Tiago 3
John Calvin · Citado em PreceptAustin
Tiago 3
Calvin wrote quoting Augustine, "When a certain rhetorician was asked what was the chief rule in eloquence, he replied, 'Delivery'; what was the second rule, 'Delivery'; what was the third rule, 'Delivery'; so if you ask me concerning the precepts of the Christian religion, first, second, third, and always I would answer, 'Humility'" (Institutes 2. 2. 11). (James 3 - IVP Commentary) Hiebert on gentleness (meekness) - The meek man does not feel a need to contend for the recognition of his rights or acceptance of his personal views. His life will be characterized by modesty and unobtrusive-ness. "This Christian meekness," Moo notes, "involves a healthy understanding of our own unworthiness before God and a corresponding humility and lack of pride in our dealings with our fellowmen." (Commentary on James or digital copy) Modesty is the badge of wisdom. -- Matthew Henry Gentleness (meekness, humility)(4240)(prautes cf closely related word praus) describes the quality of NOT being overly impressed by a sense of one’s self-importance. It is not the modern concept of gentleness or meekness which associates a touch of passivity and weakness with these words! Prautes is a quality of gentle friendliness - strength under control (specifically the Holy Spirit's supernatural control), meekness (as strength that accommodates to another's weakness), restrained patience, patient trust in the midst of difficult circumstances. As discussed above prautes is one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23+). Here are all 11 uses of prautes in the NT - 1 Co. 4:21; 2 Co. 10:1; Gal. 5:23; Gal. 6:1+; Eph. 4:2+; Col. 3:12+; 2 Tim. 2:25+; Titus 3:2+; Jas. 1:21+; Jas. 3:13; 1 Pet. 3:15+. Notice that many of these passage describe gentleness as the virtue that should be exhibited by believers to other people and are thus good illustrations of "living wisely." This word was used to describe a soothing wind, a healing medicine, and a colt that had been broken. In each instance, there is power: a wind can become a storm; too much medicine can kill; a horse can break loose. But this power is under control. The meek person does not have to fly off the handle because he has everything under control. Meekness not in outward behavior only, nor in his relations to his fellow man or his mere natural disposition. Rather, it is an inwrought grace of the soul, Meekness and weakness are not synonymous. But meekness simply says, "God, in this situation, You have a purpose. You're in control." God is sovereign, that He rules over all. And that in this situation, He has a purpose, and that purpose is to make you more like Christ. Meekness is seeing everything as coming from God and accepting it without murmuring & without disputing. Meekness is not weakness or spinelessness, but rather the willingness to suffer injury instead of inflicting it. The gentle person knows he is a sinner among sinners and is willing to suffer the burdens others’ sin may impose on him. This gentleness can only be produced by the Holy Spirit (cf. Gal. 5:22–23) and should mark the Christian’s behavior at all times, even when restoring a sinning brother (Gal. 6:1), or defending the faith against attacks from unbelievers (2 Tim. 2:25; 1 Pet. 3:15). Meekness is a grace inwrought by the Holy Spirit, and its exercise is first and chiefly toward God. Being so, however, it is also shown toward men, even evil men, in the realization that their insults and injuries are His means of disciplining His sons. Of course the ultimate example of gentleness is Jesus Christ as Paul alluded to in 2 Cor 10:1 speaking of "the meekness (prautes) and gentleness (epieikeia) of Christ." Jesus Himself declared "I am gentle (related word praus) and humble in heart." (Mt. 11:29+) Praus is also used in the beatitude Mt 5:5+ "Blessed are the gentle (praus), for they shall inherit the earth." Praus, is also used in the Septuagint rending of Numbers 12:3 "Now the man Moses was very humble (praus), more than any man who was on the face of the earth." Practically speaking, believers need to imitate Jesus' example of gentleness (cf 1 Cor 11:1) and the only way we can manifest gentleness like He being enabled by the Holy Spirit. For more on how to "imitate" Jesus see related discussion of Walking Like Jesus Walked. James used prautes earlier to describe "teachability" "Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility (prautes) receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls." (James 1:21+) The Amplified Bible has an interesting rendering of prautes as "[unobtrusive] humility [which is the proper attribute] of true wisdom." Robert Johnstone - The apostle, having before his mind the angry, and turbulent, and arrogant spirit often exhibited by professing Christians who fancied themselves wise, and because they fancied themselves wise, gives prominence to that characteristic of true wisdom which is most directly opposed to this: ‘Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom,’ or more exactly, ‘in wisdom’s meekness.’ Meekness is thus set before us as the disposition of heart in which alone men can show works of real Christian wisdom,—the element or atmosphere in which alone a truly good, noble, beautiful course of life can be maintained. This grace of ‘meekness’—freedom from the spirit of wrathfulness, revenge, sullenness, under any kind of trouble, and this with relation both to God and man—is closely allied to humility, and patience, and love. I do not know that at any point the opposition between the spirit of the world and the spirit of Christ is more marked, more obviously diametrical, than with regard to this feature of character. That ‘the meek’ should ‘inherit the earth’ (Mt 5:5+)—they that bear wrongs, and exemplify the love which ‘seeketh not her own,’ (1 Cor 13:5+)—to a world that believes in high-handedness and self-assertion, and pushing the weakest to the wall, a statement like this of the Lord from heaven cannot but appear an utter paradox. The man of the world desires to be counted anything but ‘meek’ or ‘poor in spirit,’ and would deem such a description of him equivalent to a charge of unmanliness. Ah, brethren, this is because we have taken in Satan’s conception of manliness instead of God’s. One Man has been shown us by God, in Whom His ideal of man was embodied; and He, ‘when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, threatened not, but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously:’ (1 Peter 2:23+) He for those who nailed Him to the tree prayed, ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’ (Lk 23:34+) The world’s spirit of wrath, then, must be folly; whilst than a spirit of meekness (gentleness) like His (JESUS), in the midst of controversy, oppositions, trials of whatever kind, there can be no surer evidence that ‘Jesus is made of God to His people wisdom.’(Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James)(Bold added) Zodhiates - When everything goes wrong and troubles abound and the Christian can still go about his duties in life without revolting against God, against Wisdom, then he is possessed with this wonderful meekness of wisdom. Meekness of wisdom is accepting Wisdom's dealings with us without a murmur and without a sigh. It is that temper of spirit which at all times says, "Yes, Lord, Thou knowest best." (borrow Faith, Love & Hope: An Exposition of the Epistle of James) TECHNICAL NOTE - What is the meaning of "gentleness of wisdom"? The Greek phrase: ἐν πραΰτητι σοφίας (en praütēti sophias) — literally "in gentleness of wisdom" The Question then is wisdom functioning as Subjective genitive — wisdom produces the gentleness (wisdom is the actor) or Objective genitive — gentleness directed toward wisdom (wisdom is the object) It is most likely a SUBJECTIVE GENITIVE meaning that wisdom is the source/producer of the gentleness. In other words the gentleness flows from wisdom — wisdom generates it as a natural fruit. This is why the NET and NLT render it "the humility that comes from wisdom" These versions make the subjective genitive relationship explicit so that wisdom is the acting subject that produces the humility/gentleness as its output. Why not objective? An objective genitive would mean the person is being gentle toward wisdom — i.e., humbly receiving wisdom. While that is a biblical concept elsewhere, it doesn't fit the demonstrative context here. James is talking about showing wisdom through behavior, so the genitive must point to wisdom as the cause, not the object. (More on Objective vs Subjective Genitive) Why does this matter? Gentleness/humility is not a separate virtue you add to wisdom, but is organically generated by wisdom itself and in fact is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:23+) just as God is the Source of godly wisdom or wisdom from above! If genuine wisdom is present, gentleness will inevitably follow. If gentleness is absent, whatever you have, it is not wisdom from above! The subjective genitive makes praütēs the diagnostic fruit of wisdom, which is precisely James' point in this verse -- he is answering his own question if any of them are wise. He says they will show it or prove it by good deeds and by their gentle/humble spirit. John
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Calvin - By these two comparisons (BIT, RUDDER) he proves that a great part of true perfection is in the tongue, and that it exercises dominion, as he has just said, over the whole life. Simon Kistemaker introduces the illustrations commenting on the significance of our "words" - "Let no one ever say that words are insignificant. Martin Luther's hymn "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" mentions the prince of darkness, whose Rage we can endure, For lo! his doom is sure, One little Word shall fell him. One word can alter the course of human history. For example, Jesus spoke the words It is finished, which in the Greek is only one word (tetelestai). (James Commentary - Twenty-First Century). Dan McCartney writes that "Leading a large animal by putting a bit in its mouth is a common metaphor for speech control in many languages. Wisdom literature the world over knows of the problems that uncontrolled speech generates and therefore sees that the control of one’s own speech must be as rigorous and unremittent as the control of a recalcitrant and unruly large animal.....Horses and ships are large things of great power that are nevertheless controlled by human will and by means of very small items. The controlling verb is the same (metago); they are directed or steered. The horse example is interesting because the literal mouth is the means of control; the ship is interesting because it harnesses great powers outside of itself (strong winds) that are then directed by means of the small rudder. Both examples emphatically illustrate the power of speech: if it is controlled well, its effect is wonderful, but if uncontrolled or controlled poorly, the disaster can be enormous (ED: See James 3:5b+)." (James Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament) Now if - With this "IF" James presents another first class conditional statement (assumed to be true). As Hiebert explains "since common experience shows that the application of control at the proper point is effective in dealing with horses, effective control also can be applied to the human tongue." (Commentary on James or digital copy) Brian Bell quips that "The tongue is a bit, a small, 2 ounce bit nestled in our mouths that controls the direction of our lives....The rudder of the human body is that small slab of muscle called the tongue." (The 2 Ounce Beast) We put the bits into the horses' mouths - The picture of bridling the whole body in James 3:2 is a natural segue to the illustration of bridling a horse. Horse's mouths - notice this connects with the tongue in the mouth of a person. And where does the bit lie in the horse's mouth? The bit actually sets upon the horse's tongue. The bit must be in the proper place to function, for if we place it under the tail it does not work! The words of the psalmist are apropos - Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, Otherwise they will not come near to you. (Ps 32:9) So that they will obey us - So that expresses purpose. And so the purpose or goal of the bit in the mouth is to make the whole horse obey, not just its mouth! Obey is in the present tense depicting the horse's continual obedience. So with just the small bits in their mouths, one can direct the horse's head to the right or to the left and with this movement can cause the entire horse to go in the direction we desire. Hiebert writes that "James is not interested merely in a "tamed tongue" but in a properly controlled tongue manifesting itself in all areas of human life." (Commentary on James or digital copy) David Guzik has somewhat of an applicational comment - "A small bit in the mouth controls a strong horse. A small rudder turns a large ship. Even so, if we have control over our tongue it is an indication that we have control over our self. Whoever can control the tongue can bridle the whole body (James 3:2). The bit and the rudder are small but extremely important. If they are not controlled the entire horse is out of control and the entire ship is out of control. It is possible for something as small as the tongue to have tremendous power for either good or evil. You don’t solve the problem of an unruly horse by keeping it in the barn, or the problem of a hard-to-steer ship by keeping it tied to the dock. In the same way, even a vow of silence (ED: OR "BITE YOUR TONGUE") is not the ultimate answer for the misuse of our tongue. If the tongue is like a bit in the mouth of a horse or the rudder on a ship, it leaves us with the question: Who or what holds the reigns, or who or what directs the rudder? Some people have no hand on the reigns or rudder, and therefore say whatever comes into mind. Others direct their tongue from their emotions or from aspects of their carnal nature. James points us towards having the Spirit of God (SEE PRECEDING NOTE ON ROLE OF SPIRIT CONTROLLING THE TONGUE), working through the new man, setting (His) directing hands on the reigns and rudder of our tongue." (Ibid) (Bold and editorial notes added) John
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Calvin - This slender portion of flesh contains the whole world of iniquity. Warren
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Calvin says, an "... instrument for catching, encouraging, and increasing the fires of hell." (James: Faith That Works - Page 141) Warren
Tiago 3
Calvin wrote that "True wisdom consists principally of two parts: the knowledge of God, and the knowledge of ourselves! Vance Havner said "If you lack knowledge, go to school. If you lack wisdom, get on your knees! Knowledge is not wisdom. Wisdom is proper use of knowledge." Adrian Rogers said "Wisdom is the ability to see life from God's point of view." "Wise people know how to learn; they never seek knowledge for their own sake. They know how to talk; they speak the truth in love. They know how to act; they pursue justice and evade evil. Perceptive people balance their words and actions. They say and do the right things at the right time for the right reasons. The discerning person soon realizes that biblical wisdom is more about practice than philosophy. Wise people live skillfully. They apply heavenly counsel to earthly conduct." (Today in the Word) Wisdom and knowledge are two elements of human life which, though immaterial, are real and determine the use of the material tongue. Zodhiates Wisdom is knowing when to speak your mind and when to mind your speech. Knowledge leads us from the simple to the complex; wisdom leads us from the complex to the simple. Anon. True wisdom is a divine revelation. George Barlow Wisdom has never made a bigot, but learning has. Josh Billings Wisdom gives a balance to character. John Blanchard Nearly all the wisdom we possess, that is to say, true and sound wisdom, consists of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves. John Calvin This is our wisdom, to be learners to the end. John Calvin Wisdom is not the growth of human genius. It must be sought from above. John Calvin The only way to know is to will to do God’s will. Oswald Chambers Knowledge is the fountain of wisdom. Stephen Charnock Wisdom must be from God, because it can be found only in relation to him. Edmund P. Clowney Humility is the hallmark of wisdom. Jeremy Collier There is no solid wisdom but in true piety. John Evelyn Wisdom and the will of God are intimately related … Nothing is more vital for practical knowledge of the purpose of God than wisdom. Sinclair Ferguson True wisdom is always humble. Richard Fuller No man is really wise unless he lives in the will and for the glory of God. Geoffrey Grogan It is better to get wisdom than gold. Gold is another’s, wisdom is our own; gold is for the body and time, wisdom for the soul and eternity. Matthew Henry Such is the degeneracy of human nature that there is no true wisdom to be found with any but those who are born again and who, through grace, partake of the divine nature. Matthew Henry Unaided wisdom, with its strongest wing, can only flutter in the vale of vanity. No earth-born eye can catch a glimpse of God. Henry Law The next best thing to being wise is to live in a circle of those who are. C. S. Lewis Surely the essence of wisdom is that before we begin to act at all, or attempt to please God, we should discover what it is that God has to say about the matter. D. Martyn Lloyd Jones Wisdom opens the eyes both to the glories of heaven and to the hollowness of earth. J. A. Motyer Not until we have become humble and teachable, standing in awe of God’s holiness and sovereignty … acknowledging our own littleness, distrusting our own thoughts, and willing to have our minds turned upside down, can divine wisdom become ours. J. I. Packer The kind of wisdom that God waits to give to those who ask him is a wisdom that will bind us to himself. J. I. Packer Wisdom is God-centred. Michael Parsons Wisdom is always an overmatch for strength. Phaedrus The greatest wisdom on this earth is holiness. William S. Plumer Wisdom is the knowledge which sees into the heart of things, which knows them as they really are. J. Armitage Robinson The desire of appearing to be wise often prevents our becoming so. Francois Rochefoucauld Wisdom is to the mind what health is to the body. Francois Rochefoucauld The wisest mind has something yet to learn. George Santanaya If … our wisdom has been acquired without any of that eagerness and painful diligence with which the covetous man desires and seeks for his riches, it is a shrewd conjecture that it is not of the genuine sort. Thomas Scott Wisdom in ruling is justice; wisdom in speech is discretion; wisdom in conduct is prudence; wisdom in evaluation is discernment. George Seevers Wisdom is easy to him that will understand. Richard Sibbes To know God, and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, is the highest principle and perfection of man. This attainment, infinitely above all others, constitutes true wisdom. Charles Simeon Wisdom outweighs any wealth. Sophocles We can be certain that God wants us to be wise, just as we are sure that he wants us not to sin. R. C. Sproul Conviction of ignorance is the doorstep to the temple of wisdom. C. H. Spurgeon The sublimity of wisdom is to do those things living which are to be desired when dying. Jeremy Taylor The wisest person in the world is the person who knows the most about God. A. W. Tozer It is a fact that those whose lives are daily being conformed to the Word and purposes of God will be given the ability to see issues more plainly. Malcolm Watts If the Lord Jesus Christ is a stranger to you, the best you can hope for is to become a philosopher, like Socrates of old. But apart from Christ there is no wisdom. Spiros Zodhiates The one who has wisdom in his head and heart does not need to shout at others. Spiros Zodhiates Wisdom, the wisdom of God, is not something that is acquired by man, but something that is bestowed by God upon his elect. It is a divine endowment and not a human acquisition. Spiros Zodhiates WISDOM AND WISE IN PROVERBS Note - These are in KJV but hold pointer over reference for NASB Because of the length of some of the sections, some have merely been introduced (Proverbs 1:20-33 below). "To know wisdom" (Proverbs 1:2). "To receive instruction in wise dealing" (Proverbs 1:3). "That the wise man may.hear, and increase in learning" (Proverbs 1:5). "To understand… the words of the wise, and their dark sayings" (Proverbs 1:6). "The foolish despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7). `Wisdom crieth aloud in the street… " (Proverbs 1:20-33). "Incline thine ear unto wisdom" (Proverbs 2:2). "Jehovah giveth wisdom" (Proverbs 2:6). "He layeth up sound wisdom for the upright" (Proverbs 2:7). "Wisdom shall enter into thy heart… To deliver thee from the way of evil… To deliver thee from the strange woman (Proverbs 2:10-16). "Be not wise in thine own eyes" (Proverbs 3:7). "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom… " (Proverbs 3:13-18). "Jehovah by wisdom founded the earth… " (Proverbs 3:19,20). "Keep sound wisdom and discretion" (Proverbs 3:21). "The wise shall inherit glory" (Proverbs 3:35). "Get wisdom… Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom… Exalt her, and she will promote thee… " (Proverbs 4:5-9). "I have taught thee in the way of wisdom" (Proverbs 4:11). "My son, attend unto my wisdom… " (Proverbs 5:1,2). "Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister" (Proverbs 7:4). "Doth not wisdom cry, And understanding put forth her voice?… " (Proverbs 8:1-12). "Wisdom hath builded her house… " (Proverbs 9:1-5). "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser" (Proverbs 9:9). "The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). "If thou art wise, thou art wise for thyself" (Proverbs 9:12). "A wise man maketh a glad father" (Proverbs 10:1). "The wise in heart will receive commandments" (Proverbs 10:8). "In the lips of him that hath discernment wisdom is found" (Proverbs 10:13). "Wise men lay up knowledge" (Proverbs 10:14). "The mouth of the righteous bringeth forth wisdom" (Proverbs 10:31). "He that is wise winneth souls" (Proverbs 11:30). "A man shall be commended according to his wisdom" (Proverbs 12:8). "He that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel" (Proverbs 12:15). "The tongue of the wise is health" (Proverbs 12:18). "A wise son heareth his father's instruction" (Proverbs 13:1). "With the well-advised is wisdom" (Proverbs 13:10). "The law of the wise is a fountain of life, That one may depart from the snares of death" (Proverbs 13:14) "Walk with wise men, and thou shalt be wise" (Proverbs 13:20). "Every wise woman buildeth her house" (Proverbs 14:1). "The lips of the wise shall preserve them" (Proverbs 14:3). "The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way" (Proverbs 14:8). "A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil" (Proverbs 14:16). "The crown of the wise is their riches" (Proverbs 14:24). "Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding" (Proverbs 14:33). "The king's favor is toward a servant that dealeth wisely" (Proverbs 14:35). "The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright" (Proverbs 15:2). "The lips of the wise disperse knowledge" (Proverbs 15:7). "A wise son maketh a glad father" (Proverbs 15:20). "To the wise the way of life goeth upward, That he may depart from Sheol beneath" (Proverbs 15:24). "The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life Shall abide among the wise" (Proverbs 15:31). "A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, And shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren" (Proverbs 17:2). "Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding" (Proverbs 17:24). "The wellspring of wisdom is as a flowing brook" (Proverbs 18:4). "He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul" (Proverbs 19:8). "Hear counsel, and receive instruction, That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end" (Proverbs 19:20). "When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise" (Proverbs 21:11). "When the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge" (Proverbs 21:11). "There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise" (Proverbs 21:20). "A wise man scaleth the city of the mighty, And bringeth down the strength of the confidence thereof" (Proverbs 21:22). "Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise" (Proverbs 22:17). "Buy the truth, and sell it not; Yea, wisdom, and instruction, and understanding" (Proverbs 23:23). "Through wisdom is a house builded" (Proverbs 24:3). "A wise man is strong" (Proverbs 24:5). "By wise guidance thou shalt make thy war" (Proverbs 24:6). "Wisdom is too high for a fool: He openeth not his mouth'in the gate" (Proverbs 24:7 "So shalt thou know wisdom to be unto thy soul; If thou hast found it, then shall there be a reward, And thy hope shall not be cut off" (Proverbs 24:14). "Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father" (Proverbs 29:3). "Scoffers set a city in a flame; But wise men turn away wrath" (Proverbs 29:8). "If a wise man hath a controversy with a foolish man, Whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest" (Proverbs 29:9). "A fool uttereth all his anger; But a wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it" (Proverbs 29:11). "The rod and reproof give wisdom" (Proverbs 29:15). It is no accident that James discusses the tongue and wisdom in James 3. Control of the tongue (James 3:1-12) The tongue revealing the heart (Pr 10:19; 13:3; 18:21) The nature of true wisdom (James 3:13-18) Wisdom revealed by conduct (Pr 1:7; 3:13; 9:10) These are two of the most prominent themes in Proverbs. The tongue reveals whether wisdom is truly present, and wisdom reveals itself through the words that come out of the mouth. Normally we evaluate wisdom by how much a person knows, how eloquently he speaks, or how intelligent he appears. James, however, teaches that true wisdom is not measured primarily by one's words, intellect, education, or claims, but by one's conduct. Wisdom is demonstrated in daily life. It is seen in behavior, choices, relationships, humility, gentleness, and obedience to God. In other words, wisdom is not merely something a person possesses in his mind; it is something he displays through his life. The truly wise person does not merely talk wisely—he lives wisely. We often assess wisdom by what a person says, but God assesses wisdom by how a person lives. True wisdom is not proven by eloquent words but by godly works. TODAY IN THE WORD - James 3:13-18 William James Sidis was born in 1898 with an IQ of 250. He could read by the age of 2 and was composing original works in French by age 4. At age 12, he entered Harvard University in a program for gifted students. However, Sidis lived the remainder of his life quietly in a series of obscure mechanical jobs. Newspapers reported that the boy genius “did not want to think.” Some say Sidis’s retreat from public attention was intentional—he wanted to live a normal life. James begins this section by asking a rhetorical question: “Who is wise and understanding among you?” (v. 13). The passage goes on to expound on this challenging question, for who among us would go so far as to label themselves as a “genius” like Sidis or “wise” according to James? It is important to note, though, that James is distinguishing between two different types of wisdom: earthly and heavenly. Earthly wisdom is often associated with qualities like mental ability. In Scripture, the “wise” (from the Greek word sophia) were often teachers. Intellectual ability, in and of itself, is of course not inherently evil. But relying on our own intelligence, uninformed by God, can lead to “selfish ambition” and “bitter envy” (v. 14). James warns that such so-called “wisdom” is not from God, but rather is earthly and unspiritual (v. 15). Heavenly wisdom distinguishes itself by a discretion and sensitivity that comes from God. It is distinguished by a life well lived. It has an attitude of humility (v. 13). Such wise people will surely know how to control their tongue (as noted earlier in this chapter). They will not boast (v. 14). A host of positive qualities follow true heavenly wisdom. It is pure. The word pure here denotes purity of heart and intent. It arises from the regeneration of the Holy Spirit. True wisdom loves peace. It is “considerate, submissive, full of mercy, and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (v. 17). This wisdom does not require a high IQ or a great SAT score. It comes from a rebirth of our hearts and spirit to a life truly taken captive by God. APPLY THE WORD - It is easy to turn to “smart” friends to solve problems or to rely on our own know-how. We have a tendency to solve our problems on our own. Today’s passage encourages us to turn to the only source of true wisdom: God. On this day of Thanksgiving, pray to the God of all wisdom. Thank Him for His heavenly wisdom that seeks truth and promotes peace. Thank Him for His help in all times of need. Wisdom From Heaven - Theodore Epp It is significant that the characteristics James first listed for godly wisdom are purity and peaceableness. These two have an important relationship. An individual is made pure through faith in Jesus Christ, and this establishes peace between God and himself Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Once this peace has been established through a vertical relationship between the believer and God, the believer will then have a basis on which to establish peaceful horizontal relationships with his fellowmen. James also said that the wisdom that is from above is "gentle" (James 3:17), so each believer should reflect this gentleness in his life. Paul told Timothy--and all believers "The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men" (2 Tim. 2:24). Titus 3:2 sounds a similar note: "To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men." A wise person is tender and full of mercy and sympathy. Such a person shows compassion, or pity, for the less fortunate. This was emphasized by James when he said, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction" (James 1:27). "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever" (Ps. 111:10). James 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. (NASB95) Amplified But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth. Phillips But if your heart is full of rivalry and bitter jealousy, then do not boast of your wisdom - don't deny the truth that you must recognise in your inmost heart. Wuest But if, as is the case, you are having bitter jealousy and contentiousness in your heart, stop boasting and lying against the truth. NET But if you have bitter jealousy and selfishness in your hearts, do not boast and tell lies against the truth. GNT εἰ δὲ ζῆλον πικρὸν ἔχετε καὶ ἐριθείαν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ ὑμῶν, μὴ κατακαυχᾶσθε καὶ ψεύδεσθε κατὰ τῆς ἀληθείας. NLT But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. KJV But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. ESV But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. ASV But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth. CSB But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don't brag and deny the truth. NIV But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. NKJ But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. NRS But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. YLT and if bitter zeal ye have, and rivalry in your heart, glory not, nor lie against the truth; NAB But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. NJB But if at heart you have the bitterness of jealousy, or selfish ambition, do not be boastful or hide the truth with lies; GWN But if you are bitterly jealous and filled with self-centered ambition, don't brag. Don't say that you are wise when it isn't true. BBE But if you have bitter envy in your heart and the desire to get the better of others, have no pride in this, talking falsely against what is true. if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition: Jas 3:16 4:1-5 Ge 30:1,2 37:11 Job 5:2 Pr 14:30 27:4 Isa 11:13 Hab 1:3 Mt 27:18 Ac 5:17 7:9 13:45 Ro 1:29 13:13 1Co 3:3 13:4 2Co 12:20 Ga 5:15,21,26 Php 1:15 2:3 1Ti 6:4 Tit 3:3 1Pe 2:1,2 do not be arrogant: Ro 2:17,23-29 1Co 4:7,8 5:2,6 Ga 6:13 and so lie against the truth 2Ki 10:16,31 Joh 16:2 Ac 26:9 James 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Youtube Video Verse by Verse Teaching on James 3 5W/H Questions on James 3 for teaching and personal study WORLDLY WISDOM IDENTIFIED BY... But - Term of contrast. Now James contrasts false wisdom (James 3:14-16) with true (godly) wisdom he has just exhorted his readers to demonstrate through his works out of good behavior and gentleness of wisdom. He will conclude his discussion of true wisdom in James 3:17-18. John