Wisdom that Comes From Above, James 3:1-12

This is my installment for the Blogger Small Group post and there is still time for anyone to join in if they like (see Blogger Small Group Rules/Guidlelines). Right now we are three weeks into a study on James, not need to try and catch up, just start in the same place we are and post your opinions.

The section this week really blew me away since we started a new series this past Sunday called Speak, see Acceptable Words in Your Sight, chosen to be James, Chapter 3. Strange sometimes how all different aspects of your life can fit in together with seemingly separated people or topics.

Great choice for this week, and I am already looking forward to the next week. If you would like to join in just visit the link above from Vagabond.

From the Book of James, Chapter 3

This chapter has two distinct sections, The Tongue Is a Fire and Wisdom from Above. I post my a little different, I will look at the section as a whole and not break down each individual scripture, but there are several others on the list who do a GREAT job at a scripture by scripture post.

The Tongue Is a Fire, Chapter 3: 1-12

This section was just incredible since it is our current study series at our church. All about speech, how we talk to each other and to God. In this section, we are told how bad that tongue or our words can be if we are not careful and watch what we say.

I have read the first verse many times, but it is always a wake up call to anyone who thinks being a teacher is an easy job, or is one we should take lightly ourselves. Who are the teachers by the way? Aren’t they someone who other people learn by? Do you write a blog? We need to be careful, we are all teachers of some kind, and to read this:

1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment

Now, I am not sure exactly what a stricter judgment is, but that opens my eyes. What I have taken from this verse is that we should be very careful of what we are teaching. Are we falsely leading people with our actions, do we deceive people with using scripture out of context or inappropriately?

All things I try to keep in mind when we are instructing others, or even writing a blog post. Someone, someday, might actually read that blog post, I hope mine are inline with God’s teachings.

The rest of this section goes on to talk about how the tongue is such a small part of the body, yet, one of the most powerful tools. It can boast, lie, build up, correct, and defile our whole body. The memory scripture we are using at our church this next few weeks is Psalms 19:14

14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Incredible how appropriately it fits here with James 3.

Wisdom from Above

The next section is very interesting and deals with our behavior, specifically with wisdom. Wisdom from here on earth is said to be natural and demonic. It refers to selfish ambition and jealousy, and explains how these things will cause disorder here on earth.

This is one of those verses that we can read, understand, and doesn’t take to much to thought to know what James is referring to here. We all know what these two particular actions can do, yet we all do them anyway. We live here on earth, and ambition is almost a part of our American heritage (for those of us here in the U.S.). Trying to put ones self aside is not easy, but something to strive for each day.

Don’t forget to go read the other group posts and comment there as well. I appreciate your comments and look forward to next weeks lesson.