James 3:13-18

 (1) 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct he should show his works done in the gentleness that wisdom brings

(Pastor Chu) The rhetoricians thought that they could talk and therefore they could be leaders, but this is not so in the church. The leaders in the church are the ones who have good conduct and are gentle.

(PNTC) The “let him show” challenge reminds us of James’s challenge in 2:18 to the “believer” who thinks works and faith can be separated: “Show me your faith without deeds.”

[gentleness]= (BDAG) the quality of not being overly impressed by a sense of one’s self-importance, gentleness, humility, courtesy, considerateness, meekness  

Summary: Gentleness is the work of wisdom. 

(2) 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfishness in your hearts, do not boast and tell lies against the truth.

What is the relationship between the "jealousy, selfishness, boasting, lying v.14" and the "self-claimed wise men" v.13?

[jealousy]= (BDB) intense negative feelings over another’s achievements or success

[selfishness]=(BDB) where it denotes a self-seeking pursuit of political office by unfair means.

The self-claimed wise men who wanted to be the leaders of the church were jealous at other leaders, they were ambitious to be the leaders. Then they boast over themselves and even lied so that they could be the leaders.  

Summary: Those who claim to be wise would not be good leaders in the church. 

(3) Other than gentleness, what else will a wise person have?  

 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical.

[accommodating]= (NET) “willing to yield,” “open to persuasion.”(PNTC) What is meant is not a weak, credulous gullibility, but a willing deference to others when unalterable theological or moral principles are not involved

[peaceable, gentle, accommodating]= (PNTC) is the exact opposite of the envious, selfish, and ambitious person who is driven by demonic wisdom (vv. 15–16).

  [full of mercy]=(Pastor Chu) He will not ask whether you are worthy for my help? But he will ask how can I help you?

Reflection: On one hand, we see how to select the good leaders from this passage. On the other hand, we want to have these good qualities in our life. Which good qualities from v.7 that you admire? Do you want to be gentle or not overly impressed by a sense of one’s self-importance? Or do you want to be an accommodating person? That is you are willing to yield or open to persuasion?

Audrey