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Daily Devotions

James

James 
Day 
Day 45

"If you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts..."

Text: James 3:14

CANDID REALITY

James did a reality check for those who claim that they have wisdom. Once again, James looks at things frankly.

“But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts,
do not boast and lie against the truth.”
James 3:14

1. “But if”

a) The particle “if” was not used to pose a hypothetical situation.
b) The fact was that there were some who claimed to have wisdom, but there were counter-indications.

2. “You have bitter envy”

a) Having “envy” suggests that there is no “contentment” or “meekness” in the heart.
b) This particular “envy” was described as “bitter envy”.
i) It could be deep-seated.
ii) It could be venomous.

3. “And self-seeking”

a) The individual is at strife with others.
b) He is looking after his own interest above others.

4. “Against the truth”

a) True wisdom does not bear the fruits of “envy” and “self-seeking”.
b) The fruit of true wisdom are “good conduct” and “meekness”.

5. “Do not boast”

a) How can a person who bears “bad fruit” boast of possessing “true wisdom”?
b) James protests such a claim!

6. “Do not… lie against the truth”

a) Lying is obviously sinful.
b) The individual who claims he possesses “true wisdom” while behaving badly is guilty of “lying against the truth”.
c) He should cease from adding another sin into his life.

TRUE WISDOM

God is the giver of wisdom. There is no need to resort to lying. If one desires wisdom, he may seek God to grant wisdom. Godly wisdom will yield good fruit in life!