Wisdom and Understanding: A Reflection on James 3:14
Reflecting on James 3:14, the passage emphasizes the importance of displaying wisdom through good behavior and deeds, while warning against bitter jealousy and selfish ambition. Understanding the destructive nature of earthly wisdom compared to the gentleness of divine wisdom is crucial in fostering positive relationships and actions. The passage challenges individuals to examine their motivations and align themselves with God's truth.
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13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. James 3:14
This passage of Scripture has impacted my understanding of God s Word than perhaps any other I have read. This passage of Scripture has transformed my understanding of how and why God works through people. It has also revealed to me what I must do before the Lord will work through me.
Bitter jealousy Selfish ambition
Bitter jealousy comes from the Greek words pikros and zelos. Bitter: (pikros), To cut or prick. In this case, to cut apart with words. You can tell when you are bitter towards another person. When that other person s name comes up your first instinct is to tear them down. You want to pick them apart. If anyone ever speaks highly of that person, you may make it your duty to inform them of just how bad that person really is. After all, if everyone knew that person the way you did, they would all be angry just like you. If any thing you say or do towards another person is motivated by a desire to tear them down because of some past experience, then you are operating under worldly wisdom.
Jealousy: (zelos), this word is also translated zeal. To bubble or boil up. Energy, enthusiasm, excitement and motivation all rolled together. Zeal can either be a good thing or a bad thing. The zeal of your house has eaten me up. (Ps. 69:9) Kind David s zeal was his passion to live in God s presence. This is a good thing! Israel has a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. (Ro. 10:2) Israel protected the traditions of men over the commands of God; a bad thing! Are you jealous towards another? When that person s name comes up all of your passion and energy is focused on that person but in a negative way. You may proactively call people to warn them about that person. You will not take a chance on anyone being deceived by that person, so, you zealously tell others whatever you think they need to know. After all, it is your Christian duty to warn everyone about that wolf!
But if you have bitter jealousy When you are bitter towards a person, you cannot bear it when anyone else sees them in a positive light. So, you tear them down. I m just being honest. , or If you only knew When you are jealous towards a person you will hate the very mention of their name. You will do whatever you can to make sure no one else is deceived by that person. You will proactively seek out people to warn. A person with bitter jealousy will zealously pick another person apart because they believe it is their responsibility to make sure that person can never hurt another person. If you must expose and destroy that person s reputation so be it. After all, they deserve it!
Selfish ambition is derived from a single Greek word It denotes a strong drive for personal success without moral inhibitions. To labor for wages. In Jesus day crowds would stand in the market place in order to get hired for one day. They did this every day. The goal was to do anything it took to be picked over all others. This word was also used for a politician. It described someone who would say anything to get the support of others. Usually, the implication was that the politician had not intention of honoring his word. A person with selfish ambition is only concerned with their agenda, and does not care about how anyone else is affected.
Arrogant: To boast of ones achievements over and against someone or something else. A parable of this kind of arrogance in a Baptist church: At the next business meeting there will be a vote that you are against. You go home and call every member both active and inactive that you think will vote your way. You especially look for people you think are currently angry with the church. When the meeting comes you see all the people who are present because of your influence. Naturally the vote goes your way. Now you go home congratulating yourself knowing that your influence carried the vote. Congratulations, you are now reveling in the arrogance that God s Word warns against.
Bitter strife: Pick things apart with great zeal and energy Selfish ambition: Driven by personal agenda Arrogance: Embracing and reveling in attitudes that do not honor God If a person is motivated by bitter strife, selfish ambition, and arrogance, they will push their agenda and defend it to the end. How is this lying against the truth? A person motivated by bitter strife, selfish ambition and arrogance is more concerned with their personal agenda than they are with God s will. They will sacrifice God s will in order to carry out their agenda. By promoting personal agenda over God s will, they are by their actions lying against the truth, because they are elevating personal ambition over the word and will of God.
Personal experience: People who operate in worldly wisdom usually do not realize it. They are deceived because they believe they are doing the work of God when in fact they are thwarting the work of God. So, how can you avoid operating in worldly wisdom? Learn what worldly wisdom is, and learn what godly wisdom is. Pray through every decision you make. Ask God to reveal the motivation behind any agenda you may have. Ask God, Is this really your will, or is this just my personal agenda? If you have a disagreement, before you pursue any other course of action, actively seek to reconcile whatever difference you have. Do it quietly. Before you proceed with any action determine how it exalts God, edifies the church and draws you closer to Jesus. Seek the council of godly people who you know are walk with God s wisdom and ask them. Ask yourself: When I stand before God, if He asks me about this situation, what will I say? How will I explain my actions?
