August 30, 2020, James 3:13-18, 5:7-11, ISSL Reflections

I.
With this week’s readings from James’ letter we come to a close of our time with James. Or maybe not. We’ve only taken time to reflect on selected passages, so perhaps you want to find time to review the entire letter.

For this week we will look at two passages, both of which have something to tell us about wisdom.

As you spend time with James’ words, consider the different kinds of “wisdom” he describes.

II.
James 3:13-18 (NRSV)

Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.

James 5:7-11 (NRSV)

Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Indeed we call blessed those who showed endurance. You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

III.
What word or phrase stands out to you the most in James’ description of wisdom “from above”?

And is there a word or phrase that captures for you most clearly James’ description of “unspiritual wisdom”?

IV.
What do you see as the primary (or a primary) aspect of the path James would have us take to “wisdom from above”?

Charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}


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