Pentecost 18

Christ Teaching the Disciples
Hans Schäufelein, 1517

My dear friends,

In this passage, the Apostle James imparts invaluable wisdom about the effects of self-grasping ignorance and the self-cherishing attitude, which he calls "devilish wisdom," and contrasts it with the transformative power of selflessness and the altruistic attitude, which he calls "divine wisdom."

Who is wise and understanding among you?
Show by your good life
that your works are done
with gentleness born of wisdom.
- James 3:13

Wisdom is not mere intellect but is manifest in compassionate action, a gentleness born of understanding the interconnectedness of all beings. Just as a ripple spreads across a still pond, our actions, born from wisdom, spread gentleness in the world.

But if you have bitter envy
and selfish ambition
in your hearts,
do not be boastful
and false to the truth.
Such wisdom does not come down from above,
but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish.
For where there is envy
and selfish ambition,
there will also be disorder
and wickedness of every kind.
- James 3:14-16

Selfish desires, the root of all suffering, cause disharmony and wickedness. This earthly wisdom, born of the Three Poisons of ignorance, attachment, and aversion, only leads to suffering.

In contrast, James speaks of divine wisdom:

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield,
full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy.
And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace.
- James 3:17-18

Divine wisdom is marked by mercy and compassion, flowing forth in the form of virtuous actions. Here, James reveals the transformative power of selflessness and the altruistic attitude. When we let go of our self-centered desires and embrace a compassionate outlook, we create an environment where peace and righteousness can flourish.

Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they come from?
Do they not come from your cravings that are at war within you?
You want something and do not have it; so you commit murder.
And you covet something and cannot obtain it; so you engage in disputes and conflicts.
- James 4:1-2

The ultimate source of our suffering is the attachment to our own wants and expectations. When these cravings are left unchecked, they lead to disharmony, both within ourselves and in our interactions with others.

James reminds us that our unfulfilled desires can drive us to extreme measures. We may metaphorically commit murder by harboring ill will towards those who possess what we covet. We engage in disputes and conflicts, forgetting that true fulfillment arises from within and not from the external objects of our desires. We need to cultivate contentment and recognize the impermanence and illusory nature of worldly pursuits.

You do not have, because you do not ask.
You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly,
in order to spend what you get on your pleasures.
- James 4:3

Here, James emphasizes the importance of right intention when we ask for what we need. If we seek only to fulfill our selfish desires, we will find no satisfaction. Instead, we are encouraged to align our requests with the principles of divine wisdom, with the intention of benefiting others and creating harmony in the world.

Submit yourselves therefore to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
- James 4:7-8

In these final verses, James offers us a profound teaching on overcoming devilish wisdom. He urges us to submit ourselves to God, to resist the devil — the personification of ego and self-grasping ignorance. By recognizing the illusory nature of the self and cultivating selflessness, we can overcome the destructive forces of ego and ignorance.

James assures us that if we draw near to God, God will draw near to us. This closeness to the divine brings us into alignment with the principles of divine wisdom — selflessness, compassion, and love. When we surrender our ego-driven desires and embrace the wisdom from above, we find ourselves guided by a higher purpose, one that nurtures peace, harmony, and the welfare of all beings.

Dear friends, let us reflect on these teachings. May we cultivate the wisdom that leads to righteousness and peace, and may our actions be rooted in selflessness and compassion. By doing so, we can transform our lives and contribute to the well-being and happiness of all.