James 3:13-18

Illustration

Grandpa Sayings

V 13

James continues his discussion on words and how they are used by addressing those who claim to be wise

The claim of wisdom likely comes from the original address of those who are teaching

James switches back by saying that if someone is wise, it will be seen in the way that they conduct themselves. In the manner in which they carry themselves.

If you claim to be mature in christ, is it evident by the way in which you walk and talk?

Those who are wise look like the wise

If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, its probably a duck

There is both a wisdom and humility that we are to aspire to as Christ followers. If we are wise, we are wise likely in private.

Jesus tells the parable of the pharisee and the tax collector

Meekness of wisdom

Meekness is synonymous with gentleness

typically used to refer to the gentleness of a woman

V 14-16

If our hearts our out for ourselves alone, that kind of ambition is not something that is of the wise

If we only are out for ourselves, we will stop at nothing to make sure that we are taken care of

James claims that this wisdom, any wisdom that arises from this, is a wisdom that earthly (only this life in mind), unspiritual (Lacking any quality of Christ and Christianity), and demonic (Originating from satan)

The wisdom we claim to have has to be of Christ and Christ alone

If we claim to teach and claim to be wise, we cannot let our own evil thoughts and desires infiltrate

This includes times where wisdom is exercised with improper discernment

Right idea with wrong intention

Example: Any video where Christians are portrayed in the worst light possible

Application: Wisdom, when properly understood, will only be exercised in a way that shows wisdom. We cannot both claim to be wise and act in a divisive manner

V 17-19

Peaceable

Wise people seek peace

They are not afraid to stand for what they believe in, but they exercise a desire for peace

They don’t seek fights

Gentle

Again, they are not hard to be around but rather are desiring to see all and hear all

Open to Reason

Pride is not found in the wise. They are those who are willing to discuss and acknowledge when they are wrong

Are reasonable but have solid purposes behind beliefs

Pride won’t drive their reasoning, but the reasoning itself will be

Full of mercy and good fruits

Evidence of wisdom is in their life. It is not a skill to be applied or a mere idea

Impartial and sincere