February 25 Daily Devotional

Scripture for Day 56—James 3:13–18

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. ¹⁵ This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. ¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. ¹⁸ And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Devotional:

Whoever is "wise and understanding" will "by his good conduct … show his works in the meekness of wisdom." The problem is that consistency is rare. Instead of "the meekness of wisdom," some "have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in [their] hearts…" (v. 14). "Bitter jealousy and selfish ambition…" are utterly contrary to the genuine wisdom which comes from above. Our Lord Jesus himself said: "I am meek and lowly," Matt. 11:29. Genuine wisdom is always Christ-like.

Accordingly, "if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth." Even if they utter orthodox words, those who are driven by "bitter jealousy and selfish ambition" are not Christlike. They generally sow strife among the brethren. Hence, they really ought not to "boast." And yet they generally do. Why? Because of their "bitter jealousy and selfish ambition"! They assume the role of pontificating God's Word and will and lording it over others. If others happen to disagree or resist, then they respond in arrogance.

Bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, and boasting are besetting sins of those who are double-minded. James 1:8 warns you not to be a "double-minded man, unstable in all his ways…" To be double-minded is to be two-faced with God. A divided heart will get you nowhere with God. It will also get you nowhere for God.

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