Calendar

DO NOT LIE AGAINST THE TRUTH
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25
James 3:14

Galatians 5:14-15

 

“…take heed that

ye be not consumed one of another.”

 

DO NOT LIE AGAINST THE TRUTH
 
James now pleads with his readers that if they have bitter jealousy and rivalry in their hearts, they should not boast, for such attitudes are incompatible with wisdom from God. They should not exalt themselves to claim wisdom when evil lurks in their hearts. The Apostle is giving commands of prohibition: do not brag and do not lie against the truth. James wants to correct those who claim to be Christians, yet have bitter envying and strife in their hearts.
 
Have no bitter envying: Bitter describes a sharp, penetrating sense of taste. Figuratively, it speaks of a resentful or harsh attitude towards others. It is used in James 3:14 as an adjective to further describe the negative attitude of “envy.” Although the original word for envy has a good nuance, it is translated as “emulations” in Galatians 5:20, i.e. it is used with a lousy sense of jealousy. The words combined (“bitter envying”) now have the idea of a very fierce contention. Children of God are not to have this attitude as they are supposed to manifest divine wisdom in their lives.
 
Have no strife in heart: “Strife” (James 3:14) describes factions or rivalry. There is contention because of self-seeking ambitions (Phil 2:3). Envying comes first, and then it excites strife. This rivalry is expressed in wanting to be better than someone else or wanting to make people think they are better. Strife then engenders vain-glorying and lying because they want to make themselves look better or more important than others. Here ensues confusion and every evil work. They live in malice and contention. They are liable to be provoked and hurried to do any evil work to outwit others. The spirit of love and unity in the name of Christ is nowhere to be found.
 
Envy and wisdom cannot dwell together in the same heart. It is absurd to claim to possess envying wisdom. It is equally absurd for one to claim to have the indwelling of the Spirit of God and at the same time live a life with bitter envying and strife in his heart.
 
THOUGHT: Is my heart filled with bitter envying and strife?
PRAYER: Father, Thou knowest what occupies my heart, let me not lie against the truth, grant me the grace to repent of my envy and strife.

Search