Wisdom True Or False? Text: James 3:13-18 Series: Book of James [#7] Pastor Lyle L. Wahl Theme: True Wisdom Leads To Peaceful, Righteous Living. Introduction A number of people have been referred to as The Human Fly due to their ability climb buildings using little else then their hands and feet. One who had this description was Harry Young. In New York City, with his wife and others watching, he began to scale the Martinique Hotel. To show his confidence, and a bit of showmanship, he had a sign on his back, Safety Last, a humorous takeoff on the old adage Safety First. He began his ascent, and before long was almost to the top, when both his hand and footholds gave way. His wife, and the now large crowd, watched him fall to his death. Most people realize that Safety First is a reflection of wisdom. Wisdom is our focus today in the last part of chapter 3. Verse 13 opens the section, Who among you is wise and understanding? The two words James uses have similar meanings. Understanding has the idea of having learned, gained expertise. The emphasis is more on practical ability than theory. Wisdom. involves knowing what to do, when, and how much. As we said when looking at wisdom in chapter 1, it involves more than knowing the facts. It is the ability to see how the facts fit together, to have an accurate understanding of the situation, to be able to see things as they really are, as God sees them. Both words emphasize more than knowing information, no matter how accurate, important or detailed it may be. They stress being able to evaluate what we know, to order it properly, and to use it properly. Wisdom. True Wisdom. There are many different ideas about true wisdom. Many people today think it is all subjective, strictly personal. Others think it is something you are born
with, you either have it or you don t. There is an objective guideline for what true wisdom is and how we can have it. It comes from God who is wise, and who is the source of all true wisdom. God speaks in the Bible. For example, Proverbs 9:10, The fear [or, reverence] of God is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. And in Job 28 But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its value nor is it found in the land of the living (12-13) Pure gold cannot be given in exchange for it, nor can silver be weighed as its price (15) Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding (28). Moving on to the New Testament, Romans 11:33, Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! And just one more, Colossians chapter 2 verse 3 speaks of Christ, God the Son, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. So, what kind of wisdom do you have and use every day? true wisdom from God, or some form of false wisdom? Just because you and I are Christians doesn t mean we are living, operating with God s wisdom. James characteristically paints some word pictures here to help us sort things out. When we put them together a clear picture of the truth he is stressing emerges, that is, true wisdom leads to peaceful, righteous living. The Challenge And Test Of True Wisdom. We begin with the challenge and test of true wisdom. You can and should have true wisdom. James states a question and then immediately gives some direction. Verse 13, Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. This is a question and a command for all of us, all of us who are Christians. Turn back to the first chapter, verse 5. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. All Christians are addressed here. When any Christian asks God for wisdom in faith, God will give His wisdom generously, without reproach/scolding. Now we move on from the challenge to the test. The test of true wisdom is our daily lives. True wisdom should be, will be demonstrated in how we live from day to day. Go to the end of verse 13, Let him show by his behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 2
The proof is not through clever arguments that outpoint or win over others, but in what you do and how you do it. He speaks of good behavior. The root of behavior meant to turn, go back and forth. So then, a path of movement, a course or way of life, of behavior. Good behavior is a course or way of life that lines up with God. Is your wisdom true or false wisdom? Here is the challenge and test of true wisdom, wisdom which leads to peaceful righteous living. The Portrait Of False Wisdom. Now we move from the challenge and test to a portrait of both kinds of wisdom which help us recognize them. We will start with false wisdom. There are some telling signs of false wisdom. Go on to verse 14, But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. Now drop down to verse 16, For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. Jealousy refers to an eager, deep, burning interest or a passion for something. While mostly bad today, it can be either good or bad. The word bitter added to it describes its nature and effect both on ourselves and others. How does this fit, come into play? Sincere, deep enthusiasm and commitment can become narrow-minded, blind, insensitive fanaticism, rivalry; even a holy war. We commented on this a bit back in chapter 2 when looking at partiality how people push, shove, become hard-lined and hard-hearted over personal preferences. Any form of this is a clear telling sign that the wisdom being used at the point it false wisdom. A second telling sign is selfish ambition. The word came from one that is used for a person working for a cause for pay. Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) described it as a self-seeking pursuit of political office by unfair means. Sounds up to date, doesn t it! A self-centered, what I can get for me kind of ambition. James tells us when you look in the mirror, on any issue, if you see either one of these telling signs, you know you are not thinking and living with God s true wisdom, but false wisdom. From the signs of false wisdom in this portrait, he moves on to it s true character. Verse 15, This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. This is straightforward, clear. It is earthly, of and bound to this earth, coming 3
from the faulty, frail and finite realm of this earth. It is natural, of the natural world in contrast to the supernatural. It is demonic. Now that s a strong statement! Never forget that Satan and his forces are committed to deceiving people, keeping them away from God, His truth, and His wisdom. In the opening verse of 1 Timothy chapter 4 Paul makes reference to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, referring to deceivers encouraging, promoting false teaching and all sorts of false wisdom. Satan s forces are busy lining up views, arguments in people s minds which go against God s truth. All false wisdom, even if from the politically correct, or the enlightened elite, shares this character: it is earth-bound not from above; it is natural not supernatural; it is demonic not from God. The last part of the portrait of false wisdom is its tragic results. Take a good look at verse 16. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. God is a God of order. Look at the precision of the universe, our bodies. Lack of order, of discipline, of faithfulness is never in line with the nature and will of God. Never. And with these things, James tells us, comes every evil thing. Personally, families, churches. God s wisdom enables us to see, know, and then order our thoughts, goals, dreams, our choices and the whole course of our life in tune and in line with God in order with God. The Portrait Of True Wisdom. That s the Portrait of False Wisdom. Let s move to the portrait of true wisdom, God s wisdom. The picture shows us its true character. We can recognize it as we look at our hearts, speech and conduct. There is an eight-dimensional portrait of it in verse 17. 1. First, it is pure. Pure, clean, not stained with self-centered or other wrong motives, or even questionable motives. 2. Second, it is peaceable. It is marked by peace. Seeing peace, not conflict; resolution rather than winning. Ready, willing and working for peace. 3. Third, it is gentle [NIV = considerate]. This is the most difficult word in this list to translate. The idea involves having respect for others, their views and feelings and of setting aside stern, rough attitudes, responses. 4
4. Fourth, it is reasonable [NIV = submissive]. The basic idea is the quality of being easy to convince or persuade. It is not being gullible, but one who is open to listen and accept, to learn from others. Not putting up hurdles for people to clear. 5. Fifth, it is full of mercy. It is filled with compassion for others that leads to practical understanding and help in terms of what is needed, rather than what is deserved. 6. Sixth, it is full of good fruits. Filled with, controlled by many, by a great variety of helpful, positive acts. 7. Seventh, it is unwavering [NIV = impartial]. This is another word that is not easy to translate. It has the idea of being undivided, without division or shifting back and forth. Rather, it is constant in relying on God, on His wisdom. 8. Eighth, it is without hypocrisy. Not being hypocritical. There is no outward show or pretence. It is the what you see is what you get kind of character in action. That, in outline, is the portrait. Does it look, sound familiar? It is similar to descriptions of the qualities of true love as well as being controlled by the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 13 and Galatians 5. The similarities are not coincidental. Living directed by God s wisdom, love and the indwelling Holy Spirit share the same central theme. This beautiful picture, this true wisdom produces tremendous results. Drop down to verse 18. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. [literal, as per NKJV]. In the NIV it reads, Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. Is this phrase out of place? How does it fit? To begin with, note the double emphasis on peace the beginning and the conclusion of this righteous way of life is peace. Those who have peace with God through Jesus Christ and allow Him to infuse peace into their hearts and establish it, become peacemakers people of peace, living by peace; graciously used by God to extend peace in all situations and to other people, and so enjoy the fruit of living rightly with God and others. True wisdom from God, a life filled with and directed by God s wisdom, begins, is carried out and concludes in peace leading to right living, to righteous living. So, as the opening verse of the section, 13, Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 5
True wisdom leads to peaceful, righteous living. Conclusion What about the wisdom you have and are using right now, today? Is it true or false wisdom? And yes, we are talking about a process of growth. But even with our best intentions, it is easy to go on our own, to blow it. Think of major directions and decisions. For example, in our own lives and as a church as think about direction, priorities, ministries. We need to make sure that we seek and rely on God s true wisdom. Then think of the fairly routine daily struggles. Sometimes you may feel a bit like the person who prayed, Dear God, so far today I guess I have done all right. I have not gossiped nor have I lost my temper. I have not been grumpy, nasty or selfish, and I m thankful for that! But in a few minutes, Lord, I am going to get out of bed, and from then on, I am probably going to need some help. As you go quietly to God now, begin by thanking Him that He is wise, that He knows and understands everything, everyone, including you and all that is going on in your life. Thank Him as well that in His love He desires to give His wisdom freely for every decision or problem, across the full spectrum of your life. Ask God to help you grow and keep on growing in the knowledge of Him and in His wisdom, to trust in Him with all your heart, and not to lean on your own understanding but to acknowledge Him in all your ways, and know in your own experience that He will make your paths straight. And yes, to commit yourself to God, the only wise God, through Jesus Christ 2012 Lyle L. Wahl Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. 6