James 3:13

The Challenge To Live Wisely

At this point it appears that James goes back to James 3:1 and admonishes the teacher or the person who wants to be. teacher to live up to what they believe, to practice the wisdom they are imparting to others. In addition, the connection is also that. misuse of the tongue is. proof that one is living by earthly wisdom, not divine wisdom.

James 3:13 "Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom"."Who among you is wise and understanding?" -"But suppose some teacher says, 'Such advice is good for those not qualified to teach; but,. do not need it, inasmuch as. am. wise and understanding man'" (Woods p. 180). James issues the challenge, who really is the wise and skillful teacher? Who really is the qualified teacher? "In an era of specialization and emphasis on methods of effective communication, it is easy to ignore James's message. If the concentration is upon speech techniques, group dynamics, and motivational skills, the truth James was insisting upon can be overlooked" (Kent p. 128). "Which one of you is. wise and well-instructed man" (Wey). "Let him show by his good behavior his deeds" -"True wisdom is the ability to live. beautiful life, to put into practice what we say we believe and teach" (Draper p. 105).

Points To Note:

1. This isn't some abstract warning. There have always arisen individuals among the people of God who insisted that they were leadership material, and have only done harm instead of good (1 Corinthians 14:37; 3 John 1:9). 2. The truly qualified and skillful teacher is the person with the life that matches the word of God. 3. Note, every believer is expected to live. life which manifests wisdom (Ephesians 5:15). The word "good" means, praiseworthy, noble, morally good. Our conduct preaches. very loud sermon (1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 1:15). "in the gentleness of wisdom" -"guided by. wise gentleness" (Wey); "done in humility which wisdom prompts" (Wms). "Gentleness" means, humility, courtesy, consideration toward others, the opposite of. rough, egotistical and unyielding attitude.

Points To Note:

1. The above is. very interesting expression. Here we learn that humility always accompanies true wisdom. The gentleness under consideration, "is not passivity, or weakness, but strength under control. It is the opposite of arrogance, which demands that superiority be recognized…..It is the humble recognition that even one's superiority in some area does not need to overstep the bounds of courtesy, considerateness, and kindness….a meek and gentle attitude is certainly appropriate in any teacher" (Kent p. 130). 2. If. person is truly wise, then good works, good fruits will naturally be seen in that individual's life. "One's wisdom is evidenced, not by argument or assertion, but by. godly life garnished with good deeds. It is interesting to note that here, as often elsewhere in the New Testament (Matthew 20:20), the world's standard and rule or measurement differs greatly from that of inspiration. We are disposed to regard men as wise as they are able to impress us with their learned oratory, or wit" (Woods p. 181).