VERSE OF THE DAY
James 3:17-18 (New Living Translation)
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But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
The wisdom that is received from heaven is first of all pure. It is completely compassionate and loving full of mercy and yields to others it has no favoritism and self picking as it knows knowledge of all the good deeds.peacemakers will plant seeds of good harvest in righteousness and peace in growth of good deeds.
What Does James 3:17 Mean? ►
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere.
James 3:17(NLT)
Verse Thoughts
James was a man that gave the church much good advice. He reminded believers that God is generous to all and will give wisdom willingly and uncritically to everyone who asks Him for it, in faith. He expands his treatise on wisdom by contrasting the wisdom of the world with the wisdom that comes from above and pointing out that true wisdom is demonstrated by a man’s good and gracious conduct – by his noble works and by his gracious conversation. James also adds that true wisdom flows from a heart that is gentle – and a spirit that demonstrates true humility.
But if a believer tries to hide behind a veneer of heavenly wisdom or puts on a pretence of humility while harbouring bitter jealousies and selfish ambitions within their hearts, they are living a lie and being false to the truth – for to adopt a false façade of godly wisdom is really an exhibition of a hypocritical, carnal nature and a worldly attitude.
How different is the wisdom that comes from the Spirit of God for it is pure and peace-loving, considerate, gentle and submissive. The man or woman that has been filled with the wisdom from God is the one that is full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Every one of us that submits to the Lord in faith has generous access to the wisdom of God – for the one that walks in spirit and truth will be the one that exhibits the sweet character of Christ, as we rest in Him and He lives in us.
Source: https://dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com/james-3-17
What does James 3:17 mean?
In this passage, James has been describing the so-called-wisdom of the world. It’s not pretty. Typical human philosophy is driven by envy and selfish ambition, and the result is all the disorder and evil we see in the world. Putting ourselves ahead of all others means creating billions of contradictory goals, and making excuses for hurting other people in order to get what we want.
Here, in verse 17, James describes the characteristics of the wisdom from heaven. This is God’s wisdom. This is the wisdom of those who trust God to provide all they need, to continue to give them every good gift (James 1:17), and to fulfill every desire of their hearts for eternity with Him in heaven. As a result, these believers willingly sacrifice opportunities for “more and more” money, pleasure, and power. Instead, those who trust in God make themselves available to serve the needs of others.
The result of submission to God is very different than selfish, worldly ambition. James describes godly wisdom as “pure,” translated from the Greek word hagnē. This means “undivided, chaste, or pure.” This kind of wisdom is refined and focused on exactly one thing: whatever God has called us to.
Godly wisdom is peaceable or peace-loving, putting a high value on easing conflict. His wisdom is gentle or considerate, not ready to fight, but ready to serve. This wisdom is reasonable or submissive, ready to see things from another point of view and do it someone else’s way. True wisdom is full of mercy and all the good things that flow from living this way. This wisdom is impartial, not showing the favoritism James addressed in chapter two. This wisdom is sincere, with no need to fake anything to get what it wants out of other people.
It’s amazing how much easier and more pleasant life becomes when a Christian gives up the requirement of getting what he or she wants at all costs. Without that agenda, there’s less and less need for conflict. And yet, the only way to give up that agenda is to believe that our good God is providing all we need in every moment.
Context Summary
James 3:13–18 questions our concept of who is wise and understanding. James quickly answers: the truly wise, understanding person is one whose faith in God leads to selfless good works. Wise people live in the humility of wisdom, setting themselves aside to serve others. That’s not worldly wisdom, which leaves each person responsible to serve him- or herself first. Earthly attitudes are driven by envy for what others have, and an ambition to take it. The result is disorder and evil instead of the peace, gentleness, and mercy that follow from living by heaven’s wisdom.
Chapter Summary
Human words are powerful. Our tongues are small, but they are capable of wreaking great havoc. Any person who could perfectly control their words would be in perfect control of their entire bodies. Instead, as sinful human beings, our tongues are untamable. Our words are fire, igniting the entire course of our lives. Blessing God and cursing people should not come out of the same mouth; we are corrupted. James concludes the chapter by exploring what it means to be truly wise. True wisdom is not necessarily found in those with the most education, money, or friends. Rather, wise people can be spotted living wisely in humility, participating in good works, enjoying peace, singleness of purpose, and gentle lifestyles.
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