TRUE RELIGION DISPLAYS WISDOMJames 3

INTRODUCTION

A. In this chapter we will learn that words also fit into the category of works.

1. Some people carry instruments of life and death with them as a matter of routine requirement. 1) For example, policemen wear loaded guns and physicians carry powerful

drugs.

2. People with that sort of power over others have to feel a keen sense of responsibility. 1) Certainly such powerful instruments should never be put into the hands of a

foolish, immature, or irresponsible person.2) The Bible teaches: "Death and life are in the power (hand) of the tongue, and

those who find it will eat its fruit" (Prov 18:21).

3. The tongue is capable of GREAT GOOD: "The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but the perversion in it crushes the spirit" (Prov 15:4).1) Prov 15:23: "A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely

word!"

4. The tongue is also capable of GREAT HARM: Therefore David determined, "I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence" (Ps 39:1).1) In fact, evil words can at times do more harm than some evil deeds.2) Barclay notes, "A man can ward off a blow with the hand, for the striker must

be in his presence to strike him. But a man can drop a malicious word, or repeat a scandalous and untrue story, about someone whom he does not even know, and about someone who stays hundreds of miles away, and can cause infinite damage and harm. The very range the tongue can reach is the tongue's greatest peril….Once a word is spoken there is no getting it back. There is nothing which it is so impossible to kill as a rumor, there is nothing which it is so impossible to obliterate as an idle and a malignant story. Let a man, before he speaks, remember that once a word is spoken it is gone from his control" (p.100).

5. Every one of us carries and wields this powerful instrument every day.

1) Every Christian should feel a strong sense of responsibility for the use of our tongues like the policeman does for the use of his gun or the physician for the use of his powerful medications.

2) No wiser counsel about the tongue and its proper use can be found than that given by James in his epistle.

I. THE DANGER OF THE UNBRIDLED TONGUE (3:1-6)(TRUE RELIGION CONTROLS THE TONGUE)

1: "Let not many of you become teachers"

1. Teachers in the early church were viewed as a very important group of people, listed along with apostles and prophets (Acts 13:1; 1 Cor 12:28; Eph 4:11). 1) Thus some were tempted to become teachers out of a love for preeminence

among their brethren (Matt 23:1-7).

2. It appears from this warning that some were becoming teachers without due consideration of the responsibility involved in such a work.1) 1 Tim 1:7: There were people who wanted to teach, before they had really

learned the concepts themselves (2 Tim 2:21).2) Rom 2:17-29: Others taught, but failed to live the lessons that they were

teaching others (1 Tim 4:12, 16).3) 2 Thes 2:10-12: One could cause others to be condemned by teaching them

falsehoods. 4) Ps 106: 32-33: Gossip, offend.5) 1 Cor 3:1-4: Jealousy and strife (speaking in tongues); (Phil 1:15-16).

3. The will of God is that all Christians manifest the growth in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet 1:5-8; 3:18), so that they can teach others the word of God (1 Pet 3:15).1) Heb 5:12-14: "By this time"—Time to teach and a time not to teach—they

neglected preparation (2 Tim 2:21; 2 Tim 2:2).2) Eph 6:4: Teach children without provoking them to anger.3) Tit 2:2: Older men are to be temperate, dignified, sensible, sound in faith. 4) Tit 2:3-5: Older women are to teach and encourage the young women.5) Tit 2:6-8: Young men are to be sensible and examples of good deeds, purity

in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech—beyond reproach.

4. Therefore James' warning is not meant to discourage maturing Christians from assuming this responsibility. 1) But it is a forceful way of discouraging all from teaching who desire to be

served rather than serve.

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2) Then, too, there has always been the danger in the church of zealous but ignorant men setting themselves up as teachers (Rom 10:1-3).

3) Zeal and purity of life are not sufficient teaching qualifications without the necessary study and preparation.

4) It appears that James is giving a special warning that the proclamation of the gospel, especially in a public setting, is a serious responsibility.

5) It is not a work to enter without the proper qualifications.6) James is pointing out the dangers inherent in teaching. Be sure you can act as

a teacher approved by God and willing to accept the responsibility (Eph 4:15, 29; Col 4:6; 2 Tim 2:2-"able").

"my brethren" (1 Tim 3:15).

1. Inasmuch as we are all in the family of God, it behooves us to conduct ourselves as brethren should.

"knowing that as such we shall incur"

1. James places himself in the same category as all other teachers.1) He wasn't exempt from his own warnings.2) The following information should keep the teacher humble and on his toes.3) Isa 66:2: "…But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of

spirit, and who trembles at My word."

"a stricter judgment (greater condemnation; heavier judgment)"

1. James isn't teaching there is one standard for teachers and another for the rest, for the same standard applies to all (John 12:48).1) Rather, those who are given more opportunities and abilities are going to be

held accountable for the use of such privileges (Matt 23:14; 25:15, 29; Luke 12:47-48).

2. Anything we're involved in will in some way involve the tongue.1) Matt 12:34-37: Our words don't go into the air and that's it.2) Most sins are sins of the tongue—which speaks what fills his heart.3) Since teaching can't be done without the tongue—easy to sin.

3. Matt 18:6-7: Leadership involves responsibility. How many generations can I send to hell?1) On the other hand, there is reward and satisfaction for proper teaching and

influence (Dan 12:3; Phil 4:1; 3 John 4).2) Teachers will be judged with special strictness on account of their influence on

others.3

3) James implies that the position of teaching in no way assures one of final salvation unless he faithfully serves in this capacity.

4. The judgment here may also include human scrutiny. 1) Those who teach will be put on the spot, challenged concerning the

truthfulness of what they are teaching. 2) The teacher must constantly check himself to make sure that what he is

teaching is the Word of God and not his own version of the truth (Matt 5:19; 18: 4-8; Gal 1:6-9; 1 Pet 4:11).

2: "For we all stumble in many ways"

1. No teacher is faultless. Even inspired teachers could set the wrong example or fail to live up to what they were teaching (Gal 2:11-13).1) Prov 4:19: "The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know over

what they stumble."2) Ps 120:2: "Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue."3) One observing person said, "Many things are opened by mistake, but none so

frequently as one's mouth." (Speak 30,000 words a day)

2. Were sinless perfection a qualification for being a teacher of God's word there would be no such teachers, for the scriptures are very plain in their declaration that all Christians, including teachers, commit sin (1 John 1:8-10).1) "If we err once a day, that amounts to 20,000 times in 50 years." (Draper)2) If all Christians are expected to strive for less and less stumbling in their lives

as they grow spiritually, thus to exercise greater and greater influence for good, it is especially true concerning those who have assumed the weighty responsibility of teaching God's word (1 Tim 4:12, 16).

"If anyone does not stumble in what he says (word)"

1. James is talking about a specific area.

"he is a perfect man"

1. Not sinless perfection. The word "perfect" means, in an ethical and moral sense, MATURE, FULL GROWN, A WELL-ROUNDED Christian.1) Anyone who can master the use of his tongue, so as not to fall into sin through

angry words, misrepresentation, or falsehood, shows himself to be a mature man—not sinless but sin does NOT DOMINATE HIS LIFE.

2) In the spiritual realm there is always room for further growth, and no one in this life reaches a state of sinless perfection.

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3) Scripture does speak of a level of maturity that is attainable and is expected of each believer (Phil 3:15).

"able to bridle the whole body as well": "hold in check, restrain" (Thayer, p.664).

1. James may have in mind here the goal of sinless perfection thus saying, "If one could be sinless in word, perfectly controlling his tongue, he would also be sinless in action, perfectly controlling all the other members of his body" (Tolle p.41).1) "But since the writer has already established the fact that he and his fellow

Christians stumble in many things, it necessarily follows that no one is perfect in the absolute sense and that therefore no one is absolutely able to control his tongue" (Tolle p.41).

2) But Christians are expected to become "perfect" in the secondary sense of the word, that of spiritual maturity.

2. Controlling the tongue is just as important as controlling any other aspect of our lives. God has come down on verbal sins, just as any other sin (Prov 6:16-19; Ps 101:5; Rev 21:8).1) It is obvious, then, that one who is able to control the most difficult member of

the body, the tongue, will be able also to control the less difficult members.2) If you want your life to turn out right, you must do something about bringing

your tongue under control. 3) You must bring it, along with every other part of your being, under subjection

to the will of God (Rom 6:12-13).

3. James is not for a moment saying that silence is better than speech. 1) Abstaining from speaking is never a complete substitute for control in the use

of it. 2) What he is pleading for is the control of the tongue. James is not pleading for

a cowardly silence, but for a wise use of speech (Jas 1:5; Prov 11:30).

3: "Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths so that they may obey us, we direct their entire body as well."

1. James illustrates how a man turns about his whole body with the tongue, just as he can turn about the whole body of a horse with a bridle.1) The one who controls the bridle controls the horse. Likewise, the one who

controls his tongue may be expected to keep in check the rest of the body.2) "In both illustrations the analogy is between the small size (v. 5) of the

controlling device and the much larger entity that it controls…Although the horse was well known to James' readers, it was not an animal possessed by

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the average man…The average reader of James would not have thought of a humble plow-horse but a prancing war-horse, vigorous and high-spirited. This most spirited of beasts, far larger than a man and with a will of its own, could nevertheless be controlled through the use of a bit and bridle" (Kent pp.117-118).

3) This illustration, instead of being depressing, points out that we can control what we say and how we say it, but it does take maturity directed by a very SMALL DEVICE.

2. Jesus spoke in a way that no one knew who it was that would betray Him. 1) For three years He never spoke in a bad way to Judas. 2) After it was revealed who it was, Jesus probably spoke the words, "What you

do, do quickly" in sadness (John 13:21-30). 3) Jesus was not focused on Himself. He sees beyond a broken friendship. 4) He had a pure heart—only good things.

4: "Behold,"

1. A call to closer attention and consideration.1) There is a valuable lesson to be learned here.

"the ships also, though they are very great"

1. The Egyptian grain ship on which Paul was shipwrecked carried 276 passengers in addition to its cargo (Acts 27:37)" (Kent p.118).

"and are driven by strong winds"

1. Likewise, the proper use of the tongue can guide a person safely through hazardous circumstances.1) There are times when it is easy to control our tongue, but not when we are

angry (Eph 4:26). 2) Prov 15:1: When a wasp buzzes around your head, if you don't bother it, it

will probably leave you alone. But if you try to swat it—may get stung.

"are still directed by a very small rudder, wherever the inclination (impulse) of the pilot desires."

1. As the will of the pilot controls the great ship with precision by a small rudder, even in rough weather (against the tide, winds, currents) so also can one's will control the whole body through the tongue.1) How are we going to make it through the storms of life, with fierce winds

seeking to destroy us? What will keep us safe in the storm?6

2) What we say in the midst of our problems determines whether we will have victory or not.

3) The tongue is like the bit and the rudder, each is comparatively small, but each produces a great effect.

4) "The tongue is little, like the rudder of the ship; but, just as the rudder can determine the course of the large ship, so the tongue was the power to influence a man's whole course and destiny" (Roberts p.128).

5: "So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things."

1. Prov 18:21: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue."1) The bridled tongue in 1:26 does indeed accomplish great things for good.2) Powerful influence—can bring peace (Lincoln, Churchill) or war (Hitler).3) On the other hand, the unbridled, uncontrolled tongue accomplishes great

things for evil, which is the subject matter of James' discussion through v. 12.

2. If we don't have a bit and bridle on our tongue—God can't use us in the way he wants.1) The tongue can boast that there is no God (Ps 14:1).2) It boasts that man is the measure of all things. The Human Manifesto is a

great example of the arrogance that can be displayed by the human tongue."But we can discover no divine purpose or providence for the human species. While there is much that we do not know, humans are responsible for what we are or will become. No deity will save us; we must save ourselves."

"Behold, how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!"

1. These people would have understood this analogy (we also) because the barren, arid land of the desert was covered with scrub trees and brush. 1) A little spark can do a lot of damage very quickly.2) The Old Testament often spoke of the damage caused by the tongue.

Prov 16:27-28: "A worthless man digs up evil, while his words are as a scorching fire. A perverse man spreads strife, and a slanderer separates intimate friends."Prov 26:20: "For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down."

3) How can you stop it? Don't listen to it.4) Prov 28:5; 18:13,17: Hear both sides first.

2. The tongue can start a small spark which can inflame and destroy families and entire congregations.

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1) In a matter of days or weeks, a great amount of good can be destroyed by the misuse of the tongue.

2) Once we have said something, we can't control the extent of the comment, we can't control the damage. Like a forest fire, a bit of gossip or slander can get completely out of control.

3) EXAMPLE: A young man apologized for spreading a criticism which proved to be misleading. It split the church. He wanted to know what he could do to atone for his terrible sin. The preacher took him to the top of the building with a feathered pillow under his arm and told him to rip it open. The wind blew the feathers everywhere. The preacher then told him to gather up all the feathers. Response: "That's impossible."

6: "And the tongue is a fire,"

1. The misuse of the tongue is like a forest fire.1) It can cause a tremendous amount of damage in a short period of time, it can

start from a very small spark—just a little piece of gossip.2) The tongue is like a fire for the pain it can inflict, its destruction, and the

harmful effects that follow it.

"the very world of iniquity"

1. "The evil-speaking tongue is "the world of iniquity" among the bodily members because it embraces and reflects every form of evil in the world" (Tolle p.44).1) "There is no wrong emotion, thought, and deed that the unbridled tongue

cannot utter. It can curse, lie, slander, gossip, teach false doctrine, speak evil of God and man. It can speak in praise of adultery, fornication, murder, stealing, and every other sin under the sun" (Tolle).

2) The tongue is involved in lust, greed, deceit, hatred, envy, bitterness.3) "As we think, so we speak" (Prov 4:23—keep heart—tongue controlled).

"the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body"

1. How often do we try to downplay sins of the tongue?1) We can be condemned for the misuse of our tongue (Matt 12:37; 15:18). 2) This one member, when abused, can bring one's whole being, body and soul

into hell.

"and sets on fire the course of our life (wheel of nature)" (nature=existence)

1. Everything around man seems to be affected by the tongue.1) So potent is it in its effects that it can, and often does, influence man's entire

round (period) of existence.8

2) Inflamed speech, intolerant words, a false rumor may set on fire an individual, a city and even a nation. (EX: speeches of Hitler).

2. An uncontrolled tongue can bring misery into every area of our lives. 1) Such can destroy the happiness in our marriages, alienate us from our

children, get us fired at work, and so on.2) There is a WARNING here: An unbridled tongue will bring heartaches in our

life. 3) And unless it is brought in subjection to Christ, it will touch every area of our

lives.

"and is set on fire by hell"

1. The tongue is a fire, but how is it ignited? 1) It is ignited by hell (Greek gehenna, the place of the damned called in Matt

5:22 "the hell of fire").2) The misuse of the tongue is ultimately the work of the devil.3) The unbridled tongue is one of Satan's greatest weapons.4) Satan doesn't have to get us to steal—just get our tongue out of control— then

the whole body.

2. The greatest danger of the church is from within the church and not from without—can spread to the whole body of Christ—harm and hurt, pain, its destruction can be devastating. 1) Compare with Paul's comments concerning the "factious" individual

(Tit 3:10-11).2) When we are exercising an unbridled tongue, we are doing the devil's work.3) We aren't merely displaying a character flaw, we are now promoting the

agenda of hell.4) Unkind words, cutting comments are not simply cruel, but they are the

language of hell.5) The man yelling at his wife isn't merely being insensitive, he is being

demonic.

3. To understand the diabolical source of the devastating, inflammatory power of the tongue is to be forewarned of the NECESSITY to control one's tongue.1) James believed that hell was a REAL PLACE!

CONCLUSION

1. The problem of the unbridled tongue is not a new problem—it is an old one that has its origin from hell—Satan.

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2. The absolute necessity of having control over one's tongue is emphasized when we see the danger and harm of a tongue out of control.

3. It corrupts the whole person—Matt 6:22-23; Luke 11:34-36.

1. Matt 12:37: We will be judged by our words.

4. How much better it is to use our tongues…

1. To confess our faith in Jesus Christ.2. To preach the word to those who have not yet heard, that they might be saved.3. To build up rather than to pull or tear down.4. To help rather than hinder the truth and the Lord's cause.5. To serve and do God’s work rather than the work of Satan and hell.

II. THE INCONSISTENCY OF THE UNBRIDLED TONGUE (3:7-12)

7: "For every species (kind) of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea"

1. Note that James doesn't lump all animals into the same category.1) He realizes that the animals fit into various classifications.

"is tamed, and has been tamed by the human race (nature)"

1. Consider the superiority and dominion of mankind over the animal kingdom.1) Man has been able to capture, cage, leash, or otherwise control any creature he

wishes.2) Even the wildest beasts can be put under man's control in a zoo.3) This dominion over the animals was given to man by God at the beginning

of creation (Gen 1:28; 9:2).

8: "But no one can tame the tongue"

1. A literal translation of the Greek word order is—"Not the tongue no one is able to subdue-of men"—implying that there is one who can control the tongue. No one can subdue the tongue except God.1) This means that man without God's help does not have constant and

permanent control of his tongue (Rom 3:9-18).2) With God's help, with the Scriptures, we are expected to tame our tongues.3) If the tongue is not tamed—FAILED TO OBEY GOD!

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2. Ps 19:14: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight."Ps 141:3: "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth keep watch over the door of my lips."1) David was having difficulty in guarding his words—Asks God to help.2) His weakness is quite common with us today.3) EX: White paper with a smudge spot—what do you see? Look at faults and

overlook good.

3. The lips serve as a door to our heart.1) Through that door the heart lets one see what is within.2) Don't let bad thoughts barge through that door.3) Through that door march words that will help or harm.4) Your heart stands guard to your mouth.5) Train your heart to guard your tongue properly.

This verse is also probably saying, that while the Christian may control his own tongue, it is impossible to control the tongues of other people.

"it is a restless (unruly) evil"

1. The word "restless" means something which cannot be restrained or controlled.1) This is a picture of a caged beast pacing back and forth looking for the

opportunity to set the world on fire.2) It is an appropriate word to label the activity of the gossip (whisperer), the

skeptic, the false teacher, the slanderer, the blasphemer, the liar, the negative, and the angry individual.

2. "Evil" includes that which injures, is dangerous, destructive and troublesome.1) James is here talking about a tongue which hasn't been subjected to the will of

God.2) The word "evil" reminds us that an uncontrolled tongue does much more

than just cause trouble—IT ALSO BRINGS SIN.

"and full of deadly poison"

1. The Greek word for "deadly", thanatephorou (thanatephoros), literally means "death-bearing" or "death-bringing", stressing the terrible destructive force of the tongue which is not God-controlled, but is set on fire by hell.1) Such individuals cannot just drop an issue, they can't let it go. They just have

to keep on spreading their poison.

Ps 58:3-5: "The wicked are estranged from the womb; these who speak lies go astray from birth. They have venom like the venom of a serpent; like a deaf

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cobra that stops up its ear, so that it does not hear the voice of charmers, or a skillful caster of spells."

Ps 140:3: "They sharpen their tongues as a serpent; poison as a viper is under their lips." (Rom 3:13: "The poison of asps is under their lips.").

2. When James is talking about the tongue, he is talking about the individual, from whose heart such poison emerges (Matt 15:19).1) This understanding should be a tremendous motivation to get the hate,

bitterness, envy, jealousy and every other attitude out of our lives.2) An uncontrolled tongue is the product of an uncontrolled mind and heart.3) And eventually, such a heart will lash out with the tongue and spread its

poison.4) James isn't exaggerating! Look at how angry individuals and prejudiced

individuals have "poisoned" their own children and others.

9: "With it we bless our Lord and Father; and with it we curse men"

1. James points out the inconsistent use of the tongue. (God despises inconsistency).1) Bless God in songs, prayers, sermons and later use words to destroy someone.2) James includes himself in this passage, just as he did in 3:1.

2. Although Christians have the grace of God, the power of the Spirit, to control their tongues, they do NOT ALWAYS UTILIZE THIS POWER.1) In one breath they will bless God in their devotion to Him; and then in the

next breath, succumbing to human weakness, forgetting the law of love.

"who have been made in the likeness of God"

1. This is one of the reasons we are not to mistreat our fellowman.1) Prov 14:31: "He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who is

gracious to the needy honors Him."2) Num 23:8: "How shall I curse, whom God has not cursed?"

10: "From the same mouth come both blessing and cursing"

1. There is something seriously wrong with a heart that pours out from the same source words that are diametrically opposed to each other.1) How can mere humans call down any evil upon another person? 2) God isn't influenced or impressed by such curses. 3) Such language is useless, pointless, unprofitable, ungodly, hypocritical if we

claim to love God at the same time we are saying such things.

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Ps 62:4: "They have counseled only to thrust him down from his high position; they delight in falsehood; they bless with their mouth, but inwardly they curse."

"My brethren, these things ought not to be this way."

1. "A mild appeal, leaving it to themselves to understand that such conduct deserves the most severe reprobation" (A. R. Fausset).1) "In the strongest possible Greek---only here in the New Testament…..His

phrase is rather like our 'It's not right!' spoken with all the force of protesting condemnation" (Adamson pp.146-147).

2) The present tense is used—"these things shouldn't keep on happening".3) Therefore we should continually strive to improve the use of the tongue so that

it will be consistently used to speak righteously to man as well as to God.

2. Be impressed with the type of illustrations which James uses to illustrate his previous point.1) They are very simple, easy to understand, and within the knowledge of all

people.2) God isn't trying to keep us from understanding His word, rather He is doing

everything He can to make His communication to us easy to grasp.

11: "Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?"

1. These 3 illustrations are not found in nature—contradicts—DOESN'T FIT. 1) Certainly, everyone with ordinary intelligence knows that a fountain sends

forth from the same opening only ONE kind of water.2) The readers would recall the bitter waters of Marah (Ex 15:23).3) And the death-dealing waters of Jericho (2 Kings 2:19).

12: "Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs?

1. No tree can bring forth FRUIT INCONSISTENT WITH ITS NATURE.1) However, just because someone has said something unkind doesn't necessarily

mean that he is not a faithful Christian, insincere, and hypocritical—Why? He seeks forgiveness; growing in Christ.

2) It is only when blessing God and cursing men becomes a CONSISTENT PATTERN—then he is no longer a faithful Christian.

"Neither can salt water produce fresh (sweet)"

1. Near the Dead Sea were salt water openings and fresh water openings, but never both sweet and bitter water from the same opening. They are OPPOSITES AND CONTRADICTORY.

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1) The reader can draw his own application. 2) An inconsistent tongue is contrary to nature. 3) It indicates something is wrong with the heart, which expresses itself by the

tongue.

GOSSIP AND TALEBEARING=REPUTATION ASSASSIN

1. Prov 20:19: NASB-"gossip": SAPHAH—from PATHAH.

1. Primary root meaning—"spacious, wide or open; enlarge".2. KJV-"flatterth with his lips".

1) Sept. Eccl 10:11—Used this word in reference to charming snakes.2. NASB- "gossip"(psithurismos) used only two times in the New Testament.

1. Rom 1:29: Classified with the worst of evils—does Satan's work-"accuser"1) KJV- "whisperers".

2. 2 Cor 12:20: Why should one part of body hurt another part of same body?1) Paul wanted to find the brethren free from gossip.

3. NASB- 1 Tim 3:11; 2 Tim 3:3; Tit 2:3: "gossip": Greek word is diabolos=slanderers.

1. To accuse falsely=Devil—"the accuser of the brethren" (Prov 11:13).2. 1 Tim 5:13: "tattlers" (KJV).

4. Gossip wounds—Prov 18:8-open old wounds that may have healed.

1. Ps 41:7: Hate gives way to whispering.

5. Gossip separates friends—Prov 17:9.

1. Gossip is a failure of love.

6. Gossip ensnares his own soul—Prov 18:7.

1. He is not only harming others but he is digging his own grave—killing his soul.

CONCLUSION

1. On the positive side, so much good can flow from our tongues through prayer, praise and encouragement.

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1. The next section challenges us to live wisely.

III. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EARTHLY AND HEAVENLY WISDOM (3:13-18)

13: "Who among you is wise and understanding?

1. The challenge to live wisely.1) It appears that James goes back to 3:1 and admonishes the teacher or the

person who wants to be a teacher to live up to what they believe, practice the wisdom they are imparting to others.

2. The question isn't who has a college degree, wealth, power, or who can talk better than anyone else.1) The truly qualified and skillful teacher is one whose life matches the word

of God.

3. 1:5: James dealt with wisdom as it applied to the trials of life.1) The wise make the proper application of knowledge.2) The wise can see the problem in the light of God's word and understands what

is the solution.3) The question also implies that all ought to be wise and understanding but that

some were lacking in these qualities.

"Let him show by his good behavior his deeds"

1. Just as the saying that one has faith does not necessarily mean that it is alive (2:14, 20, 26), so also the saying that one has wisdom and understanding does not necessarily make it so.1) A real faith will prove itself by works, so also will real wisdom and

understanding show themselves by works.2) Words are never enough without deeds.3) Must have the right position (truth) and the right behavior.

"in the gentleness of wisdom"

1. When the Christian seeks to do good to others, whether it be in bringing them to a realization of their sins and their need of divine forgiveness or extending to them a helping hand in any other way, he must do it in the spirit of gentleness (Gal 6:1; 2 Tim 2:24-26; 4:2).

14: "But if you have": Infers that a Christian could fall into this trap.

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"bitter jealously": A harsh and contentious rivalry; to cut down.

1. Misusing knowledge and letting it become the basis for self-glorification.1) Reacting in the wrong way to what has be said or done to you.

"and selfish ambition (faction)": Party spirit; spirit of rivalry.

1. We are not to overlook the fact that these words were written primarily with teachers in view. 1) Teachers, preachers, writers are all in a position where humility is often

difficult and where selfish ambition is a CONSTANT TEMPTATION.

"in your heart":

1. The teacher who is really going to be a help to the people of God, must be one who has CLEANSED HIS OWN HEART (1:21). 1) Knowledge without the proper motives is useless (1 Cor 13:1-4).

"do not be arrogant": Do not boast in defiance of the truth.

1. Pride loves to boast. Nothing is prouder than the wisdom of men.1) 2 Cor 10:12: Self-comparison is absurd, but you can always find somebody

bad enough to make yourself look good.

"and so lie against the truth."

1. Truth condemns arrogance, selfish ambition and envy (Gal 5:19-21).1) Watch closely how all of these characteristics fit together.

--When one has selfish ambition—leads to an attempt to elevate himself.--In order to be elevated,--he uses arrogant boasting (v 5), which inevitably

leads to outright DECEIT=LYING.

2. Those who have a bitter jealousy and strife in their hearts—the intense, harsh, unloving zeal and factional spirit—take pride in such an attitude, justifying it as loyalty to the truth.1) But James informs them that such boasting is in reality OPPOSITION TO

THE TRUTH! 2) It is certainly true that all Christians are to be set "for the defense of the

gospel" (Phil 1:16), but this is to be done with "gentleness and fear (reverence)" (1 Pet 3:15) by "speaking the truth in love" (Eph 4:15).

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3. Some characteristics of the wrong kind of teaching:1) Fanatical—Truth is held with an unbalanced violence rather than with

reasoned conviction.2) Bitter—It regards its opponents as enemies to be annihilated rather than as

friends to be persuaded.3) Selfishly ambitious—More eager to display itself rather than to display the

truth.4) Arrogant—Its whole attitude is pride in its own knowledge rather than

humility in its own ignorance. Humility causes one to be far more aware of what he does not know than of what he knows.

15: "This wisdom is not that which comes down from above"

1. James makes it very clear that there is nothing godly concerning such attitudes. 1) God is not impressed at all—rather it is an embarrassment to His Divine cause.2) Jealousy, strife, arrogance, and lying are clear evidences that one is living

according to the wisdom of the world.

"But is earthly"

1. Earthly sources, earthly standards, measures success in worldly terms, and its goals are earthly (Phil 3:18-19).1) It is a wisdom that doesn't take into account the eternal and spiritual truths.2) Result: A VERY SHORT-SIGHTED WISDOM.

"natural (unspiritual; sensual)"

1. This wisdom opposes the things of God (1 Cor 2:14; 3:1).1) This fleshly wisdom of the senses can't grasp spiritual things.2) The material man has a prejudiced disposition.3) The things of God are not welcomed in his life.4) With this distorted judgment—God's teaching is foolish to him.

"demonic (devilish)

1. Satan has his own domain, his own army, and his own doctrine at work in the world (Eph 2:2-3).1) This earthly and fleshly wisdom is practiced by Satan and his demons.2) They are filled with bitter jealousy, arrogance, and selfish ambition.

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3) Satan tries to convince us that his path, the path of selfishness, putting yourself first, looking out for yourself, and being completely dissatisfied unless you can have everything you want to gain happiness.

4) This false wisdom doesn't remain neutral—it will generate more sins.5) Why? One is acting just like the devil himself. There is no stopping point.

16: "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing (vile deed)."

1. Confusion, unstable and chaotic conditions are the consequences of the world's wisdom (1:6-8).1) This would include disorder in a congregation, marriage, home.2) All sorts of confusion, from public squabbles in the church to personal

tensions and frustrations, are sure to result when Christians are influenced by an earthly and selfish wisdom.

2. "Vile" doesn't mean just bad (evil)—it literally means "worthless".1) The wisdom of the world comes to nothing—it is without value.2) It leads to despair and hopelessness.

17: "But the wisdom from above"

1. Such wisdom cannot be found outside of a relationship with God (1:5; Prov 1:5 6).1) People try to be all the following things without God, but all such attempts

will end in failure (Jer 10:23; Prov 14:12).2) "Is": God doesn't beat around the bush—this is what wisdom looks like.

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CHARACTERISTICS OF HEAVENLY WISDOMJames 3:17-18

1. "first pure": First in rank and time.1) God's wisdom, like His nature, is based upon the attribute of holiness.2) Luke 8:15: A good and honest heart is the foundation stone for God's wisdom.3) When you have God's wisdom, you have no ulterior motives or secret desires.4) Ps 19:8: "The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes."5) Purity has no degrees—The wisdom of God is first of all absolutely pure.6) This wisdom is concerned with motives, integrity and honesty.7) This is the person who wants God to inspect every aspect of their lives

(Ps 139:23-24; John 3:21; 2 Cor 7:1).

2. "then peaceable": True peace is always an outgrowth of purity.1) Where there is a lack of peace—there is also a lack of purity (selfish motives).2) Literally means "not given to conflict".3) This wisdom attempts to settle disputes rather than provoke them.4) It will not spread confusion and strife—delights in hurting others with clever,

cutting words (Isa 57:20-21).5) This is the wisdom that produces unity, harmony and right relationships.6) This person is big enough to admit when he is wrong and asks for forgiveness.7) Isa 26:3; Ps 119:165: This is the kind of peace God wants to give us from above.

3. "gentle": "sweet reasonableness" (Matthew Arnold).1) The closest English words are kind, courteous, fair, mild (forbearance-Phil 4:5).2) Not belligerent—will not cut to pieces with words.3) This heavenly wisdom is fair and reasonable in dealing with those who disagree

with him, whether they are reasonable or unreasonable.

4. "reasonable (willing to yield; easy to be entreated)": Ready to obey; approachable.1) Prov 9:8-9: The truly wise teacher, must himself be teachable.2) He must take the time to really understand what the other person is saying instead

of attacking him.3) He is willing to listen to reason.

5. "full of mercy": Compassion toward those who are in need or distress.1) Eager to confirm love toward others.2) Unfortunately, it is so easy to find a reason for not helping people, that we end up

sinning by failing to do something (Jas 1:27; 2:13; Luke 10:37).19

6. "and good fruits": Is the expression of mercy.1) This type of wisdom doesn't resent responsibilities—"Let someone else do it."2) The purpose behind the book of James is to remind Christians that others should

be able to know they are Christians by the way they live—DIFFERENT!3) The consistent message of James is "faith without works is dead" (2:20).4) Tit 2:7-8: Observable and righteous conduct.5) 2 Cor 9:8: Paul told the Corinthians the grace of God was available to them so

they could "have an abundance for every good deed."

7. "unwavering (without partiality)": "without uncertainty; not hesitate; not doubting"1) Not acting one way in one circumstance and another in a different one.2) God's wisdom is single-minded,--it is focused on serving God.3) It's a wisdom that follows a compass (word) and is not influenced by worldly

acclaim or selfish interests, nor by current views proclaimed by favorite preachers.

8. "without hypocrisy": "unfeigned, undisguised, straightforward"1) This wisdom doesn't play-act or pretend by concealing its real aims and motives.2) Rom 12:9: "Let love be without hypocrisy."

9. "And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."1) We have ACCESS to this seed! This seed must be SOWN.2) 2 Tim 3:16-17:The “seed” which can produce this righteousness in us is the

word. 3) Therefore, righteous fruit can arise out of any family or congregation when

people in that relationship take the Word of God to heart.4) Righteousness can only be sown by those who are presently practicing it.

10. Who are these peacemakers?1) They are the ones who possess all the attributes of the heavenly wisdom that

James has just commended. 2) The wisdom of the world cannot achieve such peace (Rom 3:17).3) Peace is a reward for those who actively pursue what is good (Rom 2:10).4) Inside the fruit of righteousness are seeds for more fruit.5) The fruit and seeds keep multiplying over and over again.6) In your life and the life of others.—YOU CAN'T STOP IT!

CONCLUSION

1. The result of the world's wisdom is confusion--breeds selfishness & ungodliness.2. God's wisdom brings peace—whatever is part of God is ALIVE!

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1. His wisdom changes the heart--keeps growing and developing—Christ-like.

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