Bible Study May 3, 2024
James 3:13 – 18
13 “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
Maybe the most devastating thing that occurs in our world is war. War has been going on since the beginning of time and will continue till the end of time. In fact, the book of Revelation comes to an end with the great and final war.
James talks about peace in these verses. In fact, in this passage, James has been describing the difference between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. Worldly wisdom encourages us to be selfish and greedy, and to put our own interests before the needs of others. Godly wisdom, on the other hand, leads to peace, mercy, and sincerity.
James concludes his thought from the previous verse with a beautiful word picture. Imagine fields full and ready to harvest. The crop of this field is righteousness, goodness, and everything those who belong to God would hope to see in the world.
How did it get there? The crop was planted by those who make peace. James elevates the role of peacemakers: ones committed to living peacefully in full confidence that God is providing for them. These are believers who know God is meeting every need, giving many good gifts. Such people don’t feel the need to fight against others for what they need. Their peace-loving lifestyles lead to fields of righteous choices.
That’s the result of living by heaven’s wisdom.
God Bless.
Asbury Chapel 