James 3 - Fruit of Righteousness

James 3:17-18 (HCSB) "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

We already talked about asking for wisdom and God's generous provision in James 1. But here, James describes that wisdom in terms of the fruits of righteousness that it displays. We are challenged to ask "in faith without doubting." Here we find out why. By putting forth our faith as part of the good works James talks about in chapter 2 and using that faith to bridle our tounge as he talks about in chapter 3, we display our fruit of righteousness that can only be inspired by the Father above. It becomes a circle exemplifying the Christian walk.

We have faith in Christ. Through that faith, we ask the Father for wisdom. As a result of God's wisdom, we display our faith through works, self denial and our treatment of others. This in turn leads others to exercise faith in Christ which also renews our own faith seeing Him work in others.

I really like the way James 3:17 is stated in The Message, "Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced." God's wisdom, when accepted in faith, fills us with the desire to live a holy life. Matthew Henry reflects on these verses with, "May the purity, peace, gentleness, teachableness, and mercy shown in all our actions, and the fruits of righteousness abounding in our lives, prove that God has bestowed upon us this excellent gift."

Take Refuge in God's wisdom as to fill us with the Fruit of Righteousness, a truly excellent gift.