A Spiritual Wise Man

James 3:13-18

There is a man who has attended several churches in our area. Time after time he has offended pastors and churches, telling them how they ought to be doing things. He has been very critical of pastors of other churches because they don’t do things the way they should. Having known the man for many years, I know that he has never been truly faithful in attending or tithing in any church he has attended. Any opportunity to work overtime, to go hunting, or special event has been an excuse to miss church.

The same man is a specialist at his trade and he becomes very offended when anyone suggests that he should do something different in his line of work, because that is his business. That other people are equally skilled at their trade as he is at his never occurs to him. Before a person tries to tell others what to do, he needs to demonstrate his own ability to do the job. James makes this point clearly.

“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13)

The Greek word translated conversation means the way one lives, not just the way he talks. If a man is really wise, or knowledgeable, his life should demonstrate it. Hebrews 13:7 stresses following leaders based on the results of the way they live, not their claims. “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”

A genuinely wise person will learn from others before telling others what to do. As a result, his advice will be worth hearing, according to Proverbs 1:5. “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:” Proverbs 29:11 states, “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” It is foolish pride that makes a person speak before he knows. I Corinthians 3:18 advises us to admit we don‘t know and learn from others. “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise."

The biggest source of conflict in any situation is a determination to have their way by people who really don’t understand the problem. As a result they don’t consider the impact of other factors on their idea, nor do they consider the impact their idea might have in other areas. They see only the desired result, and ignore the concerns of others, because of their pride. Proverbs 13:10 tells us, “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” Putting aside our pride and getting valid information is the wiser way. Conflict ought to be a warning of future problems.

"But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” (James 3:14-16)

Many seem to take pleasure in the conflicts, and being able to impose their will on others, seemingly feeling that it proves their spiritual or intellectual superiority. I Corinthians 3:3 is very clear that it is proof of a lack of spirituality. “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” James says that attitude is not only carnal, but Satanic, and is accompanied by all kinds of sin.

A godly attitude on the other hand, is completely different. The decisions are pure, not based on pride. They are open to other opinions, ideas, and needs, and is considerate of the feelings of others involved. There’s no setting needs of one above another or pretence.

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” (James 3:17-18)