James 3:14-16 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts,do not boast about It or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual,of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. Meaning of verse using commentary- The worldly-wise man characterized by bitter envy and selfish ambition in his heart. His one passion in life is to advance his own interest. He is jealous of any competitors and ruthless in dealing with them. He is proud of his wisdom that has bought success. But James says that this is isnt wisdom at all. Such boasting is empty. It is a practical denial of the truth that the man who is truly wise is truly humble. Even in Christian service,it is possible to be bitterly jealous of other workers, and to seek a prominent place for oneself. There is always a danger that worldly-wise men will be given places of leadership in the church. We most constantly guard against allowing worldly principles to guide us in spiritual affairs. James calls this false wisdom ,earthly, sensual,and demonic.Earthly means wisdom not of heaven, but of earth, sensual means not the fruit of the Holy Spirit,but of mans lower nature. Demonic means that it stoops to actions that resemble the behavior of demons rather then of men. Whenever you find envy and self seeking, you will find confusion,disharmony,and every other kind of evil. How true. Think of the unrest and agitation in the world today-all because men reject true wisdom and act according to their supposed cleverness!
Posted on: Fri, 15 Nov 2013 18:47:51 +0000
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