Wisdom Contrasted: Part 3 - James 3:14

Wisdom Contrasted: Part 3 - James 3:14
Written by LaRosa Johnson
Wednesday, 02 April 2008

It would be easy to try and rush through this portion of the study as these verses are seemingly self-explanatory, but I want to refrain from doing so. It is especially important to take our time now that we are looking at the group of verses that deal with the wisdom of this world (James 3:14-16). In verse 13 we focused on what wisdom was in this context as well as an imperative on how to walk in such wisdom as believers in Jesus Christ. Now, today, we are going to begin taking a look at the motivation behind worldly wisdom by taking a look at James 3:14.

Quote :

James 3:14 (NASB) - But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.

As we said in our opening words, what we are looking at in James 3:14 is the motivation behind worldly wisdom, which we can see very clearly in the first half of the verse. So, what is it that motivates worldly wisdom? Our passage tells us that it is two things: 1) bitter jealousy, and 2) selfish ambition in the heart. These two terms are very closely related, but they can also be mutually exclusive in terms of what motivates us. In looking at the motivating factors, one of the first things that we see is that James isn't just speaking of jealousy, but, instead, a bitter jealousy. This is not a new word for us, as this is the very same word that James used just a few verses prior when speaking of bitter water (James 3:11). The word for "bitter" is the Greek word pikros (Strong's #G4089) and carries the basic meaning of being bitter, pointed, sharp, or pungent. Back in verse 11, James used this word in its very literal sense in speaking of bitter water that is disgusting and vile. In this instance, though, James is using it in a more metaphorical connotation as it relates to jealousy; by adding bitter to jealousy, James is talking about the worst kind of jealousy possible that is harsh and destructive. A better way of putting it would be to say that this is a jealousy that is relentless and has no regard whatsoever for the lives and feelings of others, just as long as it gets what it is after. To further elaborate, a person with this kind of jealousy is one who is completely self-centered and self-serving; they are completely against anything & anyone who stands in their way to keep them from getting what they want.

Much in the same light, selfish ambition is closely akin to this bitter jealousy. The phrase comes from the single Greek word eritheia (Strong's #G2052) and refers to a severe selfishness or strife. When looking at it together with bitter jealousy, it can be deduced that selfish ambition is the motivating factor for the jealousy. A person with selfish ambitions cares nothing of those around them or who they hurt in the process of achieving their goals. In a broad sense, this referred to those who involved in doing things for personal gain, but later became related to those in high political offices who were seeking after their own personal gain. Why is that so? Well, a large part of politics, especially in ancient times, was about gaining power and influence, and then using that influence for one's own self-gratification. This, coupled with a by any means necessary attitude, is perfectly suited for motivating one towards bitter jealousy and fulfilling one's own lusts. Let us also not forget the last part that says "in your heart," realizing that all of this takes root from within, and has nothing to do with external forces, much like how the tongue only speaks of what is already inside of us, so is true of our ambitions.

Now, what of this being arrogant and lying against the truth business? Just think for a moment about bitter jealousy and selfish ambition; do these not require a level of arrogance to execute? In order to carry out one's selfish ambitions, there has to be a certain measure of arrogance, otherwise the person would not act upon their lusts. It is much like an athlete who carries with them a certain swagger or arrogance because they know that they are better than their competition; this is the kind of arrogance that we are talking about here. When we have selfish ambitions, we have no regard for anyone else, thus thinking ourselves better than those around us, being willing to hurt them as long as it means getting what we want. That takes arrogance. Having such arrogance has no place in the life of a believer. Why? Because it does not line up with the truths of God's Word and the character that we are supposed to exhibit as followers of Christ. When we, as believers, act in such a manner of using worldly wisdom, we are lying against the truth of God's Word, the gospel, by not living up to it. This is important to note because, as we noted in our last devotion, we receive wisdom through salvation and studying God's Word, both the beginning places for wisdom. When we walk in a manner of arrogance, bitter jealousy and selfish ambition we are contradicting the gospel message and the truths of Scripture.

In closing today's teaching, I want to make note of the second word in the verse, "if." This word lets us know that may or may not have been true for the recipients of James' letter, but if it is so, then they need to stop it. As believers, we should be walking in heavenly wisdom that comes from Scripture and the Holy Spirit. However, if we choose to walk in jealousy and selfishness, then we are living contrary to the way that God would have for us to, and we need to correct our behavior. We should not be lying against the truths of God and His Word; if we are caught in this, then we need to fall to our knees, repent, and ask the Lord for His wisdom. Let us keep that in mind as we prepare to look at the characteristics and eventually the result of worldly wisdom in our following devotions. Until then, remain in the truth.

devotion courtesy of Trailblazin Ministries
http://www.trailblazinministries.com/daily-devotions/04-02-2008.php