| 1 | In contrast, the wisdom from above is: James now contrasts what will characterize true and genuine Christian teachers. [1 Corinthians 2:6] |
| 2 | Pure: Or, chaste. Genuine Christian teachers are not immoral nor of questionable virtue. They are “pure.” He must treat the Christian women in a chaste and honorable manner. [1 Timothy 5:2] |
| 3 | Peace-loving: Or, KJV: peaceable. The genuine Christian teacher works for the peace of the congregation. He is not adversarial or confrontational though not compromising Gospel Truth. He is not divisive but strives for unity and serenity within the church. [See notes on Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18; 2 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:13; 1 Peter 3:11, 14] |
| 4 | Considerate: Or KJV: gentle; RHM: reasonable; MOF: forbearing. The teacher possessed of heavenly wisdom is considerate, thoughtful, and well-disposed. |
| 5 | Yielding: Or, KJV: easy to be entreated; MOF: conciliatory; RSV: open to reason; ALF: easily persuaded; GDS: willing to yield; KNX: ready to be convinced. The Christian teacher as an elder must be “reasonable” or yielding when the circumstances call for it. It is in his nature to try and get along and not insist his way is the only way of doing things. [1 Timothy 3:3] This DOES NOT MEAN he is willing to let any doctrine be taught in the Church, that is, “every wind of teaching,” freely moving among the membership. [Ephesians 4:14] |
| 6 | Full of mercy: Or, TCN: rich in compassion. It is likely the elder as teacher will also be a judge as was the case in Israel and the early Church. [1 Corinthians 6:2, 5] In judicial matters he must be merciful and understanding. Mercy is also often associated with charity. |
| 7 | Good fruitage: Or, KJV: good fruits; TCN: good deeds. To James these are works of charity. However, they would also be rich in fruits of the spirit. [Galatians 5:2, 23] |
| 8 | Impartial: Or, KJV: without partiality; MOF: unambiguous. See notes on James 2:9. The idea of impartiality comes up several times in James. The Christian teacher cannot show favoritism. It seems likely the unqualified teachers were not impartial to the rich mentioned earlier. |
| 9 | Unhypocritical: Or, KJV: without hypocrisy; AMP: insincerity; MOF: straightforward. The Christian teacher does not play games or carry on hidden agendas. [1 Peter 1:22] There are persons who speak and behave one way when facing you, and another when your back is turned. There are people who are using you without your knowing it. |
We choose James 3:17 as the theme verse of chapter three – Wise Teachers. Chapter three of James is about teachers. [1-4] It is a serious responsibility to be a teacher because of the sinful tongue. James explains the problem with the tongue and the difficulty in taming it. [5-12] He does this as a caution to would be teachers in the Church. It is not proper for the mouth to both bless and curse as some of these may have been doing. He calls forth a challenge to the wise “teachers” in the Church: let him produce the fruitage of wisdom. 13-16] He characterizes two kinds of wisdom: the first may be earthly, animal, or demonic; the later from heaven is characterized by seven attributes. The earthly, animal, demonic is rooted in jealousy and results in disorder. While the heavenly wisdom results in peace and righteousness. [17,18]
Abba our Father bless wise teachers.
