Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 Wisdom of this kind does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace.
James asked the non-Palestinian Jews, the Jews who had settled throughout the Greco-Roman world (Jn. 7:35), “Who among you is wise and understanding (v. 13)?” They would have been familiar with wisdom derived from contemplation using knowledge because it was a significant aspect of Palestinian Jewish culture which valued learning, study, and contemplation and interpretation of religious texts, especially the Torah and wisdom literature. James told them that if anyone possessed Divine wisdom let him show it by living a humble, meek, and good life demonstrated by his works (Jas. 1:22-23, Col. 3:12)). They must show gentleness, moderation, compassion, kindness, and courtesy in their interactions with the community. True wisdom comes from God (Prov. 2:6) and is. “Pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity (v. 17)."
Teachers who lack Divine wisdom can be disruptive in the community. They may boast of possessing wisdom, but it is not from God. It is earthly wisdom that produces bitter jealousy and selfish ambition (2 Cor. 12:20), qualities that are unspiritual, demonic, and divisive, and create an environment that is opposed to the teachings of Jesus Christ. They should not be dishonest by claiming to possess the truth. Divine wisdom is contrary to worldly wisdom and is unknown to worldly rulers (1 Cor. 2:8). Divine wisdom grants us the virtues of the fruits of the spirit; “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, and faithfulness (Gal 5:22).” These righteous fruits of the Spirit are sown and cultivated in peace.
Gracious God, grant us Divine wisdom that guides us to a life of humility, sincerity, and love. May our words and actions sow the seeds of truth and peace that lead to salvation. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
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References
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
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