20—Forty Days with James: Pseudo-Wisdom

Douglas Jacoby Podcast

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

James 3:13-16

Intro

• In our next 2 reflections, James considers two types of wisdom.
• The Greek of James is so fine that some scholars deny that he could have penned this letter!
  • See Greek text below (Jas 3:13-16). See also papyrus copy of James 1 (below, R).
  • Whether these are James’ original words or they have been recorded by a scribe / improved is unknown!
  • Either way, they are a pleasure to read. If you want to learn NT Greek, you will need to take a proper course in a college or university. Not realistic to become “self-taught.”
• The situation:
  • Some people evidently viewed themselves as superior.
  • Yet they are overflowing with negative feelings.
  • Far from being wise, they are profoundly unspiritual.
• On pseudo-wisdom:
  • Wisdom is a matter of character—not education.
  • Wisdom is a matter of character—not intellect.
  • Wisdom does not necessarily come with age.
  • Rather, wisdom is knowledge used in a spiritually way.
  • Pseudo-wisdom is characterized by bitter envy, selfish ambition, disorder, sin, and pride.

Next: The final passage in ch 3, and a passage most churches ignore!

3:13 τίς σοφὸς καὶ ἐπιστήμων ἐν ὑμῖν; δειξάτω ἐκ τῆς καλῆς ἀναστροφῆς τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ ἐν πραύ̈τητι σοφίας. 14 εἰ δὲ ζῆλον πικρὸν ἔχετε καὶ ἐριθείαν ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ ὑμῶν, μὴ κατακαυχᾶσθε τῆς ἀληθείας καὶ ψεύδεσθε. 15 οὐκ ἔστιν αὕτη ἡ σοφία ἄνωθεν κατερχομένη, ἀλλὰ ἐπίγειος, ψυχική, δαιμονιώδης. 16 ὅπου γὰρ ζῆλος καὶ ἐριθεία, ἐκεῖ ἀκαταστασία καὶ πᾶν φαῦλον πρᾶγμα.