James writes about two kinds of wisdom, each of which flows from one kind of heart or the other. He describes both a biblical wisdom and an unbiblical wisdom, a heavenly and an earthly wisdom. The heavenly wisdom flows from a heart that has been changed by God. The other kind of wisdom is a wisdom that flows from a godless heart, an unchanged heart, a heart James actually describes as demonic.
James doesn’t pull any punches!
In our previous post we studied James 3:13-18 and considered the kind of wisdom James says we should have: “wisdom that is from above,” a biblical wisdom, a godly and heavenly wisdom. We now consider James’ warning about a wisdom that “does not descend from above.” Biblical wisdom, a wisdom “from above,” is distinguished from this earthly wisdom, a wisdom that does not descend from above.
It is Distinguished from a Godless Counterfeit
James describes this godless, counterfeit wisdom. He says, “But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.” He adds, “This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.”
This earthly wisdom is the wisdom Satan wants us to embrace. He desires that we exchange heavenly wisdom with un-heavenly wisdom, a worldly wisdom that focuses on self. James adds that if all we possess is worldly wisdom, then we should not “boast and lie against the truth.” In other words, if we possess earthly wisdom we have absolutely nothing about which to brag.
One of the ways James describes this earthly wisdom is with the phrase “self-seeking in your hearts.” Self-seeking connotes the idea of “selfish ambition,” an ambition with little to no regard for others. It is a willingness to be divisive, or to divide a group, to marginalize or alienate others in the interests of one’s own desire for power or prestige.
This is much the way the world operates. We see it in business, in politics and, unfortunately, even in religion. Too often there is a willingness to split the group in order to achieve what one person wants. And the sense is, “I really don’t care how this affects you all, I’m going to do this because it is what I want.”
James concludes his description of this “wisdom that does not descend from above” by stating: “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”
Such is the chaotic disorder of earthly wisdom. It is in diametrical opposition to godly wisdom. It is a godless counterfeit. Rather than focusing upward toward God, it focuses inward toward self.
What have we learned thus far about biblical wisdom? It is displayed by good conduct and it is distinguished from a godless counterfeit. Finally:
It is Defined by Godly Characteristics
James concludes his exposition by giving no fewer than eight characteristics of heavenly wisdom. He states, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield…”
What James has written thus far seems to go totally against modern notions of success and advancement. “Willing to yield?” Who does that?! Isn’t that a sign of weakness?! Americans, for example, are a proud nation of rugged individuals. We may bristle at calls for compromise and gentle behavior. At the same time, however, if we identify with Jesus Christ, then we must always remember that we are first Christians before we are anything else.
If we follow Christ, we will live out our faith in ways that often, if not usually, go against the grain. He who is wise is always “willing to yield” out of deference and respect for others.
Derek Prime, pastor for many years in Edinburgh, Scotland, made a statement once about the Christian’s willingness to yield. As he and a younger minister were on their way to an important meeting at the church, a meeting were there was going to be a number of varying opinions, Prime remarked: “It’s one thing to know your mind, it’s another thing to have your mind made up.”
If we have our “minds made up” before we ever enter into a meeting, whether it’s a meeting of a group or a one-on-one meeting, and we enter into that meeting with a smug, self-assured, “I know I’m right” sort of spirit, then, even if we are right, we’re in no position ever to learn anything. To have a spirit that is “willing to yield” means we humble ourselves, are teachable, and willing to learn.
When I was ten years old, our family moved from California to Georgia. It was at the end of my 5th grade year and I was getting acclimated to my new school. I had learned to play trumpet in California and felt I was pretty good. So as I made my way to my first band practice in Georgia I was really disappointed. The band was not assembled by ability, but by grade. I remember thinking, “Man, this is pretty pathetic. I need to be in the 6th or 7th grade band.” To make matters worse, while I was “first chair” in California, my new band director automatically assigned me to the fourth part. The part was well beneath my ability and I remember being frustrated, feeling like I had fallen to a new low.
After practice I approached my new band director and said, “I’m sorry, Mr. Brown, but in California we were playing stuff a lot harder than this and I’m used to playing first part.” I remember well his sobering reply. He said, “A really good trumpet player will play any part assigned him.”
Sometimes God forces us to learn how to yield! Biblical wisdom means we have humility, we’re teachable.
James continues to describe this wisdom from above as “full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” He adds, “Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
Those who make peace—peacemakers—are those who reap a harvest of righteousness. So again, biblical wisdom is not about self, it’s about others.
One of the keys to being a peacemaker is found in the preceding verse where James says that biblical wisdom is “full of mercy and good fruits.” If you are full of mercy then you can extend mercy to others. You have a limitless supply of mercy.
When another Christian hurts you, you’ve got plenty of mercy to give out. A helpful parallel is a verse to which we have previously referred, Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another just as God has forgiven you in Christ.” Because God has shown you mercy, so you can show mercy to others.
Christ’s atonement for our sins puts us in a position to forgive the offenses of others. Because of the gospel, Christians can affirm confidently: “God has forgiven all of my sins, all sins past, present, and future. I am no longer guilty of sin.”
If this is true, and it is, think about how your forgiveness from God applies to your forgiving others. We are quick to think about how God’s grace and mercy applies to us individually, but think also about how God’s grace and mercy applies to other Christians with whom you may find yourself at odds.
In other words, consider how God’s forgiveness of another Christian’s sins may include His forgiveness of that person’s sin against you. So if God forgives that person’s sin against you, should you not also forgive that person’s sin against you?
This is a major key to overcoming bitterness. Whatever hurt that Christian may have inflicted upon you—or may yet inflict upon you—consider it a sin for which God has forgiven him at Calvary. God forgives him just as He forgives you. You then, also forgive him based upon Christ’s atoning sacrifice.
What About You?
- How does popular wisdom of the world differ from God’s wisdom?
- Are you “willing to yield” or teachable?
- How can God’s forgiveness of your sin move you to forgive those who have hurt you?
**Excerpt from You’re Either Walking The Walk Or Just Running Your Mouth (Preaching Truth: 2020), pages 118-123, available here.
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directorfsmGreetings Pastor Todd, I used this in my devotional today.
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