The Path of Peace

The Scriptures refer to several kinds of peace.  There is peace with God, which relates to salvation (Rom. 5:1).  Then there is the peace of God, which relates to prayerfully trusting the Lord with our circumstances (Phil. 4:7).  The Bible also mentions peace with the brethren and our fellowman (1Thess. 5:13; Col. 3:15).  This is where James is concentrating his energy in this passage. That is building peace into our relationship or walking together in peace. Once again we will see how the exercise of godly wisdom actually leads to peaceful interchanges and interactivity. In the cases where someone was able to bring about peace to a volatile situation, and on a personal level, they spoke with wisdom to secure harmony. This kind of proactivity or leadership is necessary weather the type of peace is political, professional, or interpersonal.  As believers in Jesus Christ, we should be Peace-makers (Matt. 5:9). James gives us a thorough look at how godly wisdom leads to interpersonal peace. 

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3:13–18, KJV)

What Is The Test Of True Wisdom? (Js. 3:13)

Before we can appreciate the application of godly wisdom, it would be helpful to review what it is. Actually, the test of true wisdom is an active humility. As James continues his instructions, he focuses on the subject of healthy spiritual wisdom, contrasting it with a lower wisdom which in reality is not wisdom at all. Although his instructions are beneficial for all of God’s people, his topic is decidedly aimed at teachers or leaders. And who does not expect their teachers and leaders to be people deeply influence by godly wisdom? They above all people should be wise and knowledgeable. Merely claiming to be wise and filled with holy insight is grossly inadequate. We must live in goodness and meekness toward God and others (Js. 3:13).  The solution for the problem of interpersonal conflict is to seek and secure divine wisdom (Js. 1:5).

The Definition of Wisdom

“Wise” is the common word for speculative knowledge and philosophy, but the Hebrews infused it with the much richer meaning of skillfully applying knowledge to matters of practical living. “Wise” (Js. 3:13) then describes a person with moral insight and skill in the practical issues of life. The know how to live God’s way. To be clear wisdom goes beyond knowing facts and is best understood as skills and spiritual techniques for daily practical matters. It is not reading a book about motorbike riding, but being a skilled motorbike rider.

The word “knowledge” portrays a specialist or professional who could skillfully apply his expertise to practical situations. “Knowledge” (Js. 3:13) then is understanding and refers to intellectual perception and scientific insight. James is referring to refined and honed perspectives that are distilled from life’s experiences and developments. Beloved, such individuals have learned from their successes and failures. James is asking who is truly skilled in the art of living. So wisdom and knowledge is generally the ability to live God’s way. As you would expect, such wisdom can be demonstrated and therefore detected when it is in use.

The Demonstration of Wisdom

When godly wisdom springs into action it can be recognized. Like a rainbow in the sky has distinct characteristic, so it is with spiritual wisdom. Note again what James says in verse 13.

Wisdom is shown or demonstrated. “Let him shew” (Js. 3:13) is what James prescribes. We are not speaking in philosophical nor theoretical terms, but in the everyday language of deeds, activities, and service. Wisdom from God is anchored in shoe leather and woven into the warp and woof of our life’s fabric. If a person is wise and knowledgeable, she or he will exhibit it by a “good conversation” coupled together with the humble spirit that is also deeply rooted in godly wisdom.

Wisdom is not measured by degrees but by deeds. It is not a matter of acquiring truth in lectures but of applying truth to life. The person who possesses godly wisdom (3:17) will meekly show it with works, not just words. (W. W. Wiersbe)

The attitude, persona, and actions of a truly wise Believer show they are indeed wonderfully influenced by God’s brand of wisdom.

This intimates the fact that believers should be slow to speak (1:19). When we do engage in conversation our words inform, heal, and accomplish worthy goals, thus revealing the marks of wisdom.  It is the way we use knowledge, not whether or not we have knowledge or even whether we are intelligent. The issue is one of showing what an earlier generation called “good sense” in daily life.

                                                     

Wisdom produces good works. James says, “Let him shew out of a good conversation his works” (Js. 3:13). “Good” refers to agreeable and pleasant—positive moral quality and that which is favorably valued. As you know the word “conversation” refers more to our lifestyle and manner of behavior. “Works” points to activities that are essentially related to our faith in Jesus Christ. Faith properly understood will produce good works, deeds, services, and actions that are right and good from God’s perspective. I know society can become confused on what is truly good and right, but God is not puzzled on these matters at all. True wisdom does not lie in good notions or speculations so much as in good and useful actions. Not the person who thinks well, or speaks well, is categorized as wise in the sense of the word. We must live and act well first and foremost. When this is the case others will be more incline to listen to what we have to say and follow our lead.

Wisdom Inspires Humility. “The meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13) describes the attitude in which a truly wise person’s works are done. The word “meekness” relates to “humility, or gentleness,” and describes the state of an animal which has been tamed so that its power is brought under control and directed in a useful manner. Here in James 3:13, it is used in contrast to actions motivated by selfishness and pride. “Meekness” is the opposite of arrogance and self-promotion (see Matt. 5:5; 1:21; Num. 12:3; Gal. 5:23). Meekness can be described as power under control.

The truly wise believer is humble; his or her good life and deeds are best portrayed in humility of mind and heart. The Lord Jesus, the embodiment of true wisdom, was not proud and arrogant; He was meek and lowly in heart (Matt. 11:29). Therefore, all who are truly wise will have the hallmark of genuine humility. My honest confession is that the more I learn, the more I realize I have so much more to learn. Knowledge made me arrogant early on in my ministry, but godly wisdom has correctly humbled my soul. My physical strength moved me to evidence pride in my youth, but maturing wisdom in my heart has allowed me to realize the strength of God in my weaknesses. My competence and capability drove me to independence in my immaturity, but spiritual wisdom from God changed me to genuinely value teamwork, interdependence, and collaboration. You see, Beloved, when we travel with the Lord Jesus along the path of wisdom, we become the kind of people that can work with others and they can freely work with us.

Wisdom Evidences Meekness. James also employed the phrase, “meekness of wisdom,” (James 3:3) signifying two important things according to Dr. Wiersbe,

Meekness is the right use of power, and wisdom is the right use of knowledge. They go together. The truly wise person will show in his daily life (conversation means “behavior”) that he is a child of God. Attitude and action go together.

In James 1:21, “meekness” also connotes a readiness to receive instruction from the Word. There is nothing like working with people who are still growing, learning, and expanding in Christ. Unfortunately, few things are more egregious than putting up with an insufferably arrogant know-it-all. Just as “wisdom,” is the proper and insightful application of knowledge, meekness is the proper and insightful application of power. Such “meekness” is an evidence of salvation and the continuing work of the Spirit of Grace in our hearts. Such “wisdom” is the generous gift of God to a growing Christian (Ja. 1:5) trusting God for it. Together these terms describe a wonderful possibility and manner of life. That is a character and conduct which is conformed to Christ’s and a soul richly empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Meekness is a condition of mind and heart which demonstrates gentleness, not in weakness, but in power. It is a balance born in strength of character. Meekness is not primarily expressed in outward behavior nor toward other people, but chiefly toward God. It is that attitude of spirit of accepting God’s dealings with us as good and refusing to dispute with or resist Him. This selfless and non-self-assertive meekness comes from divine wisdom.(See Js. 1:5; Job 9:4; 28; Pss. 104:24; 111:10; Prov. 1:7; 2:1–7; 3:19,20; 9:10; Jer. 10:7,12; Dan. 1:17; 2:20–23; Rom. 11:33; 1 Cor. 1:30; Eph. 3:10; Col. 2:3).

Beloved, we can examine ourselves for the operation of true wisdom in our motives, desires and actions. Consider these questions as you pause before the Lord God. Am I sustaining meaningful relationships because I habitually use godly wisdom? Is my history peppered with painful broken friendships? Do I find myself in conflict more than in harmony? Am I easy to work with on team projects? Do I value the suggestions and ideas of others or must I have my way regardless? Am I willing to let the best ideas advance even if they are not mine? Have I made the mistake of substituting academic degrees for godly wisdom?

You and I are only required to answer these questions before the Lord. If you need to confess some things then do not hesitate. God is merciful and forgiving when we come to Him in a spirit of repentance. Remember wisdom is demonstrated in our attitudes and actions resulting in healthy stronger relationships. Peace marks those who walk in the way of wisdom.