Day 7: Two Kinds of Wisdom
Read James 3:13-18
Context: How does James’ teaching about two kinds of wisdom connect with his previous discussions about trials, faith, and the tongue?
By this stage, we should be very familiar with what James has outlined in terms of distinctions. There is asking in faith vs wavering. There is the religion of your mouth vs pure and undefiled religion. There is treating people in favouritism vs treating people according to the royal law. There is dead faith vs living faith. There is the tongue let loose in the world vs the teacher wary of every word spoken. What James does with the two types of wisdom is reveal what underpins the activities in the previous contrasts. We act because of what we believe, and what we believe is an expression of the wisdom that drives us. Especially the wisdom and its foundation.
Content: What are the characteristics and sources of earthly wisdom versus heavenly wisdom according to James?
Earthly wisdom is characterised by selfish ambition and bitter jealousy. The source of that wisdom is the world and demonic influences. What also characterises this wisdom is the outcome, which is usually disorder and every vile practice.
Heavenly wisdom is characterised by purity, peace, gentleness, openness to reason, mercy, fruitfulness, impartiality, and sincerity. As it is about being peaceful, the outcome tends to be righteousness. This is the case because the source is the rule of God Himself.
Concept: How does James link wisdom with behaviour, and what does he mean when he says that “peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness”?
What is wisdom? Wisdom is the application of knowledge and understanding in a given circumstance. Thus, James rightly says we know what wisdom looks like – in the same way that faith has to be expressed – through the actions, that is, the behaviour, that is displayed. This explains what he means when he makes reference to what peacemakers receive. The principle is very straightforward – you will reap what you sow. What does it mean to sow peace? It means to pursue peace and practice it in our interactions with others. We see what God means by peace, and we put it into practice. We read what Jesus does for peace, and we put it into practice. We listen to what the Spirit says will bring about peace, and we put it into practice. So, the first aspect is belonging to the Source, receiving what is provided from Him, and putting it into practice. As the apple seed has the potential to produce so much, so those who are practising peace have the potential to receive immense expressions of the righteousness of God through lives flourishing and thriving under the rule of God – justice enacted, relationships restored, redemption received, dreams renewed, hearts revived, disciples made, families cultivated, businesses productive, communities harmonised, societies thriving, the Kingdom of God established in all of its splendour for the glory of God.
Conclusion: Which type of wisdom more accurately describes your approach to relationships and decision-making, and what changes do you need to make?
I could only be where I am today by heavenly wisdom. That’s not boasting in myself because I’m well aware of the flaws and failings I’ve had in life. But that heavenly wisdom is the means by which I operate, and as with any child of God, it’s my responsibility to grow in that and ensure that it’s consistent in my life to operate by that wisdom. It is my responsibility to ensure that this wisdom permeates all aspects of my life and the decisions I make; nothing less will do. The changes are all about further aligning my decisions to that wisdom for the glory of God and in the hope of seeing that wonderful harvest of righteousness.
Next Up – James – Day 8: Submit Yourselves to God
Read James 4:1-12
Context: What does James identify as the root cause of conflicts and quarrels within the Christian community?
Content: What steps does James prescribe for restoration (verses 7-10), and what warnings does he give about judging others?
Concept: How does James describe the spiritual battle between friendship with the world and friendship with God?
Conclusion: What specific areas of worldliness or judgmental attitudes do you need to submit to God, and how will you practically “humble yourself before the Lord”?
Wisdom is the main thing in life, but not ordinary wisdom; this has to be the kind God loves. That’s another reason to get the Word In so we can get the Word Out!
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
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