The Book of James: Relating Wisely to People
James 3:13–18 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. (NIV)
James 3:18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. (NIV)
James 3:18 Those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. (NLT)
James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (NIV)
Wisdom Is More Than Knowledge — It’s a Way of Living.
A Lack of Wisdom Creates Conflict and Confusion.
James 3:14-16 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (NIV)
James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (NIV)
HOW DO WE RELATE WISELY TO PEOPLE?
1. IF I’M WISE, I’LL LIVE WITH INTEGRITY.
James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure... (NIV)
Proverbs 10:9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. (NIV)
2. IF I’M WISE, I WON’T ESCALATE CONFLICT.
James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving… (NIV)
Proverbs 20:3 Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling. (NLT)
Proverbs 14:29 People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. (NLT)
3. IF I’M WISE, I’LL HANDLE PEOPLE WITH CARE.
James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate… (NIV)
Proverbs 15:4 Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. (NLT)
James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive… (NIV)
4. IF I’M WISE, I’LL STAY TEACHABLE.
Proverbs 12:15 The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. (NIV)
James 3:17 …full of mercy and good fruit… (NIV)
5. IF I’M WISE, I WON’T KEEP REHEARSING YOUR FAILURES.
Proverbs 17:9 Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. (NIV)
James 2:12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom. (NIV)
Hebrews 12:15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. (NIV)
James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is… impartial and sincere. (NIV)
6. IF I’M WISE, I’LL BE HONEST ABOUT MY OWN STRUGGLES.
Proverbs 28:13 Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.(NIV)
James 3:18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. (NIV)
Am I willing to let God keep shaping me into someone who lives out an authentic faith daily?