12."Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine figs? Neither can a salt spring furnish fresh water."Again the impossibility of such a situation is so obvious. The point is that those who are redeemed by grace, endowed with God’s wisdom, and filled with the Holy Spirit will not manifest such duplicity in their speech. The tongue dedicated to God and brought under the control of His Spirit will be a powerful instrument used to serve the church and bear witness to the world.
Consider how James linked our maturity in Christ back in verse 2, with the control of the tongue. Is it fair to say that, through these arguments that self-control over our speech is a strong indicator of one’s sanctification? Yet, it seems that we are often tempted to look for something more spectacular as the evidence of Godly wisdom! But often, it is what one doesn't do and is not seen, which marks us as a mature follower of Christ. Let's look into this matter of wisdom and intelligence...
13. "Who is there among you who is wise and intelligent? Then let him by his noble living show forth his [good] works with the [unobtrusive] humility [which is the proper attribute] of true wisdom."
Wisdom is the knowledge we need to live in this life and deal with what God allows to happen... and with those around us. James compares the two basic sources for wisdom--from God or from the world around us. Up to this point James has been focusing on how to live as Christians in the midst of continuing, ever-present trials in a perverse and fallen world. Christians, to whom he is writing to are struggling and their struggles have led them to be tempted to even question God's presence, care, and activity in their lives. How are they (and we) to handle the pressures of devastating health or financial problems, loneliness, manipulative relationships, or the daily frustrations that pile up and so easily lead our gaze away from the presence of our heavenly Father? To know how to cope is to be wise. And so, James asks, "who among you is wise?
Let's pick up with James verse 3:14 next time.
I love you
"control of the tongue" - was ahard one for me at first, but am a lot better today! Think before I speak!---"But often, it is what one doesn't do and is not seen, which marks us as a mature follower of Christ." Amen!!
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