Two Kinds of Wisdom. - James 3:13-18
In this section, James describes two possible sources of wisdom: the way of wisdom from above and the way of wisdom from below. Wisdom from below is
earthly, self-absorbed, unspiritual, and demonic. The way of wisdom from God above leads to peace and communal flourishing.
Wisdom - James 3:13
The theme of
wisdom is threaded throughout this letter from James. Wisdom is demonstrated by hearing and doing God’s Word; believing God and walking in righteousness; remaining steadfast under trials; and self-control in speech. Here, James summarizes the posture of wisdom as . If his readers are truly
wise and understanding, they will display it in a
good life.
Jealousy and ambition - James 3:14-16
But, some of James’ readers are controlled by
jealousy and ambition within them. This kind of wisdom or way of life comes from within ourselves, not from God. It is
earthly, unspiritual, demonic (2 Thess. 2:9-10; 1 Tim. 4:1). This is not to say that the physical world is evil, but that its misuse opposes the wisdom of God’s creational design, resulting in
confusion and every vile practice.
Wisdom from above - James 3:17
Wisdom from above (1:17), however, is
pure. Unstained by human pride,
heavenly wisdom is
gentle and
responsive, full of mercy and good fruits. Wisdom
from above (1:17) perseveres through adversity, practicing righteousness for the glory of God and the good of neighbors, not the glory of self. Its source and results are opposed to the
earthly wisdom James describes in 3:14-16.
Fruit of righteousness - James 3:18
Those who cultivate this wisdom will see the
fruit of righteousness among them (Matt. 7:16; Gal. 6:7-8). Though sin and conflict will manifest between members of the Christian community,
peace can be restored and relationships mended if the way of wisdom—characterized by humility and mercy—is pursued. As the following section explores, this result can only be experienced when we submit our inner, conflicting desires to God (see notes 4:1-12).
Submit Your Desires to God. - James 4:1-12
James opens this section with a question: “What causes quarrels and fights among you?” His answer is inner conflict and misdirected desires. In other words, James briefly explores the selfish ambition characteristic of
earthly(see 3:14-16). Submitting those desires in humility to God, the source of
heavenly wisdom (see notes for 3:17-18) is the cure for the conflict James describes here.
Quarrels and disputes - James 4:1
James asks this question to draw attention to the sources of his readers’
quarrels and disputes. James pinpoints the
desires that fight within us (Rom. 7:23; 1 Pet. 2:11; Jam 3:14-16), desires that characterize earthly wisdom.
Spiritual infidelity - James 4:4
Taking a cue from the prophets (Is. 54:5-6; Jer. 3:20), and the portrait of the foolish in Proverbs 6-7, James calls his readers
adulteresses and warns them about
friendship with the world. Such strong warning is warranted because continuing spiritual infidelity will make them God’s
enemy.
Respond to this grace - James 4:5-6
God’s Spirit is
jealous for the covenant loyalty of his people (1 Cor. 6:19; 2 Cor. 6:16). Several passages in
Scripture mention God’s jealousy for his people and his own glory (Ex. 20:5; 34:14; Deut. 4:24; Josh 24:19; Joel 2:18; Nah. 1:2). The Spirit’s work is to convict God’s people of sin, and to guide their judgment in the ways of righteousness (see notes on John 16:8-11). This
grace is at work in their hearts and between them to sanctify them for the Lord and his purposes. Citing Prov. 3:34 (cf. Ps 138:6), James encourages his readers to respond to this grace by remembering that God opposes the
proud but gives continuous grace to the
humble.
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