James 3:13-18

September 20, 2024

¹³ If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. ¹⁵ For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. ¹⁶ For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. ¹⁸ And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

James 3:13-18 NLT

James calls us forward to reflect on the difference between worldly wisdom and the wisdom that comes from God. Today, as in every era, we do not have to look far to see and feel the effects of jealousy, selfish ambition, and the chaos they create. It can be hard to resist getting swept up into those environments and that chaos. The wisdom of our culture will encourage us to put ourselves and our interests first. It is a wisdom that is ok with compromising some things if it means you can fit in or get ahead in some way.

God’s wisdom looks radically different. It is pure, peace-loving, humble, and full of mercy. It seeks to serve others, not to elevate ourselves. In a culture driven by competition, success, and comparison, we are reminded to align ourselves with values of mercy, gentleness, and peace.

Living this out means intentionally choosing humility over pride and seeking peace in our relationships. It requires a heart that is willing to yield, not out of weakness, but out of strength grounded in God’s wisdom.

“God, give me wisdom that leads to a life that is merciful, gentle, and peace-making. Help me to treat every person as marked by your image and full of inherent value. Let your wisdom guide my relationships and interactions with everyone I meet. Amen.”