Tag: conduct

The book of James contains some of the most common-sense teachings in the New Testament but also teaches “uncommon” sense. At the beginning of his letter, James encouraged his first-century readers and all of us to maintain a steadfast, faith-filled relationship with God. He said that good works will result if we walk through life in a close relationship with God. James also said that if anyone lacked wisdom, he or she just needed to ask, and God would provide his wisdom generously.

James addressed wisdom again at the end of chapter 3. James, Jesus’s half-brother, had grown up learning and following the Old Testament teachings that Mary and Joseph would have insisted their children understand. James would have been taught the proverb, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7). 

In many ways, James 3:13 is one of the most important questions in all Scripture. James asks his readers, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” Who comes to mind when you consider that question? If you’re like me, you have a list of people you consider “wise and understanding.”

For today, let’s also ask: “Whose list contains my name?” 

Are you wise and understanding?

James said that wise and understanding people are recognized by examining their actions. James wrote, “By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13). The key to knowing if your life is full of wisdom is remembering the meaning of the word “meekness.”

James had just written about the power of our words and our great need to be careful with all we say. He wrote about the control a bit had in the horse’s mouth. He described a ship’s ability to be directed by a small rudder. Then James spoke about the “meekness of wisdom.” The meaning of the word meekness in the first century was literally a picture word for the submission of a war horse to the bit in its mouth. The meekness of wisdom reminds us that we need to submit ourselves to God in order to lead lives that God controls and guides. Submission to God’s control is our source of wisdom.

Who is wise and understanding among you? The person whose wisdom is produced by the power and grace of God and lives consistent with his word. How can you be wise? God makes us wise when we are fully submitted to his complete control in our lives. God didn’t intend for Jesus to be only a Savior. God intends for Jesus to be our Lord as well. That’s why God sent his Spirit to indwell our lives. Are we fully submitted to the Holy Spirit’s leadership?

Who is NOT wise and understanding?

James wrote, “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice” (James 3:14–16).

We are not wise if we compare ourselves to others and feel like we deserve more than we have. We are not wise if we aim for what we want rather than what God wants. We are not wise if we stretch the truth to validate our opinions. James makes it clear that earthly standards for wisdom are unspiritual, even demonic. Earthly standards for truth produce disorder and every vile practice. 

Take a minute to consider the last newscast you watched or remember a recent political debate. We can know if we are listening to earthly ideas when those ideas are borne of worldly ambitions and standards. 

Common-sense Christianity requires us to seek wisdom, which is sadly not common enough in our world.

Why is wisdom “uncommon” sense?

James answers that question in verse 3:17. He wrote, “But the wisdom from above is . . .” Wisdom is uncommon sense because it comes from God alone. Humans cannot think like God, love like God, or be perfect like God. God’s children need to remember and acknowledge:

• “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6).
• “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Romans 11:33).
• “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable” (Isaiah 40:28).

God’s wisdom is “uncommon” sense because humans cannot produce it and rarely seek it. God’s wisdom must be requested and received.

What does God’s uncommon wisdom look like in us?

James said, “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17).

God’s wisdom purifies, produces peace, and is gentle and reasonable. God’s wisdom fills a person with God’s love, character, and grace.

We will submit our lives to God and his Holy Spirit if we are wise. If we are wise, we will want to exude God’s character as our own. If our lives are filled with his wisdom, we will experience many moments of godliness.

What are the consequences of living with wisdom?

James told us, “A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:18).

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).

Common-sense Christianity requires us to seek wisdom, whatever the cost, because we aren’t called to simply be peaceful people, we are called to “make” peace. God’s wisdom will produce God’s character in us, and we can help others make peace with their God. If we live with God’s wisdom, we will enjoy a “harvest of righteousness.”

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to fill this day and all that follows with God’s uncommon sense? Remember, James began his letter by saying, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5).

Will you ask God for his “uncommon” sense now?