My Friend James: Show Me

Our friend, James, is a “just do it” kind of guy. Recall that Martin Luther called it an “Epistle of straw” for it’s focus on the place that works have in our Christian lives.

So, the King James Version’s rendering of James 3:13 can be a bit misleading, especially coming on the heels of James’ fiery indictment of the tongue. James 3:13 in the KJV reads: Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

The word translated “conversation” means: “manner of life, conduct, behavior, deportment”. James is actually saying that we should show that we have wisdom and knowledge by how we live our lives – NOT by what we say with our mouths.

I feel that the NIV gives a better translation: Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

But I really like New Living Translation rendering:. If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.

I am reminded of the lyrics from My Fair Lady, when Eliza Dolittle got frustrated with her suitors sweet words and inaction: “Don’t talk of stars burning above, if you’re in love, show me!”

I picture James saying, “don’t talk of honor, humility and heart, if you’ve got smarts, show them”.

Flowery words and skilled oration, talking of the Word and claiming to know this won’t cut it. We must show wisdom and understanding by using them to live an obedient and service-oriented life.

God is not going to say, “Well done, good and faithful servant, you memorized the Bible cover to cover, sitting in your home and doing nothing at all with what you learned.” Nope.

What will He say? According to Luke 19:20-26, God will have harsh judgement for those who just sit on the truth and talents God gives them. Matthew 25:31-46 also gives us dire warning about those who don’t act on what they know by doing good to those in need.

Luke 19:23 [NKJV] 23 'Why then did you not put my money in the bank, that at my coming I might have collected it with interest?'

Godly wisdom and knowledge must be proven by how we live our lives – by good and humble conduct, not just by talking a good game. Once again, our friend, James, tells us to “just do it”.

I hope you will continue to meet with me here and will share your own thoughts on the book of James.

You can write me any time at Nancy@DynamicChristianMinistries.org