1. Epistle of James
James 3:13-16 “Wisdom Part 1”
James 3:13 – ‘Who [is] wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct [that] his works [are done] in the meekness of wisdom.’
Notice what scripture precedes this.
Keep in mind, in context, this relates to public teaching
Let’s try and distinguish being wise from understanding.
wise is sophos
skilled in letters, cultivated, learned
one who forms the best plans and uses the best means for their execution
understanding is epistēmōn 1
June 30, 2013 Bob Eckel 1

2. Epistle of James James 3:13-16 “Wisdom Part 1”
intelligent, experienced, one having the knowledge of an expert
only NT use
How do we show by good conduct [that] our works [are done] in the meekness of wisdom?
good conduct – I Tim 4:12; I Pet 1:15; I Pet 3:16
works (used 176 times in the NT)
Let’s look at one verse that I think sums this all up
Eph 2:10 - For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
done in the meekness of wisdom
meekness - mildness of disposition, gentleness of spirit
Doesn’t this reflect an attitude of dependency and belief?
How does this occur?
Whose wisdom is this anyway? 2
June 30, 2013 Bob Eckel 2

3. Epistle of James
James 3:13-16 “Wisdom Part 1”
Meekness is about fruit of the Spirit, against which there is no law – Gal 5:23
Wisdom - I Cor 2:1-7
This is not the babe, but the mature in Christ!
James 3:14 – ‘But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.’
envy
zeal, ardor in embracing, pursuing, defending anything
envious and contentious rivalry, jealousy
bitter fits well with this definition
self-seeking – Rom 2:5-8; II Cor 12:20; Phil 1:16; Phil 2:3 3
June 30, 2013 Bob Eckel 3

4. Epistle of James James 3:13-16 “Wisdom Part 1”
The imperative - do not boast (glory) or lie against the truth
Is this down-right lying?
What is truth?
John 1:14 - And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
III John 1:3,4 - For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth [that is] in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
What is lying against the truth?
I John 1:6 - If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
Although this in context appears to relate to teachers, is this not true of all of us?
But the consequences may be greater in teachers 4
June 30, 2013 Bob Eckel 4

5. Epistle of James
James 3:13-16 “Wisdom Part 1”
James 3:15 – ‘This wisdom does not descend from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, demonic.’
Notice the three forces that operate to separate all of us from the Grace of God:
Earthly wisdom – I Cor 3:19
Our own sin nature – Jude 1:17-19
Satan – II Cor 11:13-15
The counter:
James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 3:16 – ‘For where envy and self-seeking [exist], confusion and every evil thing [are] there.” 5
June 30, 2013 Bob Eckel 5

6. Epistle of James James 3:13-16 “Wisdom Part 1”
confusion and every evil thing – strong language
confusion - instability, a state of disorder, disturbance
I Cor 14:33 - For God is not [the author] of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
every evil thing or work
Describe what you think this means, every thing?
I Cor 3:8-15
Remember truth!
And the truth is our life 6
June 30, 2013 Bob Eckel 6