True Wisdom (James 3:13-18)

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. ¹⁵ Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. ¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. ¹⁸ Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

James begins this passage with a question: “Who is wise and understanding among you?” It’s a question we should all ponder. James believes that true wisdom and understanding manifest themselves in compassion to others. Furthermore, our good works must be done with humility; we must not seek praise and admiration for our deeds. Sadly, few people meet this standard.

James contrasts the wisdom of the world (based on “envy and selfish ambition”) and that which comes from God (loving and pure). We each must choose what type of “wisdom” will dominate our lives. The truly wise person bases their actions on the wisdom that comes from above, but, if your life is focused on ambition and full of envy of others, then you clearly are not being inspired by God. Indeed, such a life actually betrays the message of salvation and can greatly damage the Church. The Christian community should consist of equals, but those who use their position to advance themselves in worldly terms destroy peace and fill the Church with sin.

In the final two verses, James writes about the fruits of the wisdom that comes from heaven. In this case, our relationship with God should inspire all that we do. We must genuinely care for others. James attributes seven characteristics to the wisdom from above. First of all, it is pure and thus not self-seeking. Those who are truly pure know how to behave to others and so they are “peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” Following the wisdom from above, trying to imitate Christ, and basing our actions on his, will bring us peace and harmony.