That we might remain focused on the contents of this book, I want to remind you again that we, who claim to be Christians, are the subjects to whom James is addressing his remarks. Paul was the world missionary evangelist, striving to convert Jew and Gentile alike to Jesus Christ as the Savior. James, on the other hand, is the local preacher, speaking to those who have been converted to Jesus, and claim to be His followers. Therefore, even across twenty centuries, these words are applicable to us, and should have our careful attention.
Addressing the problem of temptation, which plagues everyone who tries to live the Christian life in this pagan world, James uses very strong language to warn us about the use of the tongue as the spokesman of our self-interest, and the tool with which we try to persuade others to our view of the truth. Our self-interest is the enemy we must battle in our struggle with temptation. To win this battle, one does not need more knowledge. Most of us know the facts of right and wrong. What we need is not facts but wisdom...the ability to incorporate what we know is right into our pattern of behavior.
It is not surprising then, that James follows his dissertation on the tongue, as the spokesman for self-interest, with words about wisdom. In his words about the tongue, James has warned those who consider themselves wise enough to teach others, that they should be very slow to impose their views of truth on others. He obviously considers this the most dangerous use of the tongue. So it is not surprising that he urges those who think they are wise enough to be teachers, to make sure their lives reflect true dedication to the truth, before they try to teach others. He is really saying, "Let your actions reflect the truth, or don't try to be a teacher".
Note that James contrasts wisdom with "bitter envy and selfish ambition". What does this tell us about his definition of wisdom? Let's note two things he says in this context. The first is that the wise man's deeds reflect a "humility that comes from wisdom". In other words, the wise man has learned from his mistakes that he does not have all the answers, and therefore becomes a humble man. Instead of demanding that others follow his concept of the truth, the wise man has learned that he is not always right, and is very careful in his
judgment, and in his proclamation of the truth.
Second, James warns that those who have mastered the world's wisdom, and have been able to get what they want...to fulfill their selfish ambition...and who
envy those who have been successful in this activity, should not be proud of their accomplishment, for such behavior leads to chaos and evil practice. No
admonition could be more apropos to this world of people who become rich by defrauding their victims, and those who demand their rights regardless of what
it may cost others. The Bible will never be "out of date", for the truths it teaches are so descriptive of the faults of human beings in every age. Moral principles do not change, and neither does the nature of those who violate them.
Verses 17 and 18 indicate that James has learned from the Master Teacher, who taught, in the Sermon on the Mount, that peacemakers are the real children of God. Note the characteristics of true wisdom as James lists them:
It is pure. It does not countenance, nor deal in any immoral practice.
It is peace-loving. It does not thrive on controversy and competition.
It is considerate. Our age of self-gratification, and instant gratification of our animal desires, has not time to be considerate of our fellowman. Even the simple acts of courtesy in the market-place have been displaced by "look-at-me" and "get out of my way, I'm coming through". The disregard for common courtesy also translates into a lack of respect for people, for honor, for law and for God. We are doing our young people a grave injustice by not teaching them these truths, and thus we are cheapening their world.
It is submissive. It does not consider that it has the right to do anything it can get away with. Even if you are rich and powerful, you do not have a right to ignore the rules by which society maintains order.
It is full of mercy. The self-centered person is not sensitive to the tears of the less fortunate. The wise man feels compassion for those who hurt.
It is impartial. The wise man does not only notice those who are in his own best interest. He treats all with fairness.
It is sincere. The wise man does not act with a hidden agenda. "What you see is what you get", and you can trust the wise man. In the end, he will be the one whom people honor, and the one who can sleep at night in peace.
Jesus was right. "Blessed are the peacemakers". They are the ones who make the
world a better place, and keep righteousness as the goal for all to
attain. Only in this can one find real meaning for life, and success. And, as the commercial says, "That is priceless".
