Handling Conflict Biblically Part Two
Background and Context
Wise persons show wisdom through good conduct (v. 13).
For James, wisdom must be demonstrated not only through a person’s behavior, but by the humility they demonstrate in exercising their wisdom.
Christians should avoid worldly wisdom (vv. 14–16).
They ought not to boast or lie about bitter, jealous attitudes among believers (v. 14).
The source of this so-called “wisdom” is the world, the flesh, and the devil (v. 15).
the term does not refer to the gross lusts of the flesh, but rather denotes that which is essentially human as contrasted to the spiritual in life here on earth apart from God.”
Such attitudes typify a much larger morass of rebellion and evil (v. 16).
Earthly and Evil: Instead of viewing wisdom as a certain type of knowledge, James contrasts two different sources of wisdom based on the results they bring about. In other words, it’s what inside that counts, not the fancy packaging. Figuratively speaking, wisdom from above can be clearly differentiated from earthly wisdom by looking at what pours forth from it.
We are living in a time in which truth itself is rejected, and everyone seems to believe they have the right to decide for themselves what truth is. Anarchy is no longer just a political stance but has become a way of life, and truth itself has died an ignominious death at the hands of an entire generation of self-oriented thinkers.
Christians should embrace heavenly wisdom (vv. 17–18).
True wisdom must above all reflect moral purity (v. 17a).
This wisdom also includes many good character qualities reflecting an even-tempered, well-balanced Christianity (v. 17b).
Key Ingredients: We might think of wisdom primarily as knowledge, but James challenges this notion by describing qualities we can expect to see in someone who is truly wise. He contrasts this portrait of “wisdom from above” with one that is unspiritual, earthly, and even demonic. This earthly variety correlates jealousy and selfish ambition. In contrast, wisdom from above—what James classifies as true wisdom—is characterized by peace, gentleness, obedience, mercy, and sincerity.
Peaceable - literally “peace loving”
Gentle - considerate
Easy to be intreated
What is meant is not a weak, credulous gullibility, but a willing deference to others when unalterable theological or moral principles are not involved
the believer who is characterized by these three traits—peace loving, considerate, submissive—is the exact opposite of the envious, selfish, and ambitious person who is driven by demonic wisdom (vv. 15–16).
Full of mercy
Full of good fruits
Without partiality
Without hypocrisy
“Someone who lives in a humble and wise way will give more evidence of his standing before God than any number of words could ever do.”
True wisdom produces the fruit of righteousness (v. 18).
The fruit of righteousness is not only sown by the peacemakers, but they also enjoy the results of their work.” Thus, peacemakers “produce, in the atmosphere of peace they create, the harvest (fruit) of righteousness.”