“Acting with Wisdom” (James 3:13–18)

What is essential to changing? We've already seen that our tongues can get us into trouble, and so can our other actions. This evening, we consider what kind of thinking underlies our actions.

-Notes: https://pastormarksbury.blogspot.com/2025/02/sermon-acting-with-wisdom-james-31318.html
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Manuscript:
“Acting with Wisdom” (James 3:13–18)
Series: “James: True Faith Works” #16
Text: James 3:13–18
By: Shaun Marksbury
Date: February 9, 2025
Venue: Living Water Baptist Church
Occasion: PM Service

I. Introduction

One of the towering figures of the Great Awakening in the 18th century was Jonathan Edwards. He was a famous preacher and theologian. His grandfather, Solomon Stoddard, was also a powerful figure in New England, often referred to as the “Pope of the Connecticut Valley” because of his authority and widespread influence. Edwards likewise emerged as someone who towered in his brilliance and godly wisdom.

However, in 1750, Edwards was dismissed from his own church in Northampton, Massachusetts. This was a church that his grandfather pastored for 57 years, the last two of which Edwards assisted him as an associate pastor. When Stoddard died in 1729, Edwards took over for the next 21 years. So, what happened to cause his dismissal?

There was no disqualifying behavior nor a scandal (other than a theological one). Edwards took a stand on a doctrine that proved unpopular with his congregation — the fencing of the communion table. Edwards taught that communion was for believers, meaning only those who could give credible evidence of true saving faith should partake in the Lord’s Table. This was contrary to the more inclusive view his grandfather championed, that even those without a profession of faith may partake in communion as a “converting ordinance” which might lead them to salvation. The congregation at Northampton strongly opposed Edwards’s change and voted 200 to 23 to tell him to leave.

Such a matter becomes public quickly, and Edwards faced humiliation outside his church. Considering that his goal was to make the church more biblical on an issue, and he was treated so roughly, we might imagine that he would have a few words to say to his former congregation. However, he bridled his tongue and refrained from speaking bitter or divisive words. His behavior was so honorable that, despite the obvious awkwardness, they asked Edwards to remain and continue preaching until a replacement pastor could be found. Remarkably, Edwards graciously agreed, demonstrating humility and a lack of bitterness.

He sought to be peaceful, but he refused to compromise on biblical principles. When the time finally came for him and his family to leave, he moved to the small, remote town of Stockbridge. There, he faithfully ministered to the Indians and wrote some of his most influential theological works, including The Freedom of the Will. His life demonstrated purity, gentleness, and a commitment to righteousness, while avoiding marks of envy and selfish ambition.

How do we respond when wronged? Do we speak and act in a way that shows wisdom? The passage we’re studying follows James’s teaching on the tongue, and we saw that it can often get us into trouble. This evening, we’re seeing that such trouble indicates the underlying thought processes we’re using, the kind of wisdom and understanding that undergirds how we act in this world. How can we change our behavior?

If we have genuine wisdom, it’s seen in how we live. We want to be people of wisdom, so, we’ll note three points. We’ll note first that we have proof with wisdom (v. 13); true wisdom is demonstrated by good conduct and humility, not simply claimed. Second, we have a problem with worldly wisdom (vv. 14–16); rooted in jealousy and selfish ambition, it leads to disorder and every evil thing. Third, we have purity and peace with heavenly wisdom (vv. 17–18); it provides us with a corrective and the exact fruit we need in life.

II. We Have Proof with Wisdom (v. 13)
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

True wisdom isn’t something we just claim to have. Instead, it’s something we demonstrate by good conduct and humility. But, let’s back up and consider what wisdom is.

“Wise” here is the Greek word sophos (from which we get the name Sophia). In Jewish usage, it referred to someone who was skillful at applying knowledge to practical life. Don’t confuse this with “knowledge;” knowledge is what you know, and wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge.

We all have the capacity for both wisdom and knowledge, but some have it in more abundance. For instance, Moses called such men to be leaders of the tribes of Israel (Deut. 1:13, 15). In fact, one study notes that this combination of words describes “a person who lives in accordance with the insight given by God.”[1] In this verse, we encounter an individual who might claims both, perhaps one of the many who wanted to become teachers (cf. James 3:1).

However, the exam for discovering such a person is not written, and it is unanticipated by the unqualified teachers in this passage. James says to let this person prove himself “by his good behavior” or “good conduct” (LSB); just like in James 2:18, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” James might not be from Missouri, but he is adopting the “show me” mentality.

There should be something present with wisdom and understanding that aligns with Scripture, and actions speak louder than words. I would tell people in jail ministry that, once they get released to a world, folks will doubt their profession of a newfound faith; it will be up to them to prove the depth of their words to everyone. That’s true for all of us — we evidence that we’re Christians through our deeds.

These works should be evident in gentleness (or “meekness,” ESV) of wisdom. This could be understood as a “wise gentleness” or a “gentle wisdom.” Either way, both gentleness and wisdom should be visible in those who have wisdom and understanding. They should neither lash out, nor should they speak without thinking.

Remember what James said in 1:21 — “in humility” we should “receive the word implanted.” The listener of God’s Word should receive it with meekness. Moreover, in the beatitudes, Jesus said, “Blessed are the gentle” (Matt. 5:5), so there is a blessing present for those operating with a gentleness of wisdom. That’s what we should see in good teachers.

As an aside, remember that meek doesn’t mean weak, as though God wants us to be doormats. The MSB notes, “The Greeks described it as power under control.”[2] Moses, one of the greatest leaders in history, but he is also one of the meekest (Num. 12:3). However, even when we take a stand, we find our strength of conviction not in ourselves, but in the Scripture. In that way, the meek man’s authority is in Christ, not himself. Meekness is the opposite of promoting self — it promotes another.

That is in stark contrast to the next verse. Understand that there is going to be some kind of evidence present, good or ill. If the actions in a person’s life do not align with Scripture, which is something that we all face from time to time, then we can’t say that God is our guide. Let’s consider that now:

III. We Have a Problem with Worldly Wisdom (vv. 14–16)
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.

Understand that there are two kinds of wisdom highlighted here: there is a heavenly and a worldly wisdom. Rooted in jealousy and selfish ambition, worldly wisdom leads to disorder and every evil thing. When we witness this, we must back up and see it for what it is.

First, some may find that they respond to others with bitter envy. The word “bitter” is used of undrinkable water,[3] like ocean water. Here, we also have the word from which we get zeal. It’s used positively when Jesus said that He had zeal for His Father’s house (John 2:17),[4] but with the word “bitter,” we understand this to refer to envy. This is a jealous burning that occurs when you see what others have or do. An example of how zeal turns violent is when the high priest of Jerusalem encountered the Apostles’ teaching, he was “filled with jealousy” (Acts 5:17) and had them arrested and beaten. When we have bitter envying together, we have a toxic mixture that erodes the supposed Christian’s testimony and can destroy relationships.

That pride leads to not just ambition, but “selfish ambition” of the heart (Rom 2:8). This is where a person moves from just the emotional reaction to a decision to seeking one’s own good alone, self-promotion. Instead of meekness, this individual has looked sideways at others for so long that he has given up on esteeming anyone but himself. In short, this is pride at work. It is factionalism, antagonism toward anyone with opposing viewpoints.

This comes from the heart, the inner man. Remember that Jesus said that the mouth speaks out of the abundance of the heart (Luke 6:45). Remember also that James said in vv. 11-12 that there were professing believers spewing forth a fountain of bitter water from their tongues. Here, James ties it back to what our Lord said. The bitter envying and strife in the heart vomits its bile from a sinner’s mouth.

So, James warns here not to boast. This term is used in Romans 11:18, which tells Gentile Christians not to “be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you.” Speaking of the mouth, James had to tell them to stop glorying in their sin! They were using their God-given mouths to promote their agenda, denigrate others, and boast about how great they were.

Some might think that they are okay, but they “lie against the truth.” The word is truth, and we should care when brethren stray from it (James 1:18; 5:19). Romans 1:18–32 is the best example of lying against the truth and exulting pride; Christians who think they are wise will find that God has given them over to debauchery. They have a worldly wisdom, as James notes in the next verse.

He warns that the wisdom such a person is utilizing does not come down from above, that is, from heaven and God. James previously said, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow” (James 1:17). In this case, thought, this is a wisdom that sees value in envy and selfish ambition.

This is the case with some professed Christians — they operate with a kind of wisdom, but it seems entirely disjointed from Scripture. Perhaps one is the Bible teacher who acts like a shock-jock, using jarring and even blue language to promote his beliefs and tear down others. Even if it is done in the name of Christ and seems wise, it is foolish.

Such self-righteousness arises within the church, as well. Sometimes it’s with online behavior; no one should be posting anything that they wouldn’t say to someone’s face. However, it does not come from God.

James gives a strong adversative here and lists three quick descriptions of what this wisdom actually is. First, this kind of wisdom comes from the world’s system. Paul uses the word of enemies of the cross of Christ — their thinking is earthly (Phil. 4:18–19). It is a wisdom limited in scope to what the person sees around him. Another way of putting this is that it is a cultural wisdom: it makes choices based on what the majority of people believe is right at the time. In this case, this might even exclude some expressions of worldly thinking (crass language) for others (the respected, secular thinking of the academy). It’s not from the Holy Spirit, bringing us to the next term.

Second, this kind of wisdom comes from the flesh. It is a basic human condition corrupted by sin. We could take this in a simple animalistic, sensual, instinctual sense — what feels right in the moment is what is right, regardless of who gets hurt or any spiritual consequences. We could also read this in the rational sense, just what the person believes is correct at the time. We don’t want to be “worldly-minded” (Jude 19). There is a sense in which the thinking is spiritual, though, bringing us to the third term.

Third, this kind of wisdom comes from the devil. His demons are working to make sure you stay confused about life and godliness. They introduce philosophies that seem reasonable on the surface but result in horrors that stagger the imagination. As Paul said in 1 Timothy 4:1, “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.” Some go so far in this that they have come to know “the deep things of Satan” (Rev. 2:24). This is the kind of “wisdom” we want to avoid altogether and shows how our thinking may increasingly drift from God’s standard.

James sums this up in the next verse. He writes, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. The problem of jealousy and selfish ambition was also addressed by Paul when he wrote to the Corinthians, who were confused by the spiritual gifts — they wanted showy gifts! In 1 Corinthians 14:26–33, though everyone wanted to speak, Paul put limitations on the number of people speaking — no more than two or three per church meeting. He also said gifts are for the building up of the body, not themselves. The God who structured the universe did so not with a cacophony of noise and sound, so they should do everything in order. Confusion and evil works is always a sign of worldly, sensual, demonic wisdom.

The truth is that those who teach contrary to Scripture create the conditions for the storm. Wise teachers and leaders must navigate the difficult waters to bring the congregation back to the peaceful harbor. Of course, we want peace, so in our remaining time, let’s consider what we have with right wisdom.

IV. We Have Purity and Peace with Heavenly Wisdom (vv. 17–18)
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

There’s somewhat of a poetic quality with this verse. In the original language, there is a lot of alliteration (words starting with the same letter), and the last two words also have the same number of syllables. James is clearly wanting to set up heavenly wisdom as beautiful.

Here’s how to know if the wisdom and knowledge you utilize is from God. Note that purity is the first manifestation of heavenly wisdom. This word shares a root with the word “holy,” something that is set apart and untouched by filth. It is not intermingled with the wisdom of the world or flesh, but comes anchored in the Word of God.

Second, heavenly wisdom is peaceable. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matt. 5:9). God’s wisdom loves peace and brings peace.

Note that purity comes first and then peace. God does not want us to have peace “at any cost,” but only according to His will. There are those who want peace above all else, but peace alone is not the sign of blessing or of the kind of wisdom one employs. Those who seek peace above purity seek compromise; those who have heaven’s wisdom have both purity and peace.

Third, heavenly wisdom is gentle. Again, this word does not mean soft; it means fair. A parent who does not spank his child for the appearance of wrong doing but waits to get the story from the child deals gently. Philippians 4:5 in the ESV says, “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.” Christians should operate in a “considerate” (LSB) manner.

Fourth, heavenly wisdom is teachable. The phrase here is “easy to be intreated,” “open to reason” (ESV), or “willing to yield” in NKJV. It means that a person is approachable and will be moved. One of the best lessons of life is that you don’t know everything, so be willing to learn.

Fifth, heavenly wisdom is full of mercy. Jesus commanded us to be merciful (Luke 6:36), and James warns, “For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13). Unforgiveness is a trait of unbelief, and a Christian should be quick to give second chances.

Sixth, heavenly wisdom is full of good fruit. This is a general term that might encompass many praiseworthy markers. We might consider the spiritual fruit of Galatians 5:22–23, for instance. James has talked about good works, now he points us to good fruit.

Seventh, heavenly wisdom is impartial. That’s how the ESV renders this, and the KJV and NKJV say “without partiality.” It gives equal regard, despite appearances.

Finally, heavenly wisdom is not hypocritical, saying one thing only to do another. We are all inconsistent. However, the average person’s overall picture of our lives should point to the fact that we are people of conviction. If not, then it might be possible that we are living according to worldly wisdom.

As a way to cap this off, James then points us to a harvest available to us if we seek this kind of wisdom. Proverbs 11:18 says, “The wicked earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness gets a true reward.” Similarly, Galatians 6:8 says, “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” We reap what we sow.

So, let’s so in peace. Christ not only commanded peace-making; He is a peacemaker! In Ephesians 2:15, we read that He abolished “in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace.” Just as He “made peace” between Jews and Gentiles coming to Him, we should also seek to make peace with others.

V. Conclusion

What kind of wisdom do you use most often? We should not quick to assume we have our minds set on heavenly wisdom. How often did the disciples in the Gospels think they had it right?
We should be quick to deny conventional wisdom. If a God-denying world that suppress the truth agrees on something, it may be correct, but woe unto us when everyone agrees. Let’s instead promote Christ and others above ourselves, operating with heavenly wisdom.

[1] John D. Barry, Douglas Mangum, Derek R. Brown, Michael S. Heiser, Miles Custis, Elliot Ritzema, Matthew M. Whitehead, Michael R. Grigoni, and David Bomar, Faithlife Study Bible, (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), Jas 3:13.

[2] John MacArthur Jr., Ed., The MacArthur Study Bible, electronic ed., (Nashville, TN: Word Pub., 1997), 1931.

[3] Ibid.

[4] A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament, (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933), Jas 3:14.