And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who are making peace. Truth to Learn Those who teach with earthly wisdom reap a harvest of contention and discord. Those who humbly teach through the Spirit of God reap a harvest of peaceful righteousness. Behind the Words “Fruit”...
James 3:17 – Heavenly Wisdom
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and unpretentious. Truth to Learn Heavenly wisdom is “others” focused, not “self” focused. Behind the Words “First” is from the Greek word proton, meaning “first in importance, order, or...
James 3:16 – Worthless Deeds
For where bitter zeal and self-seeking exist, there are confusion and every worthless deed. Truth to Learn The motivation of a teacher in a church will have a profound effect on the spiritual value of the works of the church. Behind the Words The word translated “confusion” is the Greek...
James 3:15 – Not Worldly Wise
This is not the wisdom descending from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. Truth to Learn The wisdom possessed by some teachers in our churches today is earthly wisdom. Unlike godly wisdom, it has no heavenly source. Behind the Words The word translated “descending” is katerchomai, which is made up...
James 3:14 – Just the Truth
But if you have bitter zeal and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. Truth to Learn Strong, bitter feelings towards others and loud, boastful proclamations are not marks of a good teacher. Behind the Words The words translated “bitter zeal” are dzelos pikros. The...
James 3:13 – Wise Teacher
Who is wise and knowledgeable among you? Let him show his works by his good behavior, in meekness of wisdom. Truth to Learn Many who desire to be teachers don’t qualify. But it’s not due to lack of knowledge or understanding. Behind the Words “Wise” is translated from the Greek...
James 3:12 – Olives and Figs?
My brothers, is a fig tree is able to produce olives, or a grapevine figs? So neither can a sprint yield both salt water and fresh water. Truth to Learn Just like a fruit tree or a fountain of water, our tongue should only produce a single kind of fruit:...
James 3:11 – Sweet and Bitter?
Does a spring out of the same opening send forth fresh water and bitter? Truth to Learn Not only is it not right that the same mouth should be used for the noble act of praising and also the vile act of cursing, it is unnatural. Behind the Words James...
James 3:10 – It Shouldn’t Happen
Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, it is not fitting for these things to be so. Truth to Learn It is not right that the same mouth should be used for both the noble act of praising and the vile act of cursing. Behind...
James 3:9 – Offending God?
With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Truth to Learn When we curse a fellow member of the human race it is offensive to the God who created us. Behind the Words The word...