Thank you to all who came out Saturday, May 30, for Brass, BBQ, and Bibles. The discussions were full of good thoughts; everyone seemed to enjoy the topic of the four types in the book of Proverbs. The New Testament most like Proverbs is James, which has much practical advice. The key verse is James 3:17, But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
Much of that verse should remind you of what we saw about the wise person of Proverbs. He is a person first of purity. His mind is not one that runs to filth, nor does his mouth, as a result. Our society loves vulgarity, and bad language is seen as cool and assertive. But God’s people should be notable for their purity. This virtue is in keeping with Paul’s command in Phillipians 4:8: Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Next, wisdom from above is peaceable. The godly wise don’t seek strife, they don’t roil the waters, they don’t stir things up. Again, as Paul tells us in Romans 12: 18, If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
The wise man is also gentle. It seems like in our culture either manhood is portrayed as aggressively masculine, in your face, don’t mess with me, or society tries to emasculate young men teaching that aggression and strength are out of place in a feminized world. How about we strike a balance? Men should strong leaders who are fully strong, and fully gentle, standing strong for what is right, but always kind and approachable.
Open to reason is an overlooked quality by many men. The key is a willingness to listen and consider what others have to say, including (or especially) those we lead – our wives and children to start with. Do you listen to your wife? She’s your helpmate, not your doormat. Be open to other points of view instead of being close-minded, arrogantly sure of yourself, stubborn and not listening. To say it another way, be someone that others can reason with. Do you see how being gentle and open to reason go together?
Next, the wise man is full of mercy. Some have that spiritual gift, but the rest of us must work to develop it in our lives. Our first response to those who have done wrong should be extending them grace and mercy and forgiveness, not condemnation and judgment. People do need to be held accountable for their actions; our children need to have proportionate consequences when they err. But deal with them gently and be open to reason; if you do, you will discipline them with an attitude of mercy, instead of anger and condemnation. I support spanking, but never in anger, with great moderation, and then forgiveness and restoration, not dragging the issue out. Let mercy be your first impulse.
But we’re also supposed to be full of good fruit if we’re wise. Just remember what Paul told us that looks like in Galatians 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
The wise person is also impartial, not biased or prejudiced, or living by stereotypes. Don’t judge people based on appearance; get to know them instead of assuming things about them. Treat all with respect and kindness.
Finally, the wisdom from above is sincere. It doesn’t wear masks; it is open and transparent and honest. You’re not faking it, except when you do what is right when you don’t want to. That’s not really faking it – it’s listening to the Holy Spirit and the Word instead of your emotions or habits or bad training. Eventually, it’s not faking at all anymore; your habits and emotions begin to align with what the right instead of seeking what is wrong. The Word and the Spirit will transform you.
So seek the wisdom that is from above. That verse is a pretty good description of what a real man should look like; in fact, it all looks a lot like Christ. But that is the end goal – that we be conformed to the Image of His (God’s) Son. Have a life so polished and shiny that God Himself can look down and say, “Hey, I can see myself.”
For discussion:
- In which ones of these are you strong ? In which ones are you weak?
- Go back to Saturday’s worksheet – what verses in Proverbs correspond to various points made by James?
- Was Jesus gentle when He disrupted the commerce in the outer courts of the temple? Why or why not? What principle of behavior could we draw out of that episode, if any at all?
- Write down other episodes in the life of Jesus that demonstrate each of the qualities that James describes.
Written By: Tim Barsuhn
