Sermon Text: James 3:13-18
Below is a sermon manuscript from March 16, 2024. Watch the sermon here.
Introduction
One social media personality said this,
“And if you’re going to go through your life and you have to associate with people, what you want to do is find egotistical people. Find out if they have a reason to justify their egos. If they can’t, then get rid of them. If they do, then hang around them, because you might actually learn something.”
This individual is one of the biggest influencers in the world, incredibly popular among young men. But is this actual wisdom or a façade? If we are going to associate with people, is the first place we look to egotistical people? What about treating people as commodities that either enhance us or become worthless? Is that a proper way to view people made in God’s image? Why does this kind of language appeal to people? These are questions that James addresses in our passage this morning. Let’s look at it together.
1. Wisdom includes your heart and hands.
In verse 13, James gives the main idea that he then exposits further. But the main idea gives us a lot to think about even before he starts to describe the types of wisdom.
We find wisdom in conduct
Think about how James begins this, he asks a question of his audience. Who is wise among you? Maybe I would ask a similar question of us as a local church, who is wise among us? Who comes to your mind? What are the characteristics of that individual? When it comes to wisdom we can confuse it with merely head knowledge. Maybe it is someone who has a lot of knowledge about the Bible. Certainly that is a good quality. But it is not the only or even determining quality. It is not the amount of knowledge a person has but how they properly apply the knowledge they do have.
As pastor-theologian Kent Hughes said,
Being wise does not mean we understand everything that is going on because of our superior knowledge, but that we do the right thing as life comes along.[1]
In fact, we see in 1 Corinthians 8:1 that knowledge can puff up. Here, we see the wise person described as the opposite of puffed up; they are humble. The word translated in verse 13 as meekness is translated in other translations as gentleness or humility. One commentator tells us why there is so much variation, “The translations vary because the Greek term used (prautēs) is not the usual word for humility. It connotes a spirit that shares elements of humility, gentleness, meekness.[2]”
It’s not opposed to strength but is opposed to arrogance. Doriani writes, “The issue is not the strength of a personality, but its direction. The Bible says gentle people live a certain way: They are patient. They make peace. They are slow to take offense. They are long-suffering. They do not demand their way. Peace follows them wherever they go (James 3:18).[3]” The wise person invites others to examine their life not only by what they do but by the demeanor in which they do it. Do you know people like this? They might not be the smartest person in the room; they might not have all the answers, but they are seeking to live a well-pleasing and faithful life, and it’s evident.
God graciously gives us models of wisdom
Not only can we ask this of the local church but also of our individual lives. Who is wise among us? Who are people that we look up to and seek to emulate? One person reflecting on these verses says,
When Scripture bids us to imitate someone, it leads us to an exemplary life, not a law. It bids us look to a model of excellence…It is not so much a command as an invitation to a beautiful or excellent life. Consciously or not, people are constantly looking for models. Parents of newborn babies watch and seek counsel from parents of sweet toddlers. Parents of twelve-year-olds observe wise parents of teenagers. Sixty-year-olds look to friends who have retired well. We rightly look for lives that stir admiration, and we think, “I want to be like that.”[4]
Living the Christian life is a call to continual dependance upon God in the day to day. Wisdom is often associated not so much with knowledge that is accumulated, but how one responds to life as it comes to them. The daily call to choose the beautiful, to follow after God’s pattern, to respond with grace in the face of difficulty displays an otherworldly wisdom that is attractive to those around us.
I think of a couple of Jonathan Edwards’ resolutions as they relate to this,
Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.
Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.
2. Wisdom of the world is selfish and jealous
Envy and Selfish Ambition characterize worldly wisdom
James first elaborates on what wisdom is not. This is important. There are much earthly wisdom that sounds good on the surface but reveals itself to be short-sighted and dangerous. James wants his readers to be aware of this.
James calls the way of life marked by envy and ambition a kind of “wisdom” because envy and ambition do have a certain logic to them, even if they are ultimately unspiritual and demonic. The logic runs this way: I have to look out for my interests. If I don’t, no one else will. I must get what I deserve. I see my peers from school. I see the people who were hired with me. Some have surpassed me, even though they have no more skills and work no more than I do. I deserve more.… I deserve what they have and I’m going to get it.
It is truly the wisdom of the world to boast, “I will take care of myself; I will get what I want.” If there is no God, such thinking does have a veneer of wisdom. But James says, “Where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice” (3:16).[5]
Maybe it can be helpful to think of an illustration for this concept
The story is told of two men who lived in a certain city. One was envious and the other covetous. The ruler of the city sent for them and said he wanted to grant them one wish each—with this proviso, that the one who chose first would get exactly what he asked for, while the other man would get exactly twice what the first had asked for himself. The envious man was ordered to choose first, but immediately found himself in a quandary. He wanted to choose something great for himself, but realized that if he did so the other would get twice as much. He thought for a while, and then asked that one of his eyes be put out. In the church this type of person could honestly pray, “Lord, I would sooner your work was not done at all than done by someone better than I can do it.”[6]
Think of those within the church that desire or strive for positions of authority or influence. Often, the motive can be, “I will get into this position, and then I will be able to change things for the better.” The working assumption is that they are smarter or more gifted than those who God has already placed in the role. When envy or selfish ambition start to creep in so does prayerlessness and humble recognition of God’s care in providing others for leadership.
Barclay writes,
there is a kind of person who is undoubtedly clever, with acute brain and skilful tongue; but his effect, nevertheless, in any committee, in any church, in any group, is to cause trouble and to disturb personal relationships. It is a sobering thing to remember that the wisdom he possesses is devilish rather than divine.[7]
It’s not only worldly but unspiritual and demonic
James doesn’t limit this kind of wisdom to the patterns of the world. This language is used often of the way of life that is opposed to God’s kingdom and way. But he also says this is unspiritual. By this he is getting at the idea that it is contrary to the way of the Holy Spirit. The same word is used in Jude 19 to describe false teachers and Jude follows it by saying they are devoid of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit directs the lives of believers, we are given a new direction, a new pattern of living, we now don’t live for ourselves but for God, who saved us by sending Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. Left on our own, we rebelled against God, and our sins deserved punishment, but because of Jesus’ work, all who repent of their sins and trust in him will be saved. They are also given the Holy Spirit to help them live. James is saying that this wisdom is contrary to the way of the Holy Spirit. Scholars debate whether James’ use of wisdom is his way of talking about the Holy Spirit. I don’t think they are completely equated but here we certainly see the connection. To walk in the worldly wisdom is to walk according to our flesh, to walk according to our indwelling sin instead of the Spirit who indwells us. But it goes beyond that to include the spiritual realm as well.
“There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them. They themselves are equally pleased by both errors, and hail a materialist or magician with the same delight.”[8]
I think Lewis’ quote is helpful. We can tend to downplay the spiritual realm today. But the reality is that Satan gains a foothold in the church when we live according to envy and selfish ambition. Pastors who are at war with one another, elders and pastors in conflict. Church members who long for prominent positions and hold others in derision in the process. It is extremely tempting to give an ear to someone who is stirring division with their words. It can look like siding with righteousness or being an ally. But we need to understand we could be an ally to the devices of Satan.
Sometimes during winter I find myself saying the stereotypical dad things. Do any of you do that? What happens when it’s freezing outside and your child leaves the door open? You quickly remind them of the cost. I’m not paying the heat the outdoors, this is why we can’t have nice things. Do you realize how much it costs every time you leave the door open? Maybe that’s a helpful visual for us whenever we give in to envy and self-ambition. We are leaving the door open, it’s affecting the feel of the room it’s costly not just to us but to the community that is gathered there. Have you left the door open?
3. Wisdom from above is pure
Wisdom from above is morally pure and pure in devotion
James next talks about the proper understanding of wisdom. This is wisdom that is not corrupt. It is not blemished by sin and vice. But instead is characterized by purity. This idea of purity is often used as an attribute of God. God is pure and undefiled. This often refers to his holiness. Holiness is a term that can seem out of place in society today. It seems like an outdated word just hearing it. Or maybe you grew up in a legalistic church that added to God’s word, and your idea of holiness has to do with a strict code of conduct that goes well beyond what the Scriptures teach. It is true that the term can be abused, but the opposite danger is to not see it’s proper use. The reality is that Christians are called to holiness. This is part of the transformation that takes place in the life of a Christian. We are called holy because of Jesus’ work for us, but we are also called to holiness.
This is true of our living and our thinking. Paul says in Romans that the renewing of our minds transforms us. Our default is often muddled and confused thinking. We are steeped in the wisdom of the world. Like a person who moves to a new culture, much of the Christian life is learning a new way of life and being aware of the disconnect between our culture of origin and our current culture. This is the second aspect of purity. It is a moral purity and a pure devotion to the Lord. In contrast with the double-mindedness and division that we see in this book, James calls his readers to a purity in their devotion and direction. A theme he will return to later in the book as well.
Wisdom from above is marked by peace and cooperation over strife and division
While purity is the main description of the wisdom from above, it does have other attributes as well. Think about these in terms of the community of faith, which James was concerned about. Perhaps there were teachers using their words or seeking to use words to elevate themselves, pitting themselves against others in selfish ambition. That is all too common. It is easy to gain an audience by telling people that you have a corner market on the truth and everyone else but you has gotten it wrong. But how does that help the kingdom of God? There may be times when teachers need to make a hard stand. I am not against calling out teachers by name, if necessary. But the general demeanor of those who are wise is peace-loving.
They are also gentle. This goes along well with peaceable. They are not marked by harshness but gentleness. This does not mean that wisdom never means being firm. There is certainly a call for that at times. Jesus is wisdom in flesh and was not afraid to rebuke and give stern warnings. But his overall character is one that is gentle and lowly in heart. While that is sometimes necessary, it was not the dominant note of his life. Those who have the truth can be gentle with others. Harshness often comes from fear or lack of trust in God. But the idea of gentle here is a willingness to yield if necessary, being slow to fight and not quick to demand. Nothing can reveal a person’s lack of wisdom faster than their reaction to being provoked. What will they do?
They are also willing to be corrected. There is an acronym when looking for ministry leaders that is FAT. It is important to have leaders that are faithful, available, and teachable. Is someone teachable? Since fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom, it starts with acknowledging that we are not God. We are limited. We understand that we might not have all the answers. They are more concerned with truth than being right.
The last of the first four qualities is full of mercy. What can be missed in the English is that each of these first four qualities starts with the same letter in Greek. It has been said that James reads like a collection of sermons, and maybe this is why so many pastors loves alliteration. Either way, the last of the epsilon beginning words is translated “full of mercy.” This word mercy is important. “Mercy, in Biblical theology, is not just compassion which results in pity and sympathy. It is compassion in action.”[9] We might have all the answers to Bible trivia and hold advanced degrees, but true wisdom is seen through action.
An example of this was seen in a church member this past week. While shopping, he and his wife were talking with someone who was going through a rough time. They offered to pray for the person and then followed up later that week to see how things were going. Another person among our body is actively helping someone attain their drivers permit and pouring into their life through time spent together. Some of you may know these stories or others like them. Often these things are taking place behind the scenes on a day to day basis. Following the pattern of Christ’s selfless service is a good way to guard our hearts from envy and selfish ambition.
Wisdom from above leads to flourishing
Opposed to the impartiality that James has warned them against, those who are walking in wisdom are impartial. They are genuine in their dealings with others. They are not looking to use others as objects in their way as they seek to advance themselves, but treat others with dignity and respect. They are who they say they are in front of others and behind closed doors.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries, used to tell how he sent a telegram to each of twelve friends, all men of great virtue and considerable position in society. The message was worded: “Fly at once, all is discovered.” Within twenty-four hours, the story goes, all twelve had left the country! No doubt there was some playful exaggeration here, but the point is generally true that so many people, including Christians, are not what they seem to be.
But those full of wisdom from above never play-act. What you see is what you get. No masks—no feigned sincerity—no pretense[10]
Conclusion
While one type of wisdom leads to chaos, the other leads to peace and a harvest of righteousness. This is most clearly seen in the person and work of Christ. Jesus was wisdom embodied. He came not out of selfish ambition or envy but out of love. While he had the ability to conquer through power, he walked in gentleness and demonstrated his love through his death. This upside-down logic is foolishness to the world, but it is the wisdom of God. It’s a wisdom that reaps a harvest of righteousness. Right now we are about to partake of the Lord’s Supper. As we come to the table we are reminded that our spiritual standing before God does not depend on us but on receiving what God has done for us in Christ. We do not have to compete with one another for God’s affection. But we can receive everything through Christ who died for us. This frees us to love one another well. We don’t need to get ahead.
In contrast to the beginning quote, we might say, “And if you’re going to go through your life and you have to associate with people, what you want to do is find people who love the unlovely. People who are eager to make peace and gentle. Find out if they have a reason to justify their selflessness. If they can’t, maybe they are selfish after all. If they can, maybe they have a wisdom that is not of this world. This is something worth pursuing.”
[1] R. Kent Hughes, James: Faith That Works, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1991), 148.
[2] Daniel M. Doriani, James, ed. Richard D. Phillips, Philip Graham Ryken, and Daniel M. Doriani, Reformed Expository Commentary (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2007), 121.
[3] Daniel M. Doriani, James, ed. Richard D. Phillips, Philip Graham Ryken, and Daniel M. Doriani, Reformed Expository Commentary (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2007), 122.
[4] Daniel M. Doriani, James, ed. Richard D. Phillips, Philip Graham Ryken, and Daniel M. Doriani, Reformed Expository Commentary (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2007), 120.
[5] Daniel M. Doriani, James, ed. Richard D. Phillips, Philip Graham Ryken, and Daniel M. Doriani, Reformed Expository Commentary (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2007), 123.
[6] R. Kent Hughes, James: Faith That Works, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1991), 151–152.
[7] As quoted in Craig L. Blomberg and Mariam J. Kamell, James, vol. 16, Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008), 181.
[8] C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters, 1942
[9] R. Kent Hughes, James: Faith That Works, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1991), 160.
[10] R. Kent Hughes, James: Faith That Works, Preaching the Word (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1991), 160.
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