Digging Deeper 3:13-18 with Commentary

I know I have said it before but I love the book of James. There are such practical truths that matter in everyday living. They make a difference in how we relate to others, to our children, to our parents, to our spouses, to our co-workers, to our employees, to our friends, to our not-so-friends. This week's section from James is packed with practical wisdom. It would be a great section to memorize so it can be in your arsenal of weapons for ready use.

James 3:13-18
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Commentary
"...3:13 wise and understanding. Wise is the common Greek word for speculative knowledge and philosophy, but the Hebrews infused it with the much richer meaning of skillfully applying knowledge to the matter of practical living...meekness. Also rendered "gentleness," it is the opposite of arrogance and self-promotion...
3:14 bitter envy. The Greek term for bitter was used of undrinkable water. When combined with envy, it defines a harsh, resentful attitude toward others...
3:15...earthly, sensual, demonic. A description of man's wisdom as: (1) limited to earth; (2) characterized by humanness, frailty, as unsanctified heart, and an unredeemed spirit; and (3) generated by Satan's forces...
3:16 ...every evil thing. Lit. "every worthless (or vile) work." This denotes things that are not so much intrinsically evil as they are simply good for nothing.
3:17...gentle. This word is difficult to translate, but most nearly means a character trait of sweet reasonableness. Such a person will submit to all kinds of mistreatment and difficulty with an attitude of kind, courteous, patient humility, without any thought of hatred or revenge..." The John MacArthur Bible Commentary by John MacArthur pg. 1890-1891.

Blessings,
Diane

Diane Hunt is the Director of Addiction Recovery and Development at America's KESWICK. In addition to her Keswick responsibilities which keep her busy, she loves to read, write and teach, travel and laugh with her grandchildren. Diane has been married to her husband John over 26 years. She has 2 children, 3 grandchildren, 3 step-children, and 7 step-grandchildren.