Proper 20: Epistle, James 3:13-4:10                                  

James 3:13-4:10 

I noticed something for the first time this morning reading the passage above. And it is right at the passage’s door. Dear old Dr. John G. Mitchell at the seminary used to say, “The key is always at the door.” He was correct.

James, the crafter in words of New Testament wisdom says this: “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” The passage continues, “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth” ( see James 4:13-14). I am wisdom’s enemy.

The great English author/philosopher G. K. Chesterton was once asked by a London news reporter, “Mr. Chesterton, what is wrong with the world?” to which Chesterton quipped deftly, “I am.” And I get the connection from our reading that Chesterton’s “I am” has at least some trafficking in “bitter jealousy and selfish ambition.” Wisdom’s opposite in James is spelled out, not as “folly,” but as my preoccupation with me. The Bible is replete with calls to pursue wisdom, to receive God’s wisdom, to walk in that wisdom.

But I get in the way. Bitter jealousy makes me want what isn’t mine, while selfish ambition convinces me that it all can be mine. Whatever the “it” is. Instead of good works that are shining God’s light, I’m convincing myself that the world is my right. Me, me, me, and mine. There’s no wisdom in that.