James chapter 3 Wisdom

The Book of James has been called the New Testament Proverbs.  James gives us God’s words and instructions on how to live wisely.  In chapter 1 we are told to have faith, not be double minded, and not doubt.  We are to be humble, not proud.  We are to have the joy of the Lord even when we are in the midst of trials. There are reasons for trials in our lives.  In the midst of trials God teaches us endurance and patience and He strengthens our faith.  When God’s Spirit enters our spirit, He gives us His internal strength to resist sin and resist temptations from many sources.  We are specifically told that temptation is not from God.  God gives us perfect gifts. We are blessed by God to be a blessing.  As God gives to us we are to give, do good, and pass on the blessings to others.  Our faith has to be active.  As our actions are observed, the Holy Spirit’s fruit can be seen in our good works and become characteristic of who we are as a person.  God will be glorified in our lives.

The wise words in chapter 2 of James tell me to treat others equally and to love others in the same way that God loves me.  I am also told to love myself.  We are not to be unrealistic and think we are perfect or righteous in and of ourselves.  We have all sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God.  God’s judgment, mercy, and forgiveness are for all.  He teaches us to have mercy and forgiveness for others and for ourselves.  Our faith, demonstrated by our actions, should be visible.  Believers are righteous because Father God sees each believer through the filter of Jesus Christ.  When we receive Christ, He becomes our righteousness.  When we act out our faith, our good works and our right attitude are used in the lives of others.  Christ is seen in us and God is Glorified.

God instills wisdom into the believer.  The wiser we become and the more spiritual understanding we are given, the greater is our responsibility to use our knowledge and understanding wisely.  We must know how to control our tongue, our words, and our actions.  The tongue is like a fire able to spit sparks of burning hurt into someone’s life.  A horse has a bit and a boat has a rudder to be used to help give them direction.  We must learn to bridle, steer, and control the words which come out of our mouths.  God warns that we are not to be double minded by using our words to praise him and then using the same mouth and tongue to curse our neighbor.  The fruit of our righteousness in Christ will be seen as it is manifested in our lives and in our character.