JAMES 3:13-18 LIVING WISE

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Wisdom in the Bible is the knowledge and understanding that molds our lives in accordance with God’s will. As Moses prepared the people to enter the Promised Land he connected wisdom to the obedient life.

5 See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. 6 Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” (Deuteronomy 4:5-6)

Wisdom is first a way of living. Again we might say that a tree is known by its fruits. If we live a life of compromise, expedience and ruthless competition we are being wise in terms of this fallen world. St. James would have us live as new creations; live lives that are transformed God’s Holy Spirit. As Jesus preached in the Sermon on the Mount:

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:7-9)

St. Paul also urges us to live such lives when he enumerated the fruits of the Spirit.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (Galatians 5:22-26)

The knowledge and understanding that shapes our lives is the essence of what Scripture speaks of as wisdom. If we are to hunger and thirst for righteousness, then we will make it our practice to live our life in accordance with God’s commandments.

Come Holy Spirit and fill me with your righteousness that I might live my life in a manner consistent with my proclaimed faith. Make me wise with the wisdom of the kingdom. Amen.