by Wayne Slusser, Ph.D., Dean of Baptist Bible Seminary
I’m not quite sure anyone would want to answer this question in the negative. Surely most, if not all, would raise their hand and say, “I want to be wise this year.” But like most of our New Year’s resolutions, they are easier said than done. Wouldn’t it be nice to simply snap our fingers, and there we have it – we’re wise?!
Since we want to be wise in 2024, the next question is how is one to be wise? The apostle James has the answer in his epistle (3:13-18). As a matter of fact, James’ entire book is a collection of lessons on wisdom; a New Testament version of Proverbs if you will. His concern is that we use God’s righteous wisdom in all aspects of our life to live faithfully. So, if your resolution this new year is to be wise, let’s see what James says.
Question of Wisdom (3:13)
James begins with a rhetorical question, who qualifies as wise? His invitation is to those who just might respond in the affirmative. He then assesses their claims in practical terms—that is—let them show it by their life. One who is wise and understanding “knows the good and knows how to do the good,” (Richardson, NAC, 162). In other words, the wise one has the knowledge of God and acts upon it in a skillful, intelligent and experienced way.
Therefore, if one is wise, that one is to show it! And how is one to show that he is wise? James stresses that the wise one’s conduct is to be good or done with a spirit of humility. It is the kind of conduct that demonstrates an understanding of our unworthiness before God combined with humility and a lack of pride as we interact with our fellow man.
False Wisdom (3:14-16)
James provides a contrast to those traits expressed in the preceding verse. It appears that there are some to whom James is writing who are demonstrating bitter jealousy and selfish ambition. Blomberg and Kamell state the combination of these terms refers to an “image of people in angry competition, undermining one another and each fighting for their own rights, a far cry from ‘humility of wisdom’” (ZEC, 172).
If this is indeed the condition of some, James’ rebuke is to stop boasting of your wisdom that is selfishly motivated; especially since it is NOT wisdom from above (cf. 1:16-18). He describes this wisdom as weak and imperfect, unspiritual and devilish—that is—a wisdom where human reason reigns supreme and doesn’t produce a godly lifestyle. The basis for this wisdom described in verse 15 is that a selfish attitude leads to a restless/unsettled state, or a pursuit of one’s own ambitions, which could be manifested in an unlimited variety of sins (v. 16).
True Wisdom (3:17-18)
James states yet another contrast (v. 17) to false wisdom (vv. 14-16). True wisdom produces the kind of behavior that is pure, or anything unmixed with the world. It is a character that is the opposite of contentious. It is gentle, open to reason. It is kind, willing to yield one’s desires for another. Above all, there is a love for one’s neighbor (cf. 2:8-13) and abundant actions of mercy abound, especially by not exhibiting prejudice, while being sincere and genuine to all believers.
The results of the wisdom previously described (v. 17) is a righteous behavior sown in peace, resulting in relationships free from contentions. And the reward of this wisdom is a conduct pleasing to God. As Blomberg and Kamell state, “Peace is the ultimate goal of wisdom, and wisdom only reaches its fullest potential in the midst of peace” (ZEC, 177).
Implications of True Wisdom:
1. What are your plans for this new year? Is it to be as James says, a wise one who knows good and how to do it?
2. How would you describe your behavior? Selfish? Bitter? Jealous? Only looking out for yourself? What’s going to change this year? Won’t you yield your desires this new year? Won’t you exhibit actions of mercy, gentleness and sincerity this new year?
