Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-18
Have you ever known anyone who claimed to be wise but who acted foolishly? True wisdom can be measured by a person’s character. Just as you can identify a tree by the type of fruit it produces, you can evaluate your wisdom by the way you act. Foolishness leads to disorder, but wisdom leads to peace and goodness. Are you tempted to escalate the conflict, pass on the gossip, or fan the fire of discord? Careful, winsome speech and wise, loving words are the seeds of peace. And God loves peacemakers.
To boil all this down into words that are simple and easy for every person to understand here is what James saying in this passage. It is not the one who has read widely, attained advanced degrees, and can wax eloquently about any subject that “is wise and has understanding.” Rather, the wise person shows “that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom.” In other words, wise deeds are the proof of a wise individual.
Today’s Bible Readings:
1 Kings 14:1-15:25, Acts 10:1-23, Psalm 133:1-3 and Proverbs 17:7-8
Make a one-time donation
Make a monthly donation
Make a yearly donation
Choose an amount
Or enter a custom amount
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearly