Monday, July 12, 2010

Day 61 - James 3:13-18

Extreme Faith Workout
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How does James 3:13-18 fit into the context of the passages surrounding it?
This passage is about wisdom, and the difference between true and false wisdom. The passage before has to do with the tongue. One of the key areas in demonstrating wisdom is through how we use our tongue. The Bible tells us that what comes out of our mouths is what is in our hearts, and it will either be self-centered false wisdom or God centered true wisdom. In the following passage the issue of where fighting, arguing comes from is raised. It comes from our own selfish desires, and it is a demonstration of false wisdom, which comes from the earth, is natural and demonic (3:15).

James 3:13-18 (My paraphrase)
If you say you have true wisdom, then prove it: do what is right with a humble attitude. But, if you are all about you, you are lying against the truth. This kind of false wisdom is natural wisdom, straight from Hell. All kinds of sinful practices come from selfish, false wisdom. The wisdom that is true is from above. It is pure, makes peace, is gentle, open to reason, merciful, doing good for others, does not waver and is not hypocritical. Planting true wisdom in peace will bring a harvest of righteousness.

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