I’m convinced Christian’s gravitate to James because he pulls no punches. He doesn’t beat around the bush. What’s he’s trying to say is inescapable. I think such is greatly appreciated, especially when you consider to whom he was specifically writing (James 1:1).
Christianity began with Jews from all over the world who’d converged in Jerusalem for Pentecost (Acts 2). It took a while, but eventually the gospel was received by non-Jews. When it did, though, it was not without incident. The New Testament reveals a Jewish prejudice against Gentiles that warranted exposure and reproof on more than one occasion. Furthermore, keep in mind that behind prejudice is conceit.
This brings us back to the book of James. The people to whom he writes are hardly lacking in pride, arrogance and conceit. They are resistant to truth (James 1). They show favoritism in their assemblies (James 2). They use their tongues in degrading ways (James 3). They think they are wise, but the signs reveal otherwise.
“Who is wise and understanding among you? He should (emphasis mine) show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s gentleness” (James 3:13, HCSB). They supposed themselves wise, but the evidence was to the contrary. Pride, arrogance, and thinking we’ve got it all figured out leads to blindness. The Pharisees got sucked into it, leading Jesus to say in reference to them, “They are bling guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit” (Matthew 15:14, HCSB).
Wisdom warrants discretion, contemplation and consideration for others. Heavenly wisdom is “pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy” (James 3:17, HCSB). Wisdom isn’t found in the denigration of others. Unfortunately, those who think themselves wise often find much delight through it. Who really are the wise?
