The wisdom from above
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace (James 3:17-18).
James pulls no punches in laying bare the harm caused by failing to control our speech. He begins his discourse on “the tongue” in James 3:1-12 by addressing spiritual leaders. James explains that teachers of the word of God will be held to account for the consistency of their words and actions. Then he makes it clear that all Christians are responsible for what they say. James was very aware of how easy it is to say the wrong thing or to be misunderstood: “If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2). How many times have I had to say to myself, “I wish I hadn’t said that” or “I didn’t mean to say that”. One of the few men in the Bible who knew how to control his tongue was Samuel; he let “none of his words fall to the ground” (1 Samuel 3:19).
James warns us that, although the tongue is small, it is capable of enormous harm. He uses the powerful illustration of how a tiny flame can start a great forest fire (James 3:5) to describe the destructive power of uncontrolled speech and the poisonous nature of slander and gossip. Particularly chastening is how James highlights the hypocrisy of singing the praises of God and employing beautiful language in prayer, then deploying language to belittle and damage fellow believers (3:9-12). Adding to this, he comments on the bitterness of envy and self-seeking and all the confusion and evil that results (3:14-16). So much damage is caused by what is said nationally and internationally in the name of religion and politics. And enormous harm is also done by what is spoken locally, in families and amongst the people of God. It is a real and present danger.
But James does not merely condemn what is wrong: he describes the wisdom which is from above as the remedy. James’ description of the wisdom from above has a beautiful calmness. There are two aspects to wisdom: insight and application. God’s word provides both. In verse 17 James uses a word for the character of wisdom and then outlines its application. His description starts with its purity. We live in an impure world. The wisdom from above is pure, and stimulates our holiness. It is peaceable and promotes harmony and encourages Christlike gentleness in us. Wisdom from above teaches us not to continually want our own way, but to think of others. It is full of mercy and actively seeks to meet the needs of others. This wisdom is fruitful, a sign of abiding in Christ, and the fruit of the Spirit. And it does not favour others based on position or relationship; it does not have double standards. James describes the actions of those who make peace as seed which produces the fruit of righteousness.
James ruthlessly exposes the dangers of an unruly tongue and then brings before us the calm, powerful and healing ministry of living in the light of the wisdom of God. This comes from above, and that is where we must begin to look each day.
