To be sure, but what is the place of any one who finds a difficulty in the word of God? peaceable: The next characteristic of true wisdom is that it is "peaceable" (eirenike). JAMES 3:17 "But let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Eleos ( G1656) is a word which acquired a new meaning in Christian thought. First man should strive to have peace with God through the forgiveness of his sins (Romans 5:1), and then he should seek peace with his fellowman (Romans 12:18). Speech is apt to be the expression of our nature of ourselves. Alas! But though he had sufficiently condemned hypocrisy, when he said that wisdom is pure or sincere; he makes it more clear by repeating the same thing at the end. Let not such a one, therefore, expect anything of the Lord. The apostle here reproves ambition, and an arrogant magisterial tongue; and shows the duty and advantage of bridling it because of its power to do mischief. 2. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. I do not know how a man's spirit can with propriety be said to dwell in a man. Let others reap the fruits of contentions, and all the advantages they can propose to themselves by them; but let us go on peaceably to sow the seeds of righteousness, and we may depend upon it our labour will not be lost. WebJames 3, Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible, James Burton Coffman's commentary on the Bible is widely regarded for its thorough analysis of the text and practical application But here the apostle is exposing the absence of an internal work where intelligence is severed from conscience, and this he illustrates, as we have seen, by the man that gets a glance in a glass, and then all is gone directly his back is turned. Many have fallen by the edge of the sword; but not so many as, have fallen by the tongue. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?" To combat that argument James uses two pictures. "And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." Matthew Arnold called it "sweet reasonableness" and it is the ability to extend to others the kindly consideration we would wish to receive ourselves. Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom,James 3:13; James 3:13. He that speaketh evil of his brother" is really speaking evil of God's own law and judging it. - PC, without partiality -- recurring to the warning against partial respect to persons, James 2:1, James 2:4, James 2:9. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without Eirene ( G1515) means peace, and when it is used of men its basic meaning is right relationships between man and man, and between man and God The true wisdom produces right relationships. He knows how to make allowances, when not to stand upon his rights, how to temper justice with mercy, always remembers that there are greater things in the world than rules and regulations. Full of mercy - Merciful; disposed to show compassion to others. It remains constant and predictable. James 3:17 Commentaries: But the wisdom from above is first It is characterised by the self-judgment which delights in and displays the ways of God.