the word of the law says do not kill, the spirit of the law says anger or mockery makes one guilty of murder because the same attitudes that produce anger and contempt also produce murder.
We must strive to live in heaven’s wisdom, promote peace and not conflict, consider others positions and needs, put our own desires submissive to the needs of our fellow man, show mercy and grace because these were given to us from heaven, and treat each other impartially, ignoring the differences and focusing on each other as creations of God. We must treat each other as Paul instructs in 2 Corinthians 3:6, “not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
Third and finally in our passage James tells us the trajectory of our lives depending on which wisdom we choose to follow. Verse 16, “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every evil practice.” Look around; politicians, business leaders, neighbors, see the number of times they push aside others, see the lies that are told, the affairs they have. Even men of God are men. How many times have we heard of the fall of a minister? Each time it’s because they put their desires above God’s desires. Each time it’s because they follow earthly wisdom and their own egos. Each time they put themselves above the God they are supposed to serve.
Verse 18, “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” Be at peace with your neighbors by lifting them up, by not violating a sacred trust, by seeing them as creations of God. Be at peace with God by recognizing your shortcomings and turning to and trusting God to lead you, to use you, to bless you despite those deficits.
Today’s reading has James giving a narrative of two forms of wisdom: man’s and God’s. James is reaching out from the past to ask us which wisdom do we follow. This is a question only each of us can answer for ourselves.
There have been many over the years who have twisted scripture to justify mistreating others. Jealousy, self-ambition, distain, contempt; we know these do not come from God. Each person must honestly look to see if what they do forwards God’s love, peace and harmony; or do their actions promote Satan through discord and prejudice.
Do we disrespect God by treating each other with envy, desire and jealousy or do we respect and honor God by respecting and honoring each other?
Amen