Wisdom is “uncommon” sense

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? 

It makes good sense to wait with purpose

Books, blogs, articles, and sermons are popular when they discuss the second coming of Christ. Why do we take so much interest in something that Jesus said we would never know or be able to anticipate? Jesus said, “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:44). He could come right now while you enjoy a second cup of coffee and read this blog post.

James had no way of knowing God’s people would still be waiting more than 2000 years later when he told his church, “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand” (James 5:7–8).

The tulip bulbs I planted last winter are a beautiful reminder to me that, here in Texas, Spring has arrived. When I planted those bulbs, I had no way of knowing when they would bloom. When a farmer plants his crops, he doesn’t know the exact day to schedule the harvest. We can put bulbs and seeds in the ground, but it is up to God to bring the rains, control the winds, and produce the miracle from a tiny seed that turns into something amazing and able to feed our souls and bodies.

Our job is to wait on God’s timing, but we wait with purpose. Weeds need to be pulled and branches trimmed. There are places to step and places to avoid stepping. If God doesn’t send the rain, we must provide water from another source. We wait on God’s timing, but we have work to do while we wait.

We are called to wait with his good purpose

We don’t know when the Lord will return, but James tells us how to wait until that time. The Lord may return for every believer in the world this afternoon. The Lord will most certainly return for several believers today as they pass from this life to eternity. Jesus told the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). The word “today” meant “today” or immediately.

James taught his people to wait with the character of Jesus as we wait to see the face of Jesus. James wrote, “Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold the Judge is standing at the door” (James 5:9). I’ve often wondered how many words I would have kept to myself if I had thought of this verse first! James taught us to walk through this life as if Jesus were close by, listening to every word . . because he is.

James also reminded us about the patience of Job, a man who suffered the worst things this earthly life can subject a person to. He didn’t enjoy his suffering, but he held onto his steadfast faith, which promised a future life with God filled with joy and hope. Job understood that the Lord was compassionate and merciful (James 5:11). James taught his church that it is common sense to rely on the promises of our faith during the worst of times because our steadfast faith will keep us from grumbling about things. If we walk in faith, even the most difficult times can produce a godly witness that will be eternally blessed.

Our word can be our bond

James wrote, “Above all . . .do not swear, either by heaven or earth or by any other oath but let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.” It always felt like James 5:12 was out of place or an afterthought verse, but James, after the previous verses, says, “Above all.” James was likely referring to the oaths that were considered the verbal contracts of the day.

I like to think of James 5:12 as a summary of his entire letter. From the beginning, he has offered common-sense Christianity. James is a practical letter about how a Christian can live carefully and faithfully. In some ways, James 5:12 could be an umbrella of common sense for the entire letter. 

  • Chapter 1: There are trials in this life, and we ought not to be tossed about. Our steadfast faith in God should hold us firm, and our actions, especially during tough times, should show others that we don’t just know God’s word; we believe it.
  • Chapter 2: We should be careful to love everyone like God loves, without partiality, because we know we cannot judge anyone else’s character. Our job is to live with the character of Christ so that our faith is not just words we confess but something our daily actions prove we trust and believe.
  • Chapter 3: If we allow God to be Lord of our words, he can also be Lord of our actions. The tongue is a powerful rudder that tends also to steer our actions. If we receive the wisdom from above, we can then know and speak that wisdom to others. Our character can display the character of Christ if we will wisely live with that priority.
  • Chapter 4: We can live for the world and like the world. We can define success by the world’s standards. Or we can live our eternal lives daily as our highest priority.
  • Chapter 5: We can sacrifice our eternal treasure for the treasures of this world and claw our way to the top of earth’s ladder. Or, we can endure this life with steadfast faith in the hope of heaven. In humility, we can claw our way to the foot of the cross and choose to be more like Jesus.

And “above all” or overall, as James has taught in this amazing letter, we can make sure we are known as people who speak the truth of God all the time. Every lesson we teach and every action we take can be trusted because people know we are God’s children and we live truthful, faithful lives. Our “yes” and our “no” can be trusted.

What is your “prayer of faith”?

James closes his common-sense letter about faithful living by speaking about prayer (James 5:13–20). To summarize his words: In good times and bad, in sickness and health, in the sinful times and during your righteous days, confess, pray, and trust the power of your faith to carry you through every circumstance of this life.

When someone wanders from the truth, “bring him back.” Pray fervently for everyone because there is no greater use of our time than to “save a soul from death” because the salvation of even one person will cover a multitude of sins. 

The single most important reason to live a “Common-sense Christian” witness is that every person who God calls us to influence might be led to seek a saving faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. 

It’s the Lent season, a perfect time to carefully influence others with our faithful observance of all Easter means to our faith. Let’s be careful to live with humble gratitude for God’s Easter gift. Jesus died to pay for every sin. Jesus rose again as the living example of God’s power over death. 

Living wisely and carefully with James’ words in our hearts makes good practical sense. The sermon our life preaches may bring someone to church on Easter Sunday. How many sins could be erased if God’s people steadfastly lived as James taught?

“Above all,” let our words be true and our character Christ-like. Truth is a powerful witness, and its rewards are often eternal. May our common-sense Christianity be a sacrificial gift to Jesus this Easter. 

As we wait for his return, it makes good sense to wait with that purpose.