Study of James
Lesson # 12
Demonstrating Godly Wisdom
Introduction
James continues with his discussion of the teacher. Not only must a teacher have control of his tongue, he must also demonstrate godly wisdom in his life. These principles are not just for teachers, but for all who wish to live a godly life.
1. James appeals for us to demonstrate godly wisdom vs.13
a. Who is wise?
1) To the Greek a wise man was one who had achieved a high degree of
abstract knowledge
2) To the Jew (Bible definition) wisdom is more than academic
knowledge in problem solving.
a) He is one who had practical moral insight based upon a
knowledge of God & His word
b) He is one who could give godly advise on practical issues of
conduct
c) Prov.9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom
b. Who is understanding?
1) The word implies being a specialist, an expert
2) One who has a professional knowledge of a field of study
c. Let him show
1) Something must be demonstrated a lifestyle is as important as
intellectual skill
2) Just as genuine faith results in works, so true wisdom leads to a good &
godly lifestyle.
3) The Christians lifestyle is to be beautiful & attractive glorifying God
Jn.8:31,32; Phil.1:27; 1 Tim.3:7; 1 Pet.2:12
2. James demonstrates earthly wisdom vs.14-16
a. Two evidences of earthly wisdom
1) Bitter Jealousy harsh contemptuous zeal; refers to feelings of anger
& animosity
2) Selfish ambition promoting ones own views & concerns for personal
advantage; promoting of self at the expense of others
b. Dont boast about it & deny (lie against) the truth
1) Their arrogance & boasting is in stark contrast to truth
2) This lifestyle is contrary to truth
c. Such wisdom is not from above it is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil
1) Comes from above = Jewish way of saying from God
2) Earthly = limited to the frail & finite existence of man; merely human
3) Unspiritual that which characterizes the non spiritual man
1 Cor.2:14 natural man not accept things of Spirit are foolishness
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4) Of the devil demonic (influenced by demons) originates from Satan
d. Where bitter jealousy & selfish ambition exist we see the flesh at work.
1) Two of the most difficult things to do is to argue without passion & to
meet arguments without wounding.
2) To be utterly convinced of your beliefs without being bitter at those
who differ is no easy thing. Yet it is a necessity for the Christian
teacher. 2 Tim.2:24-26
e. Four characteristics of the wrong kind of teaching
1) Fanatical holding truth with violence rather that reasoned conviction
2) Bitter regards opponents as enemies to be annihilated rather than
friends to be persuaded
3) Selfishly ambitious more eager to display itself than in displaying the
truth; interested more in the victory of its own opinions than in the
victory of truth.
4) Arrogant proud of its knowledge rather than humility of its own
ignorance
f. The consequences of such wisdom
1) Disorder & every evil thing
2) Such wisdom throws people into confusion, rivalry, antagonism &
anarchy
3. James demonstrates the wisdom that comes from above vs.17,18
a. Comes down = present participle (continually descending constant supply)
James 1:5 lack = ask God; 1Cor.2:10 revealed through the Spirit
b. Eight characteristics of God given wisdom
1) Pure = clean & uncontaminated.
a) Speaks of an inner quality without jealousy & selfish ambition;
free from ulterior motives & moral contamination.
b) James mentions this first because it is foundational to all that
follows.
2) Peace loving = orderliness, not given to conflict; able to keep peace &
make peace. Gods wisdom brings men closer to each other & to
God.
3) Considerate (gentle) There is no exact equivalent word in English to
translate this word.
a) It speaks of one who is fair & considerate, reasonable &
generous.
b) The Greeks used it to describe a judge who knows when it is
wrong to apply the strict letter of the law. Therefore he
sought to be reasonable rather than strict in his application
of the law.
c) Carries the idea of reasonableness & graciousness the absence
of bad manners & a quick temper.
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4) Submissive = 2 meanings
a) Ready to obey one thought = to obey God
b) Being reasonable & easily entreated. Not being stubborn & rigid
(1) Being open to reason & yielding to persuasion.
(2) Being open to other ideas & willing to learn from others
rather than being stubborn & closed minded.
(3) Being willing to change when in the wrong
5) Full of mercy = an active concern for the suffering
a) More than just feeling pity doing something about it
b) Merciful even if the trouble is their own fault
6) Full of good fruits = practical acts of kindness
a) Christian pity is more than emotion, it acts 1 Jn.3:17-19
b) Full = presence of something in a large degree
c) A Christian teacher like Jesus would go about doing good.
7) Impartial = Two meanings
a) Not vacillating acting one way in a circumstance & another in
a different one.
(1) One who is to be consistent, doesnt waver or hesitate
(2) Has convictions & lives by them
b) Without making distinction or being partial.
8) Sincere = genuine, without pretense or hypocrisy
a) Never claims or pretends to be what it is not
b) Not conceal its real aims & motives
c. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness
1) Peace is the condition where righteousness can flourish
2) Strife, jealousy & selfishness do not produce righteousness
3) Rom.14:17