INTRODUCTION: One writer has entitled his study of this section "The Wise and the Otherwise." Whoever does not control his tongue, or relate sound words and a consistent life, is surely not wise. Many are "cute" and "clever" - attracting attention to themselves, but this is not a mark of wisdom. It is often a mark of immaturity. Others are able to dispense an impressive array of facts, and on varying subjects; but this is not wisdom. A brilliant intellect may be an immeasurable blessing; or it may be a curse, and the source of irreparable damage. The difference will be determined by its possessor - whether he is humble and devout, or self-willed and egotistic.

        In his brief, practical and pungent comments of the "truly wise", James stresses three basic thoughts:

1. True wisdom involves waiting on the Lord; discernment comes from Him.
2. Worldliness is a denial of the Lord.
3. Wholesome living promotes peace among brethren.

        In considering this lesson it is important to remember its connection with the warning found in verses 1 and 2. All who pose as teachers take on themselves a very grave responsibility. A teacher must always be concerned for the welfare of his hearers. The wise man will never forget his moral responsibility to his brethren. James is concerned about the peace and general welfare of God's people wherever a small community of them may be found. He knows that mutual confidence and respect is soon destroyed where there is a rivalry permitted among those who teach. A competitive, contradictory, and self-promoting spirit among leaders will soon destroy any church that permits such a scandalous situation to exist.

III. THE WISDOM OF THE TRULY WISE WILL MANIFEST ITSELF IN AN ORDERLY LIFE.

1. JAMES BREIFLY SKETCHES THE PROFILE OF A WISE MAN ENDUED WITH KNOWLEDGE.


1. His wisdom will not be manifested "in word only."
1. Many people need to learn the difference between wisdom and mere "cleverness".


2. Cleverness easily degenerates into a proud sort of foolishness that glories in the exercise of mental gymnastics.


3. The wise man does not stand entranced by the sound of his own voice; his life will so demonstrate the beauty of practical holiness that others will be attracted by it without any need for self-promotion.


2. He is a man who gives attention to his life. Phillips translates verse 13: "Are there any wise and understanding men, and endued with knowledge, among you? Then your LIVES will be an example of the humility that is born of true wisdom!"


3. The life he lives will display two inseparable qualities:


1. Meekness, (James 1:21; I Tim. 6:1-2).


1) He will not be vindictive, or live on the defensive.

2) He will not resent the severe judgment of others; he knows they have never even imagined the worst about him!

3) He will be willing to leave his rights, his cause, his success and his failure in the hands of the Living God.

4) But, he will be no weakling; He can be firm for that which is right! Remember that Jesus claimed meekness for Himself.

        "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth!"


2. Wisdom involves the ability to make a sensible judgment and to deal perceptibly with facts - especially in relating them to life and conduct.


1) The wise man's perception will be keen; his discernment penetrating.

2) His judgment will be safe, sound and sober; not hasty, or emotional.

3) His depth of understanding will guide his life and conduct in paths of true greatness, wherein he may bless mankind and bring glory to God!


2. JAMES DEALS A DEVASTAING BLOW TO THE MERE PSEUDO-WISDOM OF WORDS.


1. This false wisdom is recognizable by its fruits:


1. It displays a boastfulness that is rooted in self-love; from such a root all sorts of evil may spring up! (II Tim. 3:1-9; Prov. 26:12; Is. 5:21; I Cor. 3:18-20; contrast: II Tim. 3:10-12).


2. False wisdom often reveals a bitter jealousy and strife of heart.


1) This comes into sharpest focus when discovered in those claiming to be ministers or teachers of righteousness!

2) Such a condition has been marked by tragic consequences through all the centuries since our Lord left His church on earth.

3) A ruthless ambition will inevitably arouse opposition and make the struggle for power more intense - the end disastrous!

4) Someone said a great deal when he wrote:

"It takes more skill than tongue can tell,
To play the Second Fiddle well!"


3. In showing himself guilty of self-promotion, a man gives the lie to his profession of wisdom, and sins against the truth. He may boast of possessing the truth, but until it becomes the guiding principle of his life, he actually opposes the truth!


1) "The Truth", as James uses it here, refers to God's order of mutual love and respect in the body of Christ; an order that has been established for the common prosperity of the whole body.

2) "The Truth" is set in contrast with selfish ambition and boastfulness - getting even, or putting someone in his place, (Romans 2:17, 23).

        Envy and strife are enemies of the truth. They manifest themselves in rebellion against the Theocratic order, -- as in the gainsaying of Korah, (Numbers 16; comp. Prov. 26:28). It may also be observed in any form of insurrection against the order established in one of the Lord's churches, (I Cor. 14:33). Wherever such is found, there will be confusion and every sort of evil work - fanaticism, and unholy zeal that is rooted in a carnal desire to be exalted, recognized, honored, or merely to have one's own way! (I Cor. 3:3; Gal. 5:20).

3) "The Truth" suggests fidelity, as opposed to hypocrisy.


2. Such wisdom is not from above. James describes it as:


1. "Earthly ... of this world", from whose influence and power Jesus died to deliver us, (Gal. 1:4; I John 2:15-17).


2. "Sensual" … connected with fleshly lusts that war against one's soul. This may have the technical sense suggested in Jude 19: "These are they that separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit"; or, it may be used in the broader sense of "unspiritual", (I Cor. 2:14).


3. "Devilish" (demonical) … connected with the kingdom of wicked spirits who have defied the God of heaven, (Is. 14:12-17; Ezek. 28:11-19).


4. Such wisdom is identified with three of man's greatest enemies: the world, the flesh and the devil.


5. To be learned in wickedness is not wisdom; it is extreme folly!


3. A life characterized by such things breeds "confusion and every evil work".
1. It will guarantee disorder in the church-community.
2. And such disorder may produce surprising vileness!


3. JAMES SHOWS WHAT QUALITIES MARK THE LIFE OF ONE WHO IS TRULY WISE. None of them are creedal, but all are very practical. True wisdom, as true faith, is discernible only in the way one lives!


1. True wisdom will be characterized by a life of purity - a life that is free from contamination by evil. It will be a life that is inspired from above. There will be no impurity of motive or method. There will be a complete absence of self-promoting aggressiveness and quarrelsomeness.


2. True wisdom will be marked by a life of peacableness - not of contentiousness of constant brawling. To live in a constant brawl may keep one's name in the headiness and on the lips of others, but it is not the mark of that wisdom which is from above! (II Cor. 13:11; I Thes. 5:13; Heb. 12:1).


3. True wisdom will manifest itself in a life of gentleness - showing considerateness and respect for others.


1. This appears to have been woefully lacking among those to whom James wrote. It was also something that deeply concerned the apostle Paul, (II Cor. 10:1; Titus 3:2; I Thes. 2:2-7; II Tim. 2:24).


2. James is deeply concerned that the harshness of unbridled tongues has created such a lethal spiritual situation among his brethren.


3. Thus, he insists: "If there is a wise man endued with knowledge among you, let him arise and manifest that wisdom by conciliatory words and deeds of gentleness", (comp. Prov. 12:18).


4. True wisdom will manifest itself in approachableness - the opposite of stubbornness. Such a person is "easy to be entreated."


1. Here is a person who can listen to the thoughts, opinions and suggestions of others, Prov. 18:15).


2. He will not be obstinate - clinging dogmatically to every opinion of his own as absolute truth, as though there could be no further enlightenment of his own mind.


3. The man who is truly wise will even encourage others to approach him freely without fear of being humiliated.


4. But this, as all other qualities, is not for the preacher and teacher only; every church member has a responsibility to be approachable - ready to sit down and face problems without mixing principles and personalities or personal feelings, ( Prov. 9:8).


5. True wisdom will manifest itself on being full of mercy - not of deadly venom, but of tolerant thoughts.


1. The person who is truly wise will manifest such an attitude - even toward those who are in obvious error.


2. Mercy has a loving purpose - to win back the erring. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy!"


3. What a beautiful and luscious fruit, but how terribly scarce it is today!


6. True wisdom will manifest itself in "fruits of goodness."


1. Though misunderstood, misinterpreted, criticized and ridiculed, we must still be KIND - remembering what we once were.


2. Jesus conducted Himself kindly without compromising His position or diminishing the effectiveness of His ministry.


3. It is impossible to let our light "shine before men" if we isolate ourselves, simply because they are opposed to some of our ways or ideas!


7. True wisdom will manifest itself in being without partiality - without vacillation, doubting or uncertainty.


1. This has to do with the impression we make on those with whom we have to do.


2. The teacher must leave no room for doubt about what he has said; he must speak clearly, to the point, for the enlightenment of those who hear.


3. True teaching is never EVASIVE!


4. The truly wise man does not broadcast his doubts; he has too keen a sense of responsibility for that.


8. True wisdom will manifest itself in being without partiality - there will be no sham pretense.


1. The wise man will be completely honest.


2. He will be open and straight-forward with whatever he has to say; but it is important to remember that, in being straight-forward, one must not violate any of the other characteristics of true wisdom!