Man’s Way and God’s Way

MEMORY VERSE: “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” —James 3:17

JAMES 3:13 – 4:4

WHAT we may speak of as two wisdoms are brought to our attention in this lesson—worldly or carnal wisdom, and “the wisdom that is from above.” Worldly wisdom is shrewd and scheming, and often motivated by selfishness which does not hesitate to take advantage of others. In the world we are surrounded by those who are guided by carnal wisdom, and to be pleasing to God we must resist its influence in our lives.

To do this, however, will be costly to the flesh and will lead to being misunderstood by those with whom we come in contact. Jesus said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Jesus’ example should give us much comfort and cheer as day by day we endeavor to walk in his steps and to be guided by heavenly wisdom.

“The wisdom which is from above is first pure,” James wrote. If we are guided by this wisdom we will make no compromise with evil iii any of its ugly forms. “Then peaceable,” James adds. Most people like to dwell peaceably with their neighbors, and especially with their church associates, but it is not wise from God’s standpoint to compromise truth and principles in order to do so. At times it is necessary to give up friendships to maintain purity of life and beliefs.

However, it is wise from God’s standpoint to be at peace with those with whom we are associated if this can be done without compromising truth and righteousness. Paul wrote, “If it he possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” (Rom. 12:18) Paul realized that it would not always be possible to do this and at the same time maintain our standing of righteousness before the Lord.

“The wisdom which is from above” is also “gentle, and easy to be entreated.” Those whose hearts are filled with the Spirit of the Lord will not be harsh or inconsiderate in their dealings with others, especially with their brethren in Christ. Love is kind; and there is never any excuse for a Christian to be unkind.

“Easy to be entreated” suggests that one is willing to listen to another’s viewpoint with kindness and prayerful consideration; willing, humbly, to change his own viewpoint if he discovers that he is wrong. This is one of the very important characteristics of heavenly wisdom. True Christians are not arrogant and self-opinionated.

“Full of mercy and good fruits.” Mercy will show itself in our attitude toward those in need—whether their need be for forgiveness, or for help along spiritual or material lines. In turn, the exercise of mercy toward others in their need will lead to “good fruits.” To refuse the exercise of mercy when it is appropriate would result in the evil fruit of selfishness.

Heavenly wisdom is also “without partiality.” We are so prone to have our special favorites, especially in the church, and to cater to these special friends, that we are in danger of overlooking the privileges we have of laying down our lives for all our brethren. If we are being guided by heavenly wisdom we will not practice favoritism.

And certainly heavenly wisdom is “without hypocrisy.” One cannot be truly guided by the Lord, through his Word, and at the same time be a hypocrite. Our yea must be yea, and our nay, nay. We cannot preach one thing and practice another—not if we are guided by heavenly wisdom.

We read in James 1:5, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” The Lord gives us heavenly wisdom through his Word, and by his overruling providences in our lives. Heavenly wisdom is the proper application of the truths of the Bible. It is a wisdom that leads us in the path of sacrifice. If we ask and receive not, perhaps God sees that we have in mind an improper use of his gifts.

QUESTIONS

What are the two “wisdoms” brought to our attention in the lesson?

Why is heavenly wisdom “first pure”?

What are the other elements of heavenly wisdom?

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