Memory Verse: “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” (Matthew 12:37)
Scripture Reading: James 3:13-18 / Job 28:12-28 / Matthew 5:1-12
Introduction: We can understand that babies have two basic fears—loud noises and falling. On the other end of the spectrum, we see the baby absolutely at rest when his mother holds him securely and hums a lullaby. Likewise, the reactions of not only man, but animals too, react to the varying intensities of sound and follows in close parallels to varying intensities of touch. While intensity of touch may vary from a kiss on the cheek, to a slap in the face, to a blow on the jaw: Sound is the same. We don’t like to be “yelled at.” There are those who seem to misunderstand mildness and take it as a sign of weakness, and they promptly take advantage of the mild spoken person. When it comes to speech and speech patterns, between the extremely gentle tone and the harsh tone, is an area of firmness.
If people are being told something, they expect the person to speak with assurance and at least sound like they know what they are talking about. Some people take undue advantage of the psychological factors involved by over stressing the firm, positive approach, and make people think they know what they are talking about, whether they know or not.
God uses at least two ways to draw men to the fold—love and fear. Sometimes an evangelist, as he presses the claims of the Gospel upon his audience will obey the unction, that is, the earnestness of the spirit to, “cry aloud, spare not, show my people their transgressions.” They in the audience may become alarmed at their undone condition and yield their hearts to the Lord, while at other times when the Spirit of the Lord is strongly present, mildness is in order, and the sinner responds to the gentlest tones.
In most of our relationships with others, however, gentleness should be our manner. 2 Timothy 2:24, “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.”
People sometimes do things to irritate us, and we lose our temper. After it is all over it seems so ridiculous and the controversy so trivial. As we look at our lives, we see that most things don’t really matter in the sense that we should speak harshly about them.
Remembering, the main characteristic of godly wisdom is that it is “pure,” meaning “free from defilement.” Godly wisdom is also peaceable, undivided, without favoritism, unwavering and constant.
May we pray for wisdom of mildness, to discern between things that matter and things that don’t.
Lesson Questions:
- How can a wise man reveal his knowledge? James 3:13. Note: This conversation, means in the way and manner you conduct yourself.
- If we have envy and strife in our hearts, should we have cause to glory and lie against the truth? James 3:14; Romans 13:13-14.
- How does James describe the wisdom which is not from above? James 3:15. Is it then really wisdom?
- What are the results of envy and strife? James 3:16; 1 Corinthians 14:33.
- Notice the contrast between the earthly wisdom and the wisdom which is from above. James 3:17; Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 3:7; Proverbs 8:10-11; Proverbs 9:10-11; Job 28:12-20, 23, 28.
- The fruit of righteousness is sown by whom? James 3:18; Philippians 1:9-11.