Wise and Otherwise
Text: James 3:13-17
Introduction.
Sometimes late at night, it’s hard to find a good movie to watch. The other night, as I manned my remote to look at the listings, I noticed a movie called “Dumb and Dumber”.
If you’ll remember back to the time when we were kids on the playground, someone would get mad at us and call us a “dummy”. Now, we didn’t like that, because it hurt our feelings—and we didn’t like to be thought of as “dummies”.
Seems now that a lot of people are swallowing their pride and accepting that title. I say this based on what’s been going on in the Barnes & Noble bookstore for the last few years.
One of the best selling series of books ever published is the “For Dummies” series. I believe the first of these books was entitled “Windows for Dummies”. When I first began working with a computer, I went to the school library and checked this book out.
I hoped the “Dummy” book would help me learn to navigate the computer, so I read it….but I didn’t know any more about my computer after having read it. With regard to this book, I guess I was not “Dumb”….I was “Dumber”!
Today there is a whole section of the “Dummy” books—and there are dozens of new versions. Some of the titles include:
“Bird-Watching for Dummies”
“Desserts for Dummies”
“Fishing for Dummies” or is that “Fishing—for Dummies”?
“Investing for Dummies”
“The Internet for Dummies”, and
“Parenting for Dummies”
The list of titles goes on and on…
Evidently, many people have swallowed their pride and bought the books, because the series has sold over 35 million copies. I wish I had been dumb enough to write one! Why do so many people continue to buy these books?
Well, one satisfied customer explained it this way—“I buy them because they take the intimidation out of the learning process. Whatever the subject matter, they spell it out to me in simple terms. They make the complex understandable so that even a “regular” guy like me can “get it”.
In other words, millions of people purchase these books every year because they know they contain something we all want and need—Practical Wisdom!
Some say in order to be happy, we need more knowledge, and this seems to be man’s quest. We’ve been successful in accumulating more knowledge. Scholars say since 1955, mankind’s accumulated knowledge has doubled every 5 years.
Hadden Robinson writes, “Our generation possesses more data about the universe and human personality than all previous generations put together. High school graduates today have been exposed to more information about the world than Plato, Aristotle, Spinoza, or Benjamin Franklin.
In terms of facts alone, neither Moses nor Paul could pass a college entrance exam today. Yet by everyone’s standards, even with all our knowledge, society today is peopled with a bumper crop of brilliant failures.
Men and women educated to earn a living often don’t know anything about handling life itself. Alumni from noted universities have mastered information about a narrow slice of life, but couldn’t make it out of the 1st grade when it comes to living successfully with family and friends. Let’s face it; knowledge is not enough to meet life’s problems. We need wisdom, the ability to handle life with skill.”
I believe Robinson is correct—we all need to know how to “do” life correctly. In order for us to achieve this, we need wisdom. Wisdom is very important to our lives. This subject has come up before, and it happened during the reign of King Solomon of Israel.
God told Solomon to, “…ask whatever you will…”.
Solomon’s reply was, “Lord, I am but a child except I do not know to go out or come in before your people, Israel. So give me a discerning and understanding heart that I might judge your people, Israel.”
That answer pleased God. The Lord then told Solomon, “Because you have not asked for long life or for wealth or for victory over your enemies, I am going to give you all those things; but, additionally, I am going to make you the wisest man who has ever lived. There won’t be anyone after you, and there has been no one before you quite like you.”
Solomon has gone down in history as the “wise man of the Bible”.
In Proverbs 3:13-18, Solomon writes—
---13---“How blessed is the man who finds wisdom
And the man who gains understanding.
---14---For her profit is better than the profit of silver
And her gain better than fine gold.
---15---She is more precious than jewels;
And nothing you desire compares with her.
---16---Long life is in her right hand;
In her left hand are riches and honor.
---17---Her ways are pleasant ways
And all her paths are peace.
---18---She is a tree of life to those who take hold of
of her,
And happy are all who hold her fast.”
Yes, finding and applying “true” wisdom is very important to each and every one of us. I believe the Christians in James’ day were having a problem determining between 2 wisdoms and what was best for their lives. I’m afraid many of them were making the same mistake many are repeating today.
James addresses this issue by comparing the “wisdom of the world” with the “wisdom of God”. If you have you Bible with you, please turn with me to James 3:13-18.
---13---“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
---14---But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.
---15---This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.
---16---For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
---17---But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.
---18---And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
Sermon Preview.
As we review James’ comparison of these two forms of wisdom, we’ll see how much sense it really does make to look to God when it comes to deciding how we should live our lives. James begins by describing the “world’s” way of thinking.
First—the source of the world’s “Wisdom” is the Devil.
When we look at verse 15, we find James saying, “Such wisdom does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the Devil…”.
James says that worldly wisdom is a wisdom that ignores God….and, he’s right! It’s a very foolish way of thinking that says, “I know how life works better than the Creator who gave me life.”
This is not a new way of thinking, because it’s the same prideful attitude that began way back in the Garden of Eden. Remember? Satan tempted Adam and Eve to disobey God and eat from the fruit of the forbidden tree.
Satan told them that the one rule God had given them was nonsense—that the really “smart” thing to do was to disregard what God said and enjoy the fruit. Satan told them if they ate the fruit, they would know important things—that their wisdom would increase.
Genesis 3:6
---6---“When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.”
Well, ever since that day, people have continued to live Satan’s way—they’ve believed his lies and ignored God’s Truth. Paul writes about people like this in Romans, Chapter 1, when he says, “…Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the Truth of God for a lie.”
Now, let’s make James’ first point: When we ignore God’s Word—when we disobey Him—we are yielding to the same demonic influence Adam and Eve did. This is why there is so much pain and sadness in the world today. As James says in verse 16, when we snub God’s loving laws, the results are, “…disorder and every evil practice…”
Second—with regard to “worldly wisdom”, James says it is characterized by selfish ambition.
Now, wouldn’t you agree that is the way our world tends to think? We live in a culture that has embraced the “me first!” mindset. We can all fall into that trap if we’re not careful. We’re a society that says,
· indulge yourself—
· fulfill your desires—
· satisfy your appetites—
· pursue personal pleasure—
· forget restraints…just do what makes you “happy”!
We live our lives as though we’re going down the line at a cafeteria. “I’ll have this….I don’t want that….no salad, but I’ll take the gravy on my meat….give me a double serving of those mash potatoes, and….Yuck! Who could eat liver!”
We live lives that embrace the “Self Service Plan”.
If teaching school for 30 years didn’t teach me anything else, it did teach me that “selfish teenagers” go on to turn into “selfish adults” who live by that same “self service” only—“Me First!” philosophy.
· And they do this because our world says if you put yourself first, you’ll be happy!
· The accepted wisdom of our culture says the only way to find meaning and fulfillment in life is to look out for Number One!
However, this is another one of Satan’s lies, because the Truth is—when we live that way—it leads to nothing but pain and sadness and heartbreak. I mean, really think about the fruits of selfishness:
· STDs,
· Unwanted pregnancies,
· Failed marriages,
· Corporation after corporation collapsing because of the selfish greed of executives.
It doesn’t take much brainpower to see this is not wisdom; rather, this is foolishness.
Third….And then, James also says that worldly wisdom is known by its “Bitter Jealousy”.
This is a direct result of selfishness, because, you see, when our main focus is on self, we become envious of anyone who gets more attention or achieves a higher level of success than we do. And the biblical record shows this way of thinking can also be incredibly destructive.
God’s Word says bitter jealousy is what led Cain to kill Able—the first murder recorded in the Bible.
· Bitter jealousy caused Joseph’s brothers to sell him into slavery.
· Bitter jealousy motivated Saul to try to kill David.
· Bitter jealousy inspired Haman to develop a plan to kill Mordecai and all the Jewish people.
· Bitter jealousy moved the princes of Babylon to plot against Daniel.
· Bitter jealousy was what set the Jewish leaders against Jesus.
Well, this same kind of bitter jealousy can cause us to burn with envy when others receive something we thought we deserved. If we act on that envy, it can cause disastrous results. God’s way of living allows for no jealousy, but it provides great benefits.
You see, when we transfer our focus from an “I-Based” focus to a “You-Based” focus, then we enter onto a pathway that leads to fulfillment and joy.
However, when we allow Bitter jealousy to enter our hearts, we are headed for Trouble, because that’s what happens when we’re controlled by the “wisdom of the world”!
Fourth….James also says that worldly wisdom focuses on the temporary rather than the eternal.
The word James uses is “earthly”, which means the world’s wisdom tells us we should center our goals and aspirations around the things of the earth.
If we are not careful, we can fall into this trap—the same one some of the Christians in James’ day were falling into. This could lead us to, foolishly, begin living by this kind of wisdom. We can find ourselves rushing around at 90 miles a minute, hurriedly accumulating “things” we don’t really need—things that don’t last!
In John Ortberg’s book, he says the following:
“We tell ourselves when things settle down, then I’ll get my priorities straight.”
But, you know what? The truth is that things never, never settle down….not until we die! In fact, I think we might all be surprised how much life slows down then.
James’ point here is that it’s foolish to live for the temporary things of this world. It makes much more sense to build our lives on things of eternal significance.
Moses was a great example of someone who was wise enough to know this.
Hebrews 11:24-26
---24---“By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,
---25---choosing rather to endure ill treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,
---26---considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward.”
Tradition says when the tomb of Charlemagne (you might remember him from world history) was opened centuries after his death, it was discovered that his corpse had been placed in a seated position with a New Testament open on his knees. His finger pointed to Mark 8:36, which says:
Mark 8:36
---36---“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world but forfeit his soul?”
Well, this is the ultimate end of all worldly wisdom, for it focuses on the things of the earth only….things that are here today and gone tomorrow.
Okay, let’s turn our focus “from” what James has to say about false “wisdom of the world”, and turn “to” what he says about true, genuine Wisdom!
Well, first of all,
James says the source of wisdom of this caliber is GOD.
This goes along with what James said back in the 5th verse of Chapter 1.
James 1:5
---5---“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
One man said, “Knowledge is horizontal. Wisdom is vertical. It comes down from above. If you want real wisdom—you must abandon worldly pride and humble yourself. You must admit your need for God’s help and guidance.”
Prideful people don’t want to admit that, because they think they have all the answers—especially when life is going well. The truth is, our wisdom is nothing compared to God’s wisdom.
1st Corinthians 1:25
---25---“Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
The truly wise are those who trust God’s perspective on things.
When you watch a big football game, you see the coaches and the team on the field—but you have to realize, all the coaches are not on the field. Some are two decks up in the Press Box.
Why?
Because of what you see on the field level is not the whole picture. What you see is not the whole perspective of what is going on in the game. The Coaches way up in the Press Box have a much better perspective of the whole field. They can see the whole picture!
Well, in life, that’s God’s perspective. Only God can see the whole picture. So, we need to trust Him and pray to Him for guidance.
Secondly—
James goes on to say that true wisdom—Godly Wisdom—is seen in a life of ACTION!
James 3:13
---13---“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.”
What we can see from this is “true wisdom” is behavioral, not intellectual. It is the skill or living righteously!
This is seen in a life that is full of mercy and good fruits. Wisdom does not just see needs and analyze and condemn the causes that led to them. True Wisdom acts. It issues forth in practical help!
It’s like the individual who said, “I wondered why somebody didn’t do something—and then I realized I was somebody!
“The Railroad Agent in Africa”
Back in the early 1950s, railroads were beginning to be built in Africa. The intention was to connect the continent—town-to-town and village-to-village. Africa was still a very virgin country and, at times and in certain places, it was very dangerous.
One of the first big jobs was moving the mail. The RR hired a young railroad agent for a certain station way back in the boonies of Africa (and folks, that’s the real boonies!). But this young man really wanted a job for the RR.
One day, a pride of lions moved into the young agent’s station; and, when the train came down the track, he waved them off, saying, “It’s too dangerous and the mail can go tomorrow”.
Well, the owners of the RR were not real happy with the mail delay. So, they telegraphed the agent….
“Not Happy With Your Decision. Stop!
Conductor Will Give Instructions Tomorrow!” Stop!
The next day the train stopped for passengers and mail. The conductor told the young agent, “Listen, don’t do nothing without the proper authorization from the front office.”
The young agent wanted to do a good job, so he replied, “Okay.”
The next day the front office got the following telegram:
“Lion On Platform Eating Conductor Stop!
Wire Instructions” Stop!
Real wisdom is not idle. It Acts! Wisdom is “wise living”—it’s a life of working Faith. But, it’s not just action—it’s Godly Action!
As James said, it is Pure and manifests itself in holy living.
Third—
Finally, James says that true wisdom is also
“self-less”.
Contrary to the current way of thinking, wisdom that is from God is considerate and submissive. It is a quality that is found in the life of all peacemakers, because they put the needs of others “FIRST”.
Philippians 2:3
---3---“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind, regard one another as more important than yourselves…”
That is Godly wisdom—a realization that the best way to live life—the most fulfilling way to live life—is to not be selfish. Rather, be self-less—considerate of the needs of others.
When we meet Christ, we will know that He is the perfect example of Godly wisdom, because He chose all of us—in spite of the ugliness of our sins. The world does not understand this….it makes no sense to them.
Paul explains it to all of us:
1st Corinthians 1:18-25
---18---“For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.
---19---For it is written,
“I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE,
AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE.”
---20---Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
---21---For since in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.
---22---For, indeed, Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom;
---23---but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness…”
Invitation.
