James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a

Last Sunday, I said that I told one of you, “James is a scold.” I think he is. And I do not say that disparagingly, but the same way I would say it about the best teachers and coaches and pastors I have ever known. James scolds because James knows we can be better, that we can do better.

So, as we read James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a, we get a bit of a scolding. But, I hope, we come away better for it!

James begins with a question, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” Take a moment and reflect on what you think of as wisdom. Who, would you say, is wise? Why? What are they wise about?

James will then list what comprises “the wisdom from above” (James 3:17). What do you think of James’s list? Take your time to meditate on each word in James’s list.

In James 4:7-8, we are counseled to move toward God and away from the devil. Let’s rephrase that as, “Align your habits with those that increase Christ’s love in you and decrease fear, anger, jealousy, hatred, and greed.” How can your prayers lay the foundation for such work?