WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.960 We are starting a series on the book of James, and I'm going to do an introduction to the book of James. 00:00:07.620 --> 00:00:14.759 ! How soon before, let's see, is it two weeks from now that we actually start going through it chronologically? Is that correct? 00:00:15.720 --> 00:00:20.039 So in two weeks, Adam's kicking us off with chapter one. 00:00:21.120 --> 00:00:29.980 So just by way of introduction, according to church history, the book of James is written by not the disciple James, 00:00:29.980 --> 00:00:36.939 but rather by Jesus's brother James. And I'm just going to assume that church history is correct here. 00:00:37.520 --> 00:00:45.200 The early church fathers reference the brother James as being the one, but also to further back that up, 00:00:45.500 --> 00:00:51.200 it's also the case that the disciple James is actually the first one who is martyr of the 12 00:00:51.200 --> 00:00:57.920 disciples in the book of Acts. So it seems very likely that the brother James is in fact the author. 00:00:57.920 --> 00:01:02.520 It seems that in the early days of the church, that's their assumption. That's going to be my assumption as well. 00:01:03.800 --> 00:01:09.159 I'm actually going to back up a little bit and give some context rather than starting in the book of James. 00:01:09.299 --> 00:01:15.040 I'm actually going to start in the book of John. I'm going to start in John chapter 7. 00:01:15.040 --> 00:01:18.400 All right. 00:01:19.740 --> 00:01:29.240 After this, Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea because the Jews were seeking to kill him. 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:32.980 So the Jews that opposed Jesus were seeking to kill him. 00:01:33.480 --> 00:01:37.880 Now the Jews' feast of booths was at hand. 00:01:37.879 --> 00:01:42.799 This is actually as an aside, my in-laws celebrate a lot of the Jewish feasts. 00:01:43.000 --> 00:01:46.899 And the feast of booths is either happening this week or last week. 00:01:47.099 --> 00:01:49.899 And that is the feast where they await the Messiah. 00:01:50.039 --> 00:01:56.179 They've set up these booths that have no top on them and they await the Messiah's return. 00:01:56.399 --> 00:01:57.919 So that's the feast that they're celebrating. 00:01:57.920 --> 00:02:02.000 Now the Jews' feast of booths was at hand. 00:02:02.640 --> 00:02:04.099 So his brothers said to him, 00:02:05.040 --> 00:02:12.319 Leave here and go to Judea that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. 00:02:12.979 --> 00:02:17.340 For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. 00:02:18.360 --> 00:02:21.980 If you do these things, show yourself to the world. 00:02:22.039 --> 00:02:24.259 So Jesus is being very conservative. He's being careful. 00:02:24.460 --> 00:02:25.639 He's trying not to get killed. 00:02:25.639 --> 00:02:28.139 And his brothers are like, No, no, no. Come on, go for it. 00:02:28.179 --> 00:02:29.279 Don't you want everybody to know? 00:02:30.719 --> 00:02:31.679 And then it says, 00:02:32.339 --> 00:02:37.000 For not even his own brothers believed in him. 00:02:37.819 --> 00:02:42.079 So according to this, Jesus' own brothers were not his disciples. 00:02:42.779 --> 00:02:45.479 His own brothers rejected him as the Messiah. 00:02:46.779 --> 00:02:49.679 Among those would be two authors of the New Testament. 00:02:50.759 --> 00:02:52.319 Book of Jude, Jesus' brother. 00:02:52.739 --> 00:02:54.599 Book of James, Jesus' brother. 00:02:54.599 --> 00:03:01.900 So according to the scripture, his own brothers were among those who did not believe him and did not follow him as disciples. 00:03:02.680 --> 00:03:10.379 Now we're going to go ahead and scoot on down to 1 Corinthians chapter 15. 00:03:10.639 --> 00:03:11.659 1 Corinthians 15. 00:03:12.219 --> 00:03:15.419 This is the first creed, so to speak. 00:03:15.680 --> 00:03:16.419 It is articulated. 00:03:16.519 --> 00:03:17.599 It's articulated by Paul. 00:03:18.919 --> 00:03:21.099 1 Corinthians 15, starting in verse 1. 00:03:21.099 --> 00:03:37.900 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you, unless you believed in vain. 00:03:38.019 --> 00:03:41.039 As an aside, Paul uses the term believed in vain. 00:03:41.039 --> 00:03:47.340 James, later on in this book, uses the term dead faith. 00:03:47.739 --> 00:03:52.199 I think this is kind of a reference to we can affirm things, but it can be totally empty. 00:03:52.459 --> 00:03:53.379 That's Paul's phrase. 00:03:53.379 --> 00:03:56.599 Unless you have believed in vain. 00:03:56.599 --> 00:04:00.599 For I delivered to you as first importance what I also received. 00:04:01.219 --> 00:04:04.400 That Christ, this is this first creed, as a lot of people say. 00:04:04.840 --> 00:04:07.759 That Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scripture. 00:04:08.379 --> 00:04:09.259 That he was buried. 00:04:09.759 --> 00:04:12.879 That he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures. 00:04:12.879 --> 00:04:16.939 That he appeared to Cephas, that's Peter. 00:04:17.839 --> 00:04:19.939 Then to the twelve, so the twelve disciples. 00:04:21.339 --> 00:04:24.779 Then he appeared to more than 500 brothers at one time. 00:04:25.639 --> 00:04:27.399 Most of whom are still alive. 00:04:27.600 --> 00:04:28.159 That's really cool. 00:04:29.100 --> 00:04:30.579 Though some have fallen asleep. 00:04:32.240 --> 00:04:35.159 And this is the really important part while I'm reading this. 00:04:35.160 --> 00:04:39.340 Then he appeared to James. 00:04:40.700 --> 00:04:42.020 Then to all the apostles. 00:04:42.700 --> 00:04:48.640 And last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 00:04:48.980 --> 00:04:54.680 That last phrase, the Lord appearing to Paul, kind of tends to steal the end of this paragraph. 00:04:54.980 --> 00:04:56.080 And it can kind of fly under the radar. 00:04:56.560 --> 00:05:03.060 That Jesus went and appeared to his own brother, according to scripture, at least at one time did not believe him. 00:05:03.180 --> 00:05:04.600 And really, there's no other testimony. 00:05:04.600 --> 00:05:06.720 So I think we're in good position to believe. 00:05:07.200 --> 00:05:08.660 James did not believe in Jesus. 00:05:09.200 --> 00:05:10.800 And then Jesus sought him out. 00:05:11.460 --> 00:05:13.080 And showed himself to him. 00:05:13.439 --> 00:05:14.340 And James was converted. 00:05:14.500 --> 00:05:18.080 At least, I think in church history, that's normally how it is read and believed. 00:05:18.439 --> 00:05:24.180 That Jesus not only stunned Paul on the way to Damascus by way of persuasion. 00:05:24.379 --> 00:05:25.960 But he also did it to his own brother. 00:05:26.420 --> 00:05:32.340 Who so happened to be one of the future most important leaders in the first century. 00:05:32.339 --> 00:05:34.060 You know, you have Paul. 00:05:34.479 --> 00:05:35.659 You have Apostle John. 00:05:35.939 --> 00:05:36.479 You have Peter. 00:05:36.719 --> 00:05:46.179 But then when Paul goes to meet with them, according to Galatians, James, brother of Jesus, is now in this position of great leadership. 00:05:46.180 --> 00:05:49.480 That Jesus goes and appears to these men. 00:05:49.780 --> 00:05:53.620 Two of which, according to my interpretation, didn't believe in him. 00:05:54.100 --> 00:05:58.540 And his revelation, his appearing before them, is what shifts these men's life. 00:05:59.100 --> 00:06:05.019 And this is two of the writers of the New Testament, most influential men in the entire first century. 00:06:05.019 --> 00:06:09.479 I think the only others we could say who have that level of influence is probably John and Peter. 00:06:10.000 --> 00:06:15.259 But Jesus, he is going and using his actual appearing and presence to persuade these men. 00:06:15.339 --> 00:06:16.120 It's very, very beautiful. 00:06:16.240 --> 00:06:16.740 Very beautiful. 00:06:17.579 --> 00:06:18.779 My interpretation is correct. 00:06:18.859 --> 00:06:22.919 Which, again, it's actually saying that he appeared to the twelve, which is the disciples. 00:06:23.019 --> 00:06:24.240 He's showing his first appearing. 00:06:24.759 --> 00:06:29.159 He already has accounted for the twelve disciples, which would have included the disciple James. 00:06:29.359 --> 00:06:31.240 And then he's making an extra point. 00:06:31.579 --> 00:06:33.799 He also appeared to James. 00:06:33.800 --> 00:06:34.860 I think it's pretty clear. 00:06:34.980 --> 00:06:36.720 From my perspective, he's referring to his brother. 00:06:37.900 --> 00:06:38.120 Okay. 00:06:39.040 --> 00:06:43.160 So, with that said, that's who we're talking about here. 00:06:43.900 --> 00:06:46.620 That's who the author of this book is, according to church history. 00:06:47.139 --> 00:06:51.879 And now we're going to go ahead and hop over to James chapter one. 00:06:55.240 --> 00:06:56.340 James chapter one. 00:06:58.280 --> 00:07:02.600 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:07:02.600 --> 00:07:03.920 What a beautiful thing. 00:07:04.320 --> 00:07:07.400 He came to believe in his own brother, his own brother's divinity. 00:07:08.200 --> 00:07:09.620 James, servant of God. 00:07:09.660 --> 00:07:13.400 Actually, as a quick aside, there is a handful of things that are really powerful. 00:07:14.200 --> 00:07:19.720 And if it is the case that the Lord's appearing is what persuades James, it actually, to some 00:07:19.720 --> 00:07:22.040 extent, adds to the credibility of the resurrection. 00:07:22.040 --> 00:07:27.319 Because the people like Paul and James who oppose the Lord and his appearing is what persuades 00:07:27.319 --> 00:07:33.500 them, they are not in the position of people who are already following and anticipating Jesus' 00:07:33.720 --> 00:07:34.160 resurrection. 00:07:34.640 --> 00:07:37.240 These are people who didn't believe in Jesus' resurrection. 00:07:37.420 --> 00:07:42.360 These are people who weren't followers of Jesus, but that the Lord persuaded them regardless. 00:07:42.920 --> 00:07:43.080 Okay? 00:07:43.079 --> 00:07:45.139 So anyway, James chapter one. 00:07:46.319 --> 00:07:51.519 James, a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ to the 12 tribes in the dispersion. 00:07:51.599 --> 00:07:56.319 That is, that many of the Jews were dispersed throughout Europe, either because of persecution 00:07:56.319 --> 00:07:59.919 or because they were already dispersed because of the exile. 00:07:59.920 --> 00:08:00.800 Now, greetings. 00:08:01.540 --> 00:08:06.220 Count it all joy, my brothers, that you may, when you meet various trials of various kinds, 00:08:06.740 --> 00:08:09.560 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 00:08:09.900 --> 00:08:14.520 Let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 00:08:14.740 --> 00:08:15.660 And this is the emphasis. 00:08:16.060 --> 00:08:17.460 This verse is, the next verse is the emphasis. 00:08:18.040 --> 00:08:25.080 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God who gives abundantly to all who reproach, and 00:08:25.080 --> 00:08:26.420 it will be given them. 00:08:26.420 --> 00:08:31.560 But let him ask in faith with no doubting, for the one who doubts is as the waves of the sea 00:08:31.560 --> 00:08:33.420 that is driven and tossed by the wind. 00:08:33.639 --> 00:08:37.519 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord. 00:08:37.700 --> 00:08:40.960 He is a double-minded man, unstable in all of his ways. 00:08:41.800 --> 00:08:47.580 James starts this book off, the first paragraph is he gives a call to wisdom. 00:08:47.899 --> 00:08:51.320 He actually articulates it as a promise from the Lord. 00:08:51.320 --> 00:08:56.980 Wisdom is something that we can ask the Lord for, and that he has promised to us. 00:08:57.080 --> 00:08:58.080 We need only ask. 00:08:58.340 --> 00:09:01.720 This is something that is made available to us for the taking. 00:09:02.400 --> 00:09:06.540 If you, believer, want wisdom, you need only ask. 00:09:06.720 --> 00:09:09.180 When you ask, ask in faith. 00:09:09.179 --> 00:09:14.419 This call to wisdom is echoed throughout the Old Testament. 00:09:15.199 --> 00:09:21.879 But also, I would say that this call to wisdom is really ironic because the book of James itself 00:09:21.879 --> 00:09:25.659 is something of a fulfillment of this promise. 00:09:26.319 --> 00:09:30.579 When we partake of the book of James, the Lord instills wisdom in us. 00:09:30.659 --> 00:09:33.240 It is extremely concerned with wisdom. 00:09:33.240 --> 00:09:38.919 It's extremely concerned with the practical matters of wisdom in the Christian's life. 00:09:39.419 --> 00:09:45.799 So as we begin this book, let's begin this book with a spirit of desiring wisdom from the Lord. 00:09:46.060 --> 00:09:49.120 Because in the purpose of this book, the Lord is fulfilling that. 00:09:49.320 --> 00:09:50.340 So let us begin that way. 00:09:51.340 --> 00:09:53.840 So now, we are going to switch over. 00:09:54.399 --> 00:09:57.240 Now we're going to go through a bunch of other passages that talk about the same thing. 00:09:57.620 --> 00:09:58.440 We're going to switch over. 00:09:58.779 --> 00:10:02.700 Proverbs chapter 1, starting in verse 1. 00:10:02.700 --> 00:10:04.060 We are going to read a lot of scripture, guys. 00:10:06.500 --> 00:10:08.640 Proverbs chapter 1, starting in verse 1. 00:10:12.480 --> 00:10:16.420 The Proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel. 00:10:16.840 --> 00:10:18.560 Now he's telling us why he's writing this book. 00:10:19.759 --> 00:10:22.000 To know wisdom and instruction. 00:10:22.759 --> 00:10:25.020 To understand words of insight. 00:10:25.820 --> 00:10:28.600 To receive instruction in wise dealing. 00:10:29.060 --> 00:10:31.320 In righteousness, justice, and equity. 00:10:31.320 --> 00:10:33.800 To give prudence to the simple. 00:10:34.560 --> 00:10:36.940 Knowledge and discretion to the youth. 00:10:38.080 --> 00:10:41.220 Let the wise hear and increase in learning. 00:10:41.920 --> 00:10:45.080 And the one who understands, obtain guidance. 00:10:46.040 --> 00:10:48.920 To understand a proverb and a saying. 00:10:49.920 --> 00:10:52.620 The words of the wise and their riddles. 00:10:52.620 --> 00:10:55.779 And here's another key verse. 00:10:56.580 --> 00:11:00.960 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. 00:11:01.039 --> 00:11:03.659 Or many translations say of wisdom. 00:11:03.879 --> 00:11:06.679 In this verse, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. 00:11:06.679 --> 00:11:08.399 Is echoed throughout the Old Testament. 00:11:08.560 --> 00:11:09.500 Especially in the book of Proverbs. 00:11:09.919 --> 00:11:12.060 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. 00:11:12.840 --> 00:11:15.320 Fools despise wisdom and instruction. 00:11:15.320 --> 00:11:17.879 So Solomon here, in opening up the book of Proverbs. 00:11:18.100 --> 00:11:21.400 Is actually giving another call to wisdom. 00:11:21.720 --> 00:11:24.920 He's saying the purpose of this book is to instill wisdom. 00:11:25.180 --> 00:11:29.660 Just as James says, those who ask for wisdom as believers. 00:11:30.000 --> 00:11:32.620 We know that we have a promise to receive it from the Lord. 00:11:33.000 --> 00:11:34.420 Also, one other aside. 00:11:34.660 --> 00:11:36.960 He says, this is right before that last verse. 00:11:36.960 --> 00:11:41.500 The words to understand a proverb and a saying. 00:11:42.040 --> 00:11:42.900 That's the purpose of this. 00:11:43.320 --> 00:11:45.900 The words of the wise and their riddles. 00:11:46.720 --> 00:11:52.240 So Solomon here is articulating wisdom as something that does pertain to knowledge. 00:11:52.400 --> 00:11:56.379 But he's also saying it pertains to something that relates to riddles. 00:11:56.820 --> 00:11:58.440 That life is something of a mystery. 00:11:59.280 --> 00:12:05.660 Something about wisdom has to do with untangling the mysteries and riddles of life. 00:12:05.659 --> 00:12:07.719 Okay, we're going to keep on going. 00:12:09.079 --> 00:12:12.219 Now, we're going to go to Proverbs chapter 8. 00:12:13.639 --> 00:12:15.339 Proverbs chapter 8, starting in verse 1. 00:12:15.439 --> 00:12:21.360 This is immediately after the chapter about the seductive woman. 00:12:21.480 --> 00:12:22.219 The strange woman. 00:12:23.579 --> 00:12:28.480 Chapter 8, we hear about another woman who is, to some extent, trying to seduce us as well. 00:12:29.980 --> 00:12:30.980 But to a good end. 00:12:32.179 --> 00:12:33.919 Proverbs chapter 8, starting in verse 1. 00:12:33.919 --> 00:12:36.959 Does not wisdom call. 00:12:37.699 --> 00:12:40.319 Does not understanding raise her voice. 00:12:41.839 --> 00:12:46.059 On the heights, beside the way, at the crossroads, she takes her stand. 00:12:46.339 --> 00:12:49.419 It's a very similar analogy to the seductive woman. 00:12:50.399 --> 00:12:54.159 Besides the gates, in front of the town, at the entrance of the portal, she cries aloud. 00:12:54.159 --> 00:12:57.139 To you, O men, I call. 00:12:57.939 --> 00:13:00.159 And my cry is to the children of men. 00:13:01.199 --> 00:13:03.860 O simple ones, learn prudence. 00:13:04.459 --> 00:13:06.519 O fools, learn sense. 00:13:07.719 --> 00:13:11.039 Hear, for I will speak noble things. 00:13:11.679 --> 00:13:15.079 And from my lips will come what is right. 00:13:15.939 --> 00:13:17.639 For my mouth will utter truth. 00:13:17.639 --> 00:13:21.199 Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 00:13:21.419 --> 00:13:24.639 All the words of my mouth are righteous. 00:13:25.039 --> 00:13:27.199 There is nothing twisted or crooked in them. 00:13:28.240 --> 00:13:30.919 They are all straight to him who understands. 00:13:31.100 --> 00:13:35.480 Again, using an analogy of not being crooked, but being straight. 00:13:35.980 --> 00:13:36.860 This is the way of wisdom. 00:13:37.419 --> 00:13:39.139 To straighten and untangle things. 00:13:39.139 --> 00:13:41.480 They are all straight to him who understands. 00:13:41.980 --> 00:13:43.480 And right to those who find knowledge. 00:13:44.419 --> 00:13:46.819 Take my instruction instead of silver. 00:13:47.100 --> 00:13:49.259 So contrast to precious jewels. 00:13:50.019 --> 00:13:52.100 And knowledge rather than choice gold. 00:13:52.879 --> 00:13:55.159 For wisdom is better than jewels. 00:13:55.259 --> 00:13:56.080 Remember this analogy. 00:13:56.199 --> 00:13:59.120 There's going to be enormous contrast between wisdom and jewels. 00:14:00.319 --> 00:14:04.000 And all that you may desire cannot compare with her. 00:14:04.620 --> 00:14:06.679 All that you desire is not as good as wisdom. 00:14:06.679 --> 00:14:11.279 I, wisdom, dwell with prudence and find knowledge and discretion. 00:14:13.419 --> 00:14:14.339 Here's another theme. 00:14:14.899 --> 00:14:17.799 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. 00:14:17.919 --> 00:14:19.919 So we've already heard the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. 00:14:20.259 --> 00:14:22.659 But now we're hearing the fear of the Lord opposes evil. 00:14:22.819 --> 00:14:28.919 So the Lord's wisdom has something as pertains to the opposition of evil. 00:14:29.079 --> 00:14:30.339 It's not just ideas in our head. 00:14:30.559 --> 00:14:33.120 It actually has to do with how we relate with life. 00:14:33.199 --> 00:14:34.399 How we relate with evil. 00:14:34.399 --> 00:14:38.220 Pride and arrogance are the way of evil. 00:14:38.740 --> 00:14:40.579 And perverted speech I hate. 00:14:41.519 --> 00:14:44.059 I have counsel and sound wisdom. 00:14:44.620 --> 00:14:45.819 I have insight. 00:14:46.340 --> 00:14:47.299 I have strength. 00:14:48.379 --> 00:14:51.860 By me kings reign and rulers decree what is just. 00:14:52.840 --> 00:14:55.519 By me princes rule and nobles. 00:14:55.860 --> 00:14:57.259 All who govern justly. 00:14:57.259 --> 00:15:00.139 I love those who love me. 00:15:00.360 --> 00:15:01.519 Which is kind of interesting. 00:15:01.939 --> 00:15:03.080 And one thing it says in the book of James. 00:15:03.220 --> 00:15:05.639 It says when we draw nigh unto God, he draws nigh unto us. 00:15:05.899 --> 00:15:10.019 Here she's saying if we love her, she will love us. 00:15:11.519 --> 00:15:14.700 And those who seek me are diligent to find me. 00:15:14.960 --> 00:15:16.080 Again, another promise. 00:15:16.340 --> 00:15:17.200 To seek wisdom. 00:15:17.200 --> 00:15:21.020 Riches and honor are with me. 00:15:21.660 --> 00:15:23.080 Enduring wealth and righteousness. 00:15:24.160 --> 00:15:26.440 My fruit is better than gold. 00:15:26.740 --> 00:15:27.800 Even fine gold. 00:15:28.120 --> 00:15:30.060 And my yield better than choice silver. 00:15:30.140 --> 00:15:31.960 Again, a contrast with worldly treasure. 00:15:32.960 --> 00:15:34.840 I walk in the way of righteousness. 00:15:35.220 --> 00:15:36.360 In paths of justice. 00:15:36.600 --> 00:15:38.900 Granting an inheritance to those who love me. 00:15:38.960 --> 00:15:40.200 There's an inheritance for wisdom. 00:15:40.820 --> 00:15:42.340 And filling their treasuries. 00:15:42.340 --> 00:15:47.220 Okay, now this is another little run. 00:15:47.879 --> 00:15:51.660 Remember Job's answer or God's answer to Job out of the world. 00:15:51.820 --> 00:15:52.940 There's a lot of parallels here. 00:15:53.060 --> 00:15:55.740 The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work. 00:15:56.480 --> 00:15:58.720 The first of his acts of old. 00:15:59.340 --> 00:16:02.259 Ages ago, I was set up at the first. 00:16:02.600 --> 00:16:04.200 Before the beginning of the earth. 00:16:04.920 --> 00:16:07.300 When there were no depths, I was brought forth. 00:16:07.740 --> 00:16:10.540 When there were no springs abounding with water. 00:16:10.539 --> 00:16:12.939 Before the mountains had been shaped. 00:16:13.079 --> 00:16:15.459 Before the hills, I was brought forth. 00:16:16.179 --> 00:16:18.779 Before he had made the earth and its fields. 00:16:19.039 --> 00:16:21.360 Or the first of the dust of the world. 00:16:22.000 --> 00:16:24.399 When he established the heavens, I was there. 00:16:24.699 --> 00:16:26.219 Which is actually an interesting thing. 00:16:26.279 --> 00:16:28.319 Because God's asking Job, where were you? 00:16:28.379 --> 00:16:28.839 Where were you? 00:16:29.980 --> 00:16:31.839 Lady Wisdom is saying I was there. 00:16:32.620 --> 00:16:34.939 When he established the heavens, I was there. 00:16:35.379 --> 00:16:37.759 When he drew a circle on the face of the deep. 00:16:38.139 --> 00:16:39.799 When he made firm the skies above. 00:16:39.799 --> 00:16:42.399 When he established the fountains of the deep. 00:16:42.559 --> 00:16:44.199 When he assigned to the sea its limits. 00:16:44.500 --> 00:16:50.000 Again, very similar poetic way of explaining things as God's answer. 00:16:50.859 --> 00:16:53.179 So that the waters might not transgress his command. 00:16:53.539 --> 00:16:55.539 When he marked out the foundations of the earth. 00:16:56.079 --> 00:16:57.139 Then I was beside him. 00:16:57.279 --> 00:16:58.639 Like a master workman. 00:16:59.120 --> 00:17:01.559 And I was daily his delight. 00:17:02.359 --> 00:17:04.079 Rejoicing before him always. 00:17:04.079 --> 00:17:06.779 Rejoicing in the inhabited world. 00:17:07.639 --> 00:17:09.379 Delighting in the children of man. 00:17:09.380 --> 00:17:12.380 And now, oh sons. 00:17:12.700 --> 00:17:13.600 Listen to me. 00:17:14.280 --> 00:17:16.800 Blessed are those who keep my ways. 00:17:16.840 --> 00:17:18.640 There's a way of wisdom that you can keep. 00:17:20.720 --> 00:17:21.260 Uh oh. 00:17:28.200 --> 00:17:29.160 Sorry, I lost my spot. 00:17:29.160 --> 00:17:32.480 And now, oh sons. 00:17:32.480 --> 00:17:33.140 Listen to me. 00:17:33.560 --> 00:17:35.140 Blessed are those who keep my ways. 00:17:35.700 --> 00:17:37.460 Hear instruction and be wise. 00:17:37.640 --> 00:17:38.440 Do not neglect it. 00:17:38.860 --> 00:17:40.940 Blessed is the one who listens to me. 00:17:41.300 --> 00:17:42.860 Watching daily at my gate. 00:17:43.200 --> 00:17:44.519 Waiting beside my doors. 00:17:45.160 --> 00:17:46.600 For whoever finds me. 00:17:46.980 --> 00:17:48.040 Finds life. 00:17:48.360 --> 00:17:50.600 And obtains favor from the Lord. 00:17:50.599 --> 00:17:54.179 But he who fails to find me. 00:17:54.679 --> 00:17:55.859 Injures himself. 00:17:57.039 --> 00:17:59.579 We who don't pursue wisdom. 00:17:59.919 --> 00:18:01.099 Injure ourself. 00:18:01.939 --> 00:18:03.359 All who hate me. 00:18:03.779 --> 00:18:04.699 Love death. 00:18:06.779 --> 00:18:07.759 One of the things. 00:18:08.299 --> 00:18:09.219 Sir Isaac Newton. 00:18:09.319 --> 00:18:10.579 One of my favorite quotes from him. 00:18:11.019 --> 00:18:11.559 He says. 00:18:11.980 --> 00:18:13.219 This is coming from. 00:18:13.439 --> 00:18:13.899 Let's say. 00:18:14.139 --> 00:18:15.240 Perhaps the most. 00:18:16.859 --> 00:18:18.559 Capable minds of all time. 00:18:18.819 --> 00:18:19.219 He was like. 00:18:19.219 --> 00:18:19.959 Isaac Newton. 00:18:19.960 --> 00:18:20.980 In like maybe Da Vinci. 00:18:21.079 --> 00:18:21.440 Or something. 00:18:21.960 --> 00:18:22.960 One of his quotes is. 00:18:23.200 --> 00:18:23.819 If he was a believer. 00:18:24.740 --> 00:18:25.720 What we know. 00:18:26.380 --> 00:18:27.380 Is a drop. 00:18:28.140 --> 00:18:29.380 What we don't know. 00:18:29.900 --> 00:18:30.539 Is an ocean. 00:18:31.480 --> 00:18:32.480 What we know. 00:18:32.759 --> 00:18:33.420 Is a drop. 00:18:33.740 --> 00:18:34.640 What we don't know. 00:18:34.880 --> 00:18:35.500 Is an ocean. 00:18:36.180 --> 00:18:36.900 This is a man. 00:18:37.039 --> 00:18:37.519 Who believed. 00:18:37.660 --> 00:18:38.100 That the Lord. 00:18:38.220 --> 00:18:38.840 Knew all things. 00:18:39.440 --> 00:18:40.279 He didn't have an arrogance. 00:18:40.279 --> 00:18:41.019 In his own mind. 00:18:41.059 --> 00:18:41.940 About his own knowledge. 00:18:45.299 --> 00:18:45.740 Now. 00:18:46.100 --> 00:18:46.720 So we did. 00:18:46.960 --> 00:18:47.799 Proverbs chapter 1. 00:18:48.220 --> 00:18:49.240 Proverbs chapter 8. 00:18:49.240 --> 00:18:52.779 Now we are going to go to the end of Ecclesiastes. 00:18:55.299 --> 00:18:56.539 Chapter 12. 00:18:57.359 --> 00:19:01.120 This is the first paragraph Solomon writes. 00:19:01.880 --> 00:19:04.940 In Proverbs. 00:19:05.259 --> 00:19:09.440 And then we're going to now we're going to read the last paragraph that Solomon writes. 00:19:09.880 --> 00:19:10.819 The end of Ecclesiastes. 00:19:11.259 --> 00:19:12.420 Look at all the parallels. 00:19:13.200 --> 00:19:15.400 Starting in verse 9. 00:19:16.759 --> 00:19:17.700 Ecclesiastes 12. 00:19:17.859 --> 00:19:18.880 Starting in verse 9. 00:19:18.880 --> 00:19:19.039 Verse 9. 00:19:19.240 --> 00:19:24.180 Besides being wise. 00:19:24.420 --> 00:19:27.539 The preacher also taught the people knowledge. 00:19:28.240 --> 00:19:32.059 Weighing and studying and arranging many problems with great care. 00:19:32.980 --> 00:19:35.839 The preacher sought to find words of delight. 00:19:36.640 --> 00:19:38.579 And uprightly he wrote words of truth. 00:19:38.579 --> 00:19:41.939 The words of the wise are like goads. 00:19:42.579 --> 00:19:45.599 And like nails firmly fixed are the sayings. 00:19:45.799 --> 00:19:47.000 Are the collected sayings. 00:19:47.960 --> 00:19:50.159 They are given by one shepherd. 00:19:50.279 --> 00:19:51.279 Which is kind of a cool reference. 00:19:51.439 --> 00:19:51.859 The shepherd. 00:19:53.439 --> 00:19:54.279 My son. 00:19:55.480 --> 00:19:58.960 Be aware of anything beyond these. 00:19:59.259 --> 00:19:59.779 This is a really. 00:19:59.879 --> 00:20:03.559 He's about to say a really good critique of our modern day definition of wisdom. 00:20:03.759 --> 00:20:06.019 This is a very different kind of definition that scripture is talking about. 00:20:06.079 --> 00:20:07.480 Than what we normally think of as wisdom. 00:20:07.480 --> 00:20:11.039 My son. 00:20:11.200 --> 00:20:12.720 Be aware of anything beyond these. 00:20:13.620 --> 00:20:15.799 Of making many books. 00:20:16.299 --> 00:20:17.720 There is no end. 00:20:18.860 --> 00:20:22.660 And much studying is a weariness to the flesh. 00:20:23.079 --> 00:20:26.420 How much do we ascribe wisdom to people who just endlessly study? 00:20:27.079 --> 00:20:29.339 He's actually warning him not to do that. 00:20:29.339 --> 00:20:33.099 This is a father trying to instill wisdom. 00:20:33.279 --> 00:20:36.439 He's warning his son to not just endlessly study. 00:20:37.480 --> 00:20:39.059 And of books there is no end. 00:20:39.500 --> 00:20:39.659 Okay. 00:20:42.720 --> 00:20:45.240 And of much studying is a weariness to the flesh. 00:20:46.099 --> 00:20:47.459 The end of the matter. 00:20:48.740 --> 00:20:49.819 All has been heard. 00:20:49.819 --> 00:20:50.819 Fear God. 00:20:50.819 --> 00:20:52.559 And this is his final statement. 00:20:53.659 --> 00:20:54.799 Fear God. 00:20:55.539 --> 00:20:57.000 This is just what he said at the beginning. 00:20:57.700 --> 00:20:59.039 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. 00:20:59.379 --> 00:21:00.579 Now he's saying the end of the matter. 00:21:01.679 --> 00:21:02.399 Fear God. 00:21:03.539 --> 00:21:05.059 And keep his commandments. 00:21:05.059 --> 00:21:08.539 For this is the whole duty of man. 00:21:09.460 --> 00:21:13.000 For God will bring every deed into judgment. 00:21:13.519 --> 00:21:14.940 With every secret thing. 00:21:15.019 --> 00:21:16.399 The Lord sees every secret thing. 00:21:16.839 --> 00:21:18.099 Whether good or evil. 00:21:18.779 --> 00:21:22.159 The bookends of Solomon's teaching are. 00:21:22.839 --> 00:21:25.039 Fearing the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. 00:21:25.039 --> 00:21:26.740 And the end of the matter. 00:21:27.279 --> 00:21:28.159 Is fearing the Lord. 00:21:28.259 --> 00:21:29.200 And keeping his commandments. 00:21:29.879 --> 00:21:31.119 I believe the teaching of scripture. 00:21:31.500 --> 00:21:33.899 Is a wisdom that pertains to our real life. 00:21:34.460 --> 00:21:36.539 Not an articulation of clever things. 00:21:37.139 --> 00:21:38.480 I think we live in a day and age. 00:21:38.899 --> 00:21:40.460 That has bought the lie. 00:21:40.980 --> 00:21:41.940 That good wisdom. 00:21:42.420 --> 00:21:43.779 Is just knowledge and cleverness. 00:21:45.539 --> 00:21:48.299 The Lord and the authors of the scripture. 00:21:49.200 --> 00:21:51.279 Stand in stark contrast. 00:21:51.539 --> 00:21:53.619 In a very serious critique of that. 00:21:53.619 --> 00:21:55.479 In fact I think it's even fair to say. 00:21:56.079 --> 00:21:58.859 That the way that they care about wisdom. 00:21:59.179 --> 00:22:01.079 Is how you live it out. 00:22:02.359 --> 00:22:04.759 A wise person is known to be wise. 00:22:04.919 --> 00:22:06.599 By the fruit of their life. 00:22:07.739 --> 00:22:09.719 The keeping of the commandments of the Lord. 00:22:10.039 --> 00:22:11.299 Their relationship to evil. 00:22:11.979 --> 00:22:14.099 These are the ways in which you know what person is wise. 00:22:14.419 --> 00:22:17.859 Not by how clever and knowledgeable that person is. 00:22:18.099 --> 00:22:19.239 This is a different kind of wisdom. 00:22:19.679 --> 00:22:22.699 This is a wisdom whose center is the Lord. 00:22:22.700 --> 00:22:22.740 The Lord. 00:22:23.160 --> 00:22:24.160 Not ourselves. 00:22:26.360 --> 00:22:26.759 Alright. 00:22:27.920 --> 00:22:30.620 Now we're going to hop over to the book of Job. 00:22:31.779 --> 00:22:32.720 Job 28. 00:22:34.120 --> 00:22:35.140 As we read through these. 00:22:35.200 --> 00:22:36.480 You guys will notice a lot of parallels. 00:22:36.680 --> 00:22:37.779 Between one another. 00:22:38.400 --> 00:22:39.620 As well as the book of James. 00:22:39.680 --> 00:22:42.900 And I'm going to finish with a passage out of the book of James. 00:22:42.980 --> 00:22:44.680 That's really going to bring all these together. 00:22:45.039 --> 00:22:47.100 Because I think these guys are all talking about the same thing. 00:22:47.299 --> 00:22:48.799 They're all wanting to instill the same thing. 00:22:49.120 --> 00:22:49.860 This is the Lord. 00:22:49.980 --> 00:22:50.980 This is the Lord at work here. 00:22:50.980 --> 00:22:54.200 Job chapter 28. 00:22:54.940 --> 00:22:55.960 Starting in verse 1. 00:22:56.019 --> 00:22:58.839 This is one of my favorite chapters in the whole Bible. 00:22:59.099 --> 00:23:00.980 He's going to start with something of a parable. 00:23:01.140 --> 00:23:03.579 He's going to start with a parable about wisdom. 00:23:05.640 --> 00:23:06.360 Verse 1. 00:23:06.359 --> 00:23:13.159 Surely there is a mine for silver and a place for gold that they refine. 00:23:13.279 --> 00:23:14.199 Again, think about it. 00:23:14.359 --> 00:23:15.679 This is a reference to treasure. 00:23:17.419 --> 00:23:20.859 Surely there is a mine for silver and a place for gold that they refine. 00:23:21.599 --> 00:23:26.039 Iron is taken out of the earth and copper is smelted from the ore. 00:23:26.039 --> 00:23:29.059 Speaking to finding it in the deep. 00:23:29.059 --> 00:23:30.740 And then taking it out. 00:23:31.079 --> 00:23:34.500 And then actually having to purify it in order to come up with a final product. 00:23:35.899 --> 00:23:38.180 Man puts an end to darkness. 00:23:38.879 --> 00:23:42.740 And searches out to the farthest limits that ore. 00:23:44.259 --> 00:23:46.379 Searches out to the farthest limit. 00:23:46.899 --> 00:23:48.940 The ore in gloom and deep darkness. 00:23:48.940 --> 00:23:54.580 That is to say he has to go to places you cannot see under the ground into darkness. 00:23:55.440 --> 00:23:59.039 He opens shafts in a valley away from where anyone lives. 00:23:59.680 --> 00:24:00.940 They are forgotten by travelers. 00:24:01.960 --> 00:24:04.559 They hang in the air far away from mankind. 00:24:05.299 --> 00:24:06.660 They swing to and fro. 00:24:07.660 --> 00:24:10.080 As for the earth, out of it comes bread. 00:24:10.440 --> 00:24:13.259 But underneath it, it is turned up as by fire. 00:24:13.259 --> 00:24:17.079 It stones out of the places of sapphires. 00:24:17.339 --> 00:24:19.240 And it has dust of gold. 00:24:20.039 --> 00:24:22.299 That path no bird of prey knows. 00:24:22.420 --> 00:24:24.200 And the falcon's eye has not seen it. 00:24:24.960 --> 00:24:28.059 This is in reference to birds who are the ones who have piercing vision. 00:24:28.359 --> 00:24:29.420 And are aware of many things. 00:24:29.500 --> 00:24:31.180 And in fact, probably have the best vision. 00:24:32.000 --> 00:24:33.940 The proud beasts have not trodden it. 00:24:34.279 --> 00:24:36.240 And the lion has not passed over it. 00:24:37.359 --> 00:24:40.900 Man puts his hands to the flinty rock. 00:24:40.900 --> 00:24:43.099 And overturns mountains by its roots. 00:24:43.759 --> 00:24:45.359 He cuts out channels in the rock. 00:24:45.680 --> 00:24:47.720 And his eyes see every precious thing. 00:24:48.160 --> 00:24:50.779 He damns up the streams so that they do not trickle. 00:24:51.039 --> 00:24:53.619 And the thing that is hidden, he brings out to light. 00:24:54.779 --> 00:25:00.480 This is speaking to the great lengths to which men will go in order to acquire treasure of this earth. 00:25:01.019 --> 00:25:02.119 Now here comes the contrast. 00:25:03.140 --> 00:25:06.000 But where shall wisdom be found? 00:25:07.259 --> 00:25:09.240 And where is the place of understanding? 00:25:10.700 --> 00:25:12.539 Man does not know its worth. 00:25:13.259 --> 00:25:15.559 And it is not found in the land of living. 00:25:15.879 --> 00:25:18.740 The deep says, it is not in me. 00:25:19.240 --> 00:25:21.759 And the sea says, it is not with me. 00:25:22.759 --> 00:25:24.240 It cannot be bought with gold. 00:25:24.859 --> 00:25:27.240 And silver cannot be weighed as its price. 00:25:27.779 --> 00:25:31.079 It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir. 00:25:32.359 --> 00:25:35.059 Its precious onyx or sapphire. 00:25:35.059 --> 00:25:38.039 Gold and glass cannot equal it. 00:25:38.039 --> 00:25:41.639 Nor can it be exchanged for jewels or fine gold. 00:25:42.319 --> 00:25:45.519 No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal. 00:25:46.059 --> 00:25:48.980 The price of wisdom is above pearls. 00:25:48.980 --> 00:25:52.860 The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it. 00:25:53.019 --> 00:25:55.440 Nor can it be valued with pure gold. 00:25:55.440 --> 00:25:56.420 In pure gold. 00:25:58.039 --> 00:26:01.099 From where then does wisdom come? 00:26:01.579 --> 00:26:02.539 This is the fundamental question. 00:26:03.259 --> 00:26:04.240 What's the source of wisdom? 00:26:04.240 --> 00:26:07.279 And where is the place of understanding? 00:26:08.160 --> 00:26:10.620 It is hidden from the eyes of all living. 00:26:11.059 --> 00:26:12.920 And concealed from the birds of the air. 00:26:14.920 --> 00:26:16.319 Abaddon and death say. 00:26:16.620 --> 00:26:17.640 Abaddon is abyss. 00:26:18.240 --> 00:26:19.579 So the abyss and death say. 00:26:20.240 --> 00:26:22.680 We have heard a rumor of it with our ears. 00:26:22.680 --> 00:26:26.600 God understands the way of it. 00:26:26.920 --> 00:26:28.299 And he knows its place. 00:26:29.680 --> 00:26:31.580 For he looks to the ends of the earth. 00:26:31.700 --> 00:26:33.420 And sees everything under the heavens. 00:26:34.060 --> 00:26:35.960 When he gave the wind its weight. 00:26:36.140 --> 00:26:37.900 And apportioned the waters by its measure. 00:26:38.160 --> 00:26:40.160 Again, think of the Lord's answer from the whirlwind. 00:26:40.560 --> 00:26:42.600 When he made a decree for the rain. 00:26:43.039 --> 00:26:45.400 And a way for the lightning of the thunder. 00:26:45.980 --> 00:26:47.840 Then he saw it and declared it. 00:26:48.440 --> 00:26:49.720 He established it. 00:26:50.940 --> 00:26:52.560 And searched it out. 00:26:53.480 --> 00:26:54.640 And he said to man. 00:26:55.680 --> 00:26:56.279 Behold. 00:26:57.720 --> 00:26:59.620 The fear of the Lord. 00:27:00.519 --> 00:27:02.019 That is wisdom. 00:27:02.740 --> 00:27:05.080 And to turn away from evil. 00:27:06.039 --> 00:27:07.980 That is understanding. 00:27:08.779 --> 00:27:09.380 So again. 00:27:09.700 --> 00:27:11.220 All of these different passages. 00:27:11.560 --> 00:27:13.120 Are coming back to the same thing. 00:27:13.600 --> 00:27:15.560 The Lord is a source of all wisdom. 00:27:16.080 --> 00:27:17.960 And the way we know wisdom. 00:27:18.340 --> 00:27:19.720 The way we acquire wisdom. 00:27:20.340 --> 00:27:21.740 Is seeing the Lord. 00:27:21.740 --> 00:27:23.019 Is high and lifted up. 00:27:23.019 --> 00:27:25.480 And the wisdom that the Lord cares about. 00:27:25.579 --> 00:27:27.099 Pertains to our real life. 00:27:27.740 --> 00:27:28.620 The Lord's commandments. 00:27:29.720 --> 00:27:31.120 Our relationship to evil. 00:27:31.839 --> 00:27:34.019 The Lord wants to impart to us. 00:27:35.019 --> 00:27:35.680 A wisdom. 00:27:36.220 --> 00:27:37.339 That comes from him. 00:27:37.900 --> 00:27:39.480 That begins with us. 00:27:39.620 --> 00:27:40.279 Seeing him. 00:27:40.799 --> 00:27:42.079 High and lifted up. 00:27:42.420 --> 00:27:43.160 And terrible. 00:27:43.519 --> 00:27:44.880 Over and above all things. 00:27:45.079 --> 00:27:45.839 Over and above. 00:27:46.200 --> 00:27:46.839 The thoughts. 00:27:47.480 --> 00:27:48.240 The knowledge. 00:27:48.240 --> 00:27:49.539 The cleverness of men. 00:27:50.480 --> 00:27:51.460 How much. 00:27:51.460 --> 00:27:52.460 In this day and age. 00:27:52.500 --> 00:27:53.259 And even us. 00:27:54.019 --> 00:27:55.220 Do we seek. 00:27:56.120 --> 00:27:56.500 This is like. 00:27:56.620 --> 00:27:57.839 We're like the podcast. 00:27:57.960 --> 00:27:59.000 And YouTube generation. 00:27:59.160 --> 00:27:59.559 You know what I mean. 00:27:59.700 --> 00:28:00.960 You can find people. 00:28:00.960 --> 00:28:03.000 That will teach you many things. 00:28:03.519 --> 00:28:04.039 But. 00:28:04.740 --> 00:28:05.220 What. 00:28:05.220 --> 00:28:06.980 The actual source. 00:28:06.980 --> 00:28:08.120 Of wisdom is. 00:28:08.299 --> 00:28:09.559 Is not found in knowledge. 00:28:09.640 --> 00:28:10.600 It's not found in books. 00:28:10.700 --> 00:28:12.039 It's not found in endless study. 00:28:12.400 --> 00:28:13.420 It's actually found. 00:28:13.779 --> 00:28:14.339 In the Lord. 00:28:14.440 --> 00:28:15.839 Being exalted above everything. 00:28:16.079 --> 00:28:17.180 The Lord being exalted. 00:28:17.360 --> 00:28:17.920 Above everything. 00:28:18.059 --> 00:28:19.100 Such that it changes. 00:28:19.100 --> 00:28:19.960 Our life. 00:28:20.400 --> 00:28:21.519 It even reminds me of the Shema. 00:28:22.180 --> 00:28:23.000 Hero Israel. 00:28:23.600 --> 00:28:24.559 The Lord our God is one. 00:28:24.779 --> 00:28:25.420 We shall love the Lord. 00:28:25.500 --> 00:28:26.220 That God with all your heart. 00:28:26.299 --> 00:28:26.460 Mind. 00:28:26.539 --> 00:28:27.120 Soul and strength. 00:28:27.799 --> 00:28:28.660 There is an extent. 00:28:28.660 --> 00:28:29.120 To which. 00:28:29.559 --> 00:28:31.299 The Lord speaks to us. 00:28:31.380 --> 00:28:32.019 As a parent. 00:28:32.160 --> 00:28:33.120 Speaking to their child. 00:28:33.119 --> 00:28:34.099 And says. 00:28:34.500 --> 00:28:35.559 Listen to me. 00:28:36.019 --> 00:28:37.039 Not listen to me. 00:28:37.079 --> 00:28:37.359 Like. 00:28:37.739 --> 00:28:38.559 Understand the things. 00:28:38.599 --> 00:28:39.439 That are coming out of my mouth. 00:28:39.619 --> 00:28:41.000 But listen to me. 00:28:41.000 --> 00:28:42.099 With your person. 00:28:43.699 --> 00:28:44.639 Hear me. 00:28:44.839 --> 00:28:46.199 With every part of you. 00:28:47.679 --> 00:28:48.799 Listen to me. 00:28:49.019 --> 00:28:50.119 That your life. 00:28:50.679 --> 00:28:51.839 Might reflect. 00:28:52.619 --> 00:28:53.419 The wisdom. 00:28:53.659 --> 00:28:54.159 And truth. 00:28:54.219 --> 00:28:55.279 That's being imparted. 00:28:55.899 --> 00:28:56.879 Listen to me. 00:28:57.779 --> 00:28:58.299 Because. 00:28:59.439 --> 00:29:00.619 The fear. 00:29:00.619 --> 00:29:01.439 Of the Lord. 00:29:01.579 --> 00:29:02.459 The exaltation. 00:29:02.459 --> 00:29:02.919 Of the Lord. 00:29:02.920 --> 00:29:03.960 The part of the Lord. 00:29:04.140 --> 00:29:05.240 That transforms. 00:29:05.759 --> 00:29:06.960 Every part of our person. 00:29:07.279 --> 00:29:08.640 Is the only way. 00:29:08.759 --> 00:29:09.720 In which we can acquire. 00:29:10.180 --> 00:29:10.680 Acquire. 00:29:10.940 --> 00:29:11.480 The wisdom. 00:29:11.660 --> 00:29:12.960 The Lord wants us to acquire. 00:29:14.440 --> 00:29:14.880 Okay. 00:29:14.920 --> 00:29:15.420 Now finally. 00:29:15.940 --> 00:29:16.620 We're going to. 00:29:16.900 --> 00:29:17.820 Switch back over. 00:29:18.120 --> 00:29:18.900 To the book of James. 00:29:20.440 --> 00:29:21.580 James chapter 3. 00:29:25.940 --> 00:29:27.860 Starting in verse 13. 00:29:27.860 --> 00:29:27.960 Verse 13. 00:29:27.960 --> 00:29:41.240 James chapter 3. 00:29:41.480 --> 00:29:42.940 Verse 13. 00:29:44.559 --> 00:29:46.180 Who is wise. 00:29:46.340 --> 00:29:47.660 And understanding among you. 00:29:49.140 --> 00:29:49.740 And this is the. 00:29:49.880 --> 00:29:51.000 Very key verse here. 00:29:51.000 --> 00:29:54.160 By his good conduct. 00:29:54.799 --> 00:29:56.259 Let him show. 00:29:56.799 --> 00:29:57.720 His works. 00:29:57.920 --> 00:29:59.519 In the meekness. 00:29:59.720 --> 00:30:00.759 Of wisdom. 00:30:01.180 --> 00:30:02.200 So much meek. 00:30:02.279 --> 00:30:02.900 In that sentence. 00:30:03.480 --> 00:30:04.799 By his good conduct. 00:30:05.259 --> 00:30:06.579 Which is another way of saying. 00:30:07.099 --> 00:30:07.819 In the way. 00:30:08.000 --> 00:30:09.039 That he is conducting. 00:30:09.039 --> 00:30:09.859 His life. 00:30:10.299 --> 00:30:11.720 Let him show. 00:30:12.000 --> 00:30:13.039 In his works. 00:30:13.259 --> 00:30:13.900 Doesn't say. 00:30:14.099 --> 00:30:14.680 Let him. 00:30:14.839 --> 00:30:15.819 Give a defense. 00:30:15.819 --> 00:30:16.680 Of how he's wise. 00:30:17.240 --> 00:30:17.660 He says. 00:30:17.820 --> 00:30:18.779 Let him show. 00:30:19.820 --> 00:30:20.960 By his works. 00:30:21.799 --> 00:30:23.080 In the meekness. 00:30:23.160 --> 00:30:23.799 Of wisdom. 00:30:25.000 --> 00:30:26.160 I also like that phrase. 00:30:26.259 --> 00:30:27.220 The meekness. 00:30:27.360 --> 00:30:28.160 Of wisdom. 00:30:28.480 --> 00:30:28.920 How much. 00:30:29.220 --> 00:30:30.539 Of the spirit. 00:30:30.960 --> 00:30:32.019 Of the worldly definition. 00:30:32.019 --> 00:30:32.500 Of wisdom. 00:30:32.759 --> 00:30:34.340 Has nothing to do with meekness. 00:30:34.400 --> 00:30:35.180 It has to do with arrogance. 00:30:35.500 --> 00:30:35.920 Even like. 00:30:35.960 --> 00:30:36.460 You look at like. 00:30:36.500 --> 00:30:36.799 Scholars. 00:30:36.920 --> 00:30:37.480 In this day and age. 00:30:37.500 --> 00:30:38.120 When someone gets up. 00:30:38.180 --> 00:30:39.080 To give a lecture. 00:30:39.200 --> 00:30:39.600 Or talk. 00:30:39.860 --> 00:30:40.340 Someone goes. 00:30:40.340 --> 00:30:40.960 Else goes up. 00:30:41.160 --> 00:30:41.539 For them. 00:30:41.799 --> 00:30:43.080 And gives their whole resume. 00:30:43.299 --> 00:30:44.279 Of why they're so impressive. 00:30:44.640 --> 00:30:45.200 You know what I'm saying? 00:30:45.519 --> 00:30:45.759 It's like. 00:30:45.759 --> 00:30:46.740 We got to display. 00:30:47.039 --> 00:30:48.180 All of the trophies. 00:30:48.180 --> 00:30:49.119 Before we play the game. 00:30:49.299 --> 00:30:49.700 You know what I mean? 00:30:50.180 --> 00:30:51.599 But what James is saying. 00:30:52.279 --> 00:30:52.680 Is. 00:30:53.019 --> 00:30:53.839 In the meekness. 00:30:53.839 --> 00:30:54.420 Of wisdom. 00:30:55.440 --> 00:30:55.879 Demonstrate. 00:30:56.079 --> 00:30:56.579 Your wisdom. 00:30:57.000 --> 00:30:58.019 In your good conduct. 00:30:58.200 --> 00:30:59.359 In your real life. 00:31:00.819 --> 00:31:02.019 Who are the people. 00:31:02.240 --> 00:31:03.319 That we should be looking to. 00:31:03.379 --> 00:31:03.839 For wisdom. 00:31:04.660 --> 00:31:05.339 The people. 00:31:05.500 --> 00:31:06.140 Whose life. 00:31:06.480 --> 00:31:06.879 Represents. 00:31:07.180 --> 00:31:07.920 The meekness. 00:31:07.920 --> 00:31:08.359 Of wisdom. 00:31:09.500 --> 00:31:09.900 Again. 00:31:10.079 --> 00:31:11.079 This is one of the big issues. 00:31:11.079 --> 00:31:11.859 In this day and age. 00:31:12.019 --> 00:31:13.059 We follow all these. 00:31:13.140 --> 00:31:13.859 Celebrity pastors. 00:31:14.240 --> 00:31:15.140 And we know nothing. 00:31:15.140 --> 00:31:15.880 About their life. 00:31:17.060 --> 00:31:17.960 I feel like. 00:31:18.180 --> 00:31:19.140 And I feel like. 00:31:19.259 --> 00:31:19.960 I too. 00:31:20.080 --> 00:31:21.200 Am someone who likes to listen. 00:31:21.300 --> 00:31:21.759 To the podcast. 00:31:21.860 --> 00:31:22.080 And everything. 00:31:22.400 --> 00:31:22.900 But I feel like. 00:31:23.060 --> 00:31:24.100 The most precious thing. 00:31:24.480 --> 00:31:26.040 Is when you find someone. 00:31:26.600 --> 00:31:27.800 Who's living their life. 00:31:27.840 --> 00:31:28.240 In wisdom. 00:31:28.480 --> 00:31:29.240 And you can actually. 00:31:29.340 --> 00:31:30.040 Be a part of it. 00:31:30.480 --> 00:31:31.800 That's the most powerful thing. 00:31:32.080 --> 00:31:32.720 Those are the people. 00:31:32.780 --> 00:31:33.600 I think we should really. 00:31:33.680 --> 00:31:34.320 Be seeking out. 00:31:34.440 --> 00:31:34.900 You know what I mean? 00:31:35.259 --> 00:31:36.540 Not the endless studying. 00:31:37.080 --> 00:31:37.320 Right? 00:31:38.860 --> 00:31:39.720 In the meekness. 00:31:39.720 --> 00:31:40.140 Of wisdom. 00:31:40.140 --> 00:31:43.140 But if you have bitter jealousy. 00:31:43.620 --> 00:31:44.460 And selfish ambition. 00:31:44.460 --> 00:31:45.560 In your hearts. 00:31:46.060 --> 00:31:46.940 Do not be. 00:31:47.140 --> 00:31:47.840 Do not boast. 00:31:48.100 --> 00:31:49.360 And be false to the truth. 00:31:49.560 --> 00:31:49.840 Again. 00:31:50.180 --> 00:31:50.780 Selfish ambition. 00:31:51.240 --> 00:31:52.080 How much. 00:31:52.240 --> 00:31:53.620 Of how we acquire knowledge. 00:31:53.620 --> 00:31:54.440 In this day and age. 00:31:54.700 --> 00:31:55.640 Is so much about. 00:31:55.780 --> 00:31:56.780 How people perceive us. 00:31:57.060 --> 00:31:57.720 How much of it. 00:31:57.800 --> 00:31:58.960 Is because of our own ambition. 00:31:59.080 --> 00:32:00.040 That we want to be seen. 00:32:00.080 --> 00:32:00.600 As intelligent. 00:32:00.720 --> 00:32:01.420 We want to be seen. 00:32:01.420 --> 00:32:01.980 As wise. 00:32:02.300 --> 00:32:02.560 Right? 00:32:03.560 --> 00:32:05.100 But if you have bitter jealousy. 00:32:05.100 --> 00:32:05.920 And selfish ambition. 00:32:05.920 --> 00:32:06.580 In your hearts. 00:32:06.920 --> 00:32:07.840 Do not boast. 00:32:07.839 --> 00:32:09.259 And be false to the truth. 00:32:10.500 --> 00:32:11.819 This is not the wisdom. 00:32:11.819 --> 00:32:13.000 That comes down from above. 00:32:15.199 --> 00:32:16.139 It's earthly. 00:32:17.459 --> 00:32:17.899 Unspiritual. 00:32:18.559 --> 00:32:19.500 And demonic. 00:32:20.259 --> 00:32:21.240 It's quite the accusation. 00:32:23.139 --> 00:32:24.240 Where jealousy. 00:32:24.579 --> 00:32:25.619 And selfish ambition. 00:32:26.039 --> 00:32:26.399 Exist. 00:32:27.139 --> 00:32:28.539 There will be disorder. 00:32:28.919 --> 00:32:30.459 In every vile practice. 00:32:30.539 --> 00:32:30.740 Amen. 00:32:30.819 --> 00:32:31.439 If that ain't true. 00:32:36.539 --> 00:32:37.220 Here's this. 00:32:37.220 --> 00:32:38.120 This is the. 00:32:38.960 --> 00:32:39.360 Key. 00:32:39.880 --> 00:32:40.740 That refers to. 00:32:40.980 --> 00:32:41.759 Everything we've read. 00:32:42.880 --> 00:32:44.000 But the wisdom. 00:32:44.519 --> 00:32:45.680 That comes from above. 00:32:46.059 --> 00:32:46.539 The wisdom. 00:32:46.660 --> 00:32:47.440 That comes from the Lord. 00:32:49.319 --> 00:32:50.240 The wisdom. 00:32:51.539 --> 00:32:51.980 From. 00:32:52.460 --> 00:32:52.860 Above. 00:32:53.440 --> 00:32:54.160 Is first. 00:32:54.440 --> 00:32:54.799 Pure. 00:32:55.860 --> 00:32:56.440 Think about that. 00:32:57.160 --> 00:32:58.420 It's even kind of a cool reference. 00:32:58.579 --> 00:32:59.680 If you think about the or. 00:33:00.339 --> 00:33:00.980 Think about or. 00:33:01.079 --> 00:33:01.839 That's unrefined. 00:33:01.940 --> 00:33:02.440 It's not pure. 00:33:03.259 --> 00:33:04.500 This is wisdom. 00:33:04.720 --> 00:33:05.579 And I even think about it. 00:33:05.620 --> 00:33:06.500 As an analogy in our life. 00:33:06.500 --> 00:33:08.039 There are people. 00:33:08.559 --> 00:33:10.240 That the wisdom they live. 00:33:10.240 --> 00:33:12.140 Was refined by fire. 00:33:12.940 --> 00:33:14.160 They went through. 00:33:14.319 --> 00:33:15.380 And walked through things. 00:33:15.680 --> 00:33:17.279 And what they understand now. 00:33:17.720 --> 00:33:18.619 The wisdom. 00:33:18.619 --> 00:33:19.940 That you can receive from them. 00:33:20.279 --> 00:33:21.500 Has been purified. 00:33:21.839 --> 00:33:23.059 How many people. 00:33:23.279 --> 00:33:24.819 Do we only hear. 00:33:24.960 --> 00:33:26.519 That are regurgitating other ideas. 00:33:26.880 --> 00:33:27.720 They have not lived it. 00:33:27.900 --> 00:33:28.440 They know nothing. 00:33:28.940 --> 00:33:29.880 It's not pure wisdom. 00:33:30.099 --> 00:33:31.099 It hasn't been purified. 00:33:31.099 --> 00:33:32.939 The people. 00:33:33.159 --> 00:33:35.039 Whose wisdom is pure. 00:33:35.219 --> 00:33:36.159 It's been purified. 00:33:37.159 --> 00:33:38.299 But the wisdom from above. 00:33:38.399 --> 00:33:38.919 Is pure. 00:33:39.919 --> 00:33:41.019 Then peaceable. 00:33:41.980 --> 00:33:42.419 Also. 00:33:42.639 --> 00:33:43.339 What a powerful word. 00:33:43.839 --> 00:33:45.039 Wisdom is not. 00:33:45.159 --> 00:33:46.159 The wisdom that comes from above. 00:33:46.339 --> 00:33:47.439 Is not divisive. 00:33:47.839 --> 00:33:48.759 It's peaceable. 00:33:49.119 --> 00:33:49.500 Again. 00:33:49.759 --> 00:33:51.219 Think about the intellectual climate. 00:33:51.339 --> 00:33:51.859 We live in. 00:33:52.099 --> 00:33:53.259 All of our echo chambers. 00:33:53.619 --> 00:33:54.859 Think about how divisive. 00:33:54.959 --> 00:33:55.799 The different perspectives. 00:33:55.799 --> 00:33:56.459 That we can. 00:33:56.779 --> 00:33:57.559 Then repeat. 00:33:58.159 --> 00:33:58.899 Think about the. 00:33:58.900 --> 00:34:00.560 The assumption of divisiveness. 00:34:01.240 --> 00:34:02.060 In the. 00:34:02.460 --> 00:34:03.759 Worldly versions of wisdom. 00:34:04.019 --> 00:34:04.680 That surround us. 00:34:05.220 --> 00:34:06.040 It's peaceable. 00:34:06.980 --> 00:34:08.119 And gentle. 00:34:08.800 --> 00:34:09.119 Gentle. 00:34:09.460 --> 00:34:10.380 Think about gentle. 00:34:10.500 --> 00:34:11.160 Versus harsh. 00:34:11.940 --> 00:34:12.440 Feel like. 00:34:12.579 --> 00:34:12.980 It's like. 00:34:13.220 --> 00:34:14.599 An assumed aspect. 00:34:14.820 --> 00:34:15.760 Even on the conservative. 00:34:15.920 --> 00:34:16.740 Christian side of things. 00:34:16.820 --> 00:34:17.940 Of just being harsh. 00:34:18.280 --> 00:34:18.820 Like that's just. 00:34:19.000 --> 00:34:19.980 How you're supposed to be. 00:34:20.039 --> 00:34:20.980 As an intellectual Christian. 00:34:21.340 --> 00:34:21.940 It's just like. 00:34:22.280 --> 00:34:22.639 Harsh. 00:34:22.639 --> 00:34:23.500 And dogging on people. 00:34:23.660 --> 00:34:23.980 All the time. 00:34:24.760 --> 00:34:25.900 The wisdom that comes from above. 00:34:26.079 --> 00:34:26.639 Is gentle. 00:34:26.639 --> 00:34:29.980 Open to reason. 00:34:30.199 --> 00:34:31.019 Another good one. 00:34:31.339 --> 00:34:32.799 We should not be an echo chamber. 00:34:33.599 --> 00:34:34.420 We should desire. 00:34:34.659 --> 00:34:35.259 And be open. 00:34:35.440 --> 00:34:35.940 To hear. 00:34:36.059 --> 00:34:37.139 Other people's perspectives. 00:34:37.299 --> 00:34:38.039 We should give. 00:34:38.440 --> 00:34:39.000 Perspective. 00:34:39.379 --> 00:34:40.319 It's light in the sun. 00:34:40.599 --> 00:34:41.480 We should not be these people. 00:34:41.559 --> 00:34:42.879 That are trying to silence others. 00:34:43.179 --> 00:34:44.319 We should be open to reason. 00:34:44.420 --> 00:34:44.980 That's the wisdom. 00:34:45.059 --> 00:34:45.819 That comes from above. 00:34:46.960 --> 00:34:48.319 Full of mercy. 00:34:48.639 --> 00:34:48.940 Again. 00:34:49.099 --> 00:34:49.799 Character trait. 00:34:50.299 --> 00:34:51.339 The Lord's wisdom. 00:34:51.339 --> 00:34:52.699 Is concerned with our character. 00:34:52.699 --> 00:34:53.899 Also. 00:34:55.980 --> 00:34:56.579 How much. 00:34:56.799 --> 00:34:58.259 Of the spirit of the age. 00:34:58.819 --> 00:34:59.179 How much. 00:34:59.399 --> 00:35:00.219 Our perspectives. 00:35:00.480 --> 00:35:01.559 Primed for judgment. 00:35:01.980 --> 00:35:02.839 Those who don't agree. 00:35:03.419 --> 00:35:04.319 Those are the ones we judge. 00:35:04.539 --> 00:35:05.739 It's full of mercy. 00:35:06.399 --> 00:35:07.739 And good fruit. 00:35:07.899 --> 00:35:08.319 Again. 00:35:08.439 --> 00:35:09.699 A reference to conduct. 00:35:11.000 --> 00:35:11.519 Impartial. 00:35:13.279 --> 00:35:13.799 Impartial. 00:35:14.000 --> 00:35:14.579 This is like. 00:35:14.759 --> 00:35:16.199 Not showing favoritism. 00:35:16.559 --> 00:35:17.379 How much are we. 00:35:17.659 --> 00:35:18.679 In this day and age. 00:35:19.439 --> 00:35:20.079 So. 00:35:20.079 --> 00:35:21.759 Primed. 00:35:21.920 --> 00:35:22.880 To show favoritism. 00:35:23.039 --> 00:35:24.360 To those who agree with us. 00:35:25.559 --> 00:35:27.000 And to condemn those who don't. 00:35:28.920 --> 00:35:30.159 And sincere. 00:35:31.579 --> 00:35:32.759 I feel like sincerity. 00:35:33.400 --> 00:35:34.900 Is such a. 00:35:37.000 --> 00:35:38.099 Sincerity is such. 00:35:38.279 --> 00:35:39.480 A powerful thing. 00:35:40.059 --> 00:35:41.579 Especially because we live in a day and age. 00:35:41.699 --> 00:35:42.639 So superficial. 00:35:43.199 --> 00:35:44.739 We live in the Instagram day and age. 00:35:44.799 --> 00:35:45.719 Where everything's a performance. 00:35:46.019 --> 00:35:47.739 When you find people that are sincere. 00:35:48.039 --> 00:35:49.019 What a powerful fruit. 00:35:49.019 --> 00:35:50.699 What a powerful fruit of the spirit. 00:35:51.420 --> 00:35:51.900 Also. 00:35:52.440 --> 00:35:54.179 Think about how powerful sincerity is. 00:35:54.800 --> 00:35:56.599 In context of faith. 00:35:57.059 --> 00:35:59.179 When you see people whose faith is so sincere. 00:35:59.519 --> 00:36:00.579 This is totally an aside. 00:36:00.880 --> 00:36:02.300 But one of the things that I notice. 00:36:02.679 --> 00:36:04.579 Even in the lineage of faith. 00:36:04.920 --> 00:36:06.420 One of the things that I've always noticed. 00:36:06.940 --> 00:36:08.619 Is children who tend. 00:36:09.360 --> 00:36:10.780 To go down the path. 00:36:11.440 --> 00:36:12.960 Of their parents faith. 00:36:13.360 --> 00:36:14.940 The parents tend to be sincere. 00:36:15.659 --> 00:36:17.400 There's something about insincerity. 00:36:17.400 --> 00:36:18.740 When combined with faith. 00:36:18.740 --> 00:36:19.639 That's a really hard time. 00:36:19.700 --> 00:36:21.380 Reproducing itself into the next generation. 00:36:22.139 --> 00:36:22.660 You know what I'm saying? 00:36:23.059 --> 00:36:24.360 There's something about sincerity. 00:36:24.860 --> 00:36:25.740 That is so. 00:36:26.039 --> 00:36:27.360 This is no scripture that says this. 00:36:27.460 --> 00:36:29.780 But it's so good at reproducing itself. 00:36:30.180 --> 00:36:30.700 Sincerity. 00:36:30.940 --> 00:36:31.599 So powerful. 00:36:33.500 --> 00:36:35.180 And a harvest of righteousness. 00:36:36.180 --> 00:36:37.740 Is sown in peace. 00:36:38.440 --> 00:36:40.740 By those who make peace. 00:36:40.739 --> 00:36:43.459 So James' definition of wisdom. 00:36:43.919 --> 00:36:44.899 Is a lot closer. 00:36:45.319 --> 00:36:46.819 To maybe some of Paul's definition. 00:36:47.179 --> 00:36:48.519 Of let's say the fruit of the spirit. 00:36:48.619 --> 00:36:49.119 Or of love. 00:36:49.579 --> 00:36:51.099 This is not the kind of definition. 00:36:51.579 --> 00:36:53.500 That this day and age would assign wisdom. 00:36:54.299 --> 00:36:55.539 The wisdom of this day and age. 00:36:55.619 --> 00:36:57.159 Has a lot to do with knowledge and cleverness. 00:36:57.539 --> 00:36:58.179 But James. 00:36:58.459 --> 00:37:00.179 Almost all of it has to do with character. 00:37:03.179 --> 00:37:03.579 Wow. 00:37:03.659 --> 00:37:04.799 I'm doing way better on time. 00:37:04.839 --> 00:37:05.739 Than I thought I was going to. 00:37:06.279 --> 00:37:06.519 Glory. 00:37:06.579 --> 00:37:06.799 Hallelujah. 00:37:07.239 --> 00:37:07.459 Okay. 00:37:07.460 --> 00:37:07.900 So. 00:37:09.480 --> 00:37:11.300 Just to bring this all back around. 00:37:12.679 --> 00:37:15.400 When I was in early high school. 00:37:15.760 --> 00:37:17.240 I first started really following the Lord. 00:37:17.880 --> 00:37:19.280 The first book. 00:37:19.780 --> 00:37:21.699 That really captivated me. 00:37:22.240 --> 00:37:23.240 Well the first two books. 00:37:23.400 --> 00:37:24.340 Were the Gospel of John. 00:37:24.860 --> 00:37:25.639 And the Book of James. 00:37:26.039 --> 00:37:27.519 I love the Book of James. 00:37:27.679 --> 00:37:28.860 I read it constantly. 00:37:29.280 --> 00:37:30.480 And there was about a two year window. 00:37:30.800 --> 00:37:33.039 Where I probably read the Book of James every month. 00:37:33.500 --> 00:37:35.099 And anytime I read it. 00:37:35.500 --> 00:37:36.900 That first paragraph. 00:37:37.460 --> 00:37:40.019 Where it gives the call to wisdom. 00:37:40.280 --> 00:37:41.260 I always prayed. 00:37:41.380 --> 00:37:42.420 That the Lord would grant me wisdom. 00:37:42.639 --> 00:37:43.099 Because it's like. 00:37:43.159 --> 00:37:44.699 He's given us that as a promise. 00:37:45.380 --> 00:37:46.300 And I believe. 00:37:46.820 --> 00:37:47.920 The best way. 00:37:48.059 --> 00:37:49.059 To be primed. 00:37:49.119 --> 00:37:50.559 And to think about the Book of James. 00:37:51.099 --> 00:37:52.440 Is to receive it. 00:37:52.440 --> 00:37:53.179 Like I said. 00:37:53.559 --> 00:37:55.099 As something that is fulfilling. 00:37:55.099 --> 00:37:56.079 That very call. 00:37:56.720 --> 00:37:57.760 James is concerned about. 00:37:57.900 --> 00:37:59.440 Instilling wisdom in our very life. 00:37:59.519 --> 00:38:00.500 And as we trek through wisdom. 00:38:00.760 --> 00:38:01.900 Or trek through the Book of James. 00:38:01.900 --> 00:38:03.420 Notice. 00:38:03.420 --> 00:38:03.619 Notice. 00:38:03.619 --> 00:38:05.360 That almost everything. 00:38:05.360 --> 00:38:06.700 He refers to. 00:38:06.700 --> 00:38:08.960 Is something that can be practically. 00:38:08.960 --> 00:38:10.460 Lived out in wisdom. 00:38:10.820 --> 00:38:13.000 Almost every single passage. 00:38:13.240 --> 00:38:15.559 Pertains to something that is practiced. 00:38:15.559 --> 00:38:17.139 In the Christian life. 00:38:18.019 --> 00:38:19.539 James is concerned. 00:38:19.539 --> 00:38:20.820 About a wisdom. 00:38:20.820 --> 00:38:22.139 That is lived. 00:38:22.139 --> 00:38:26.379 James is concerned. 00:38:26.379 --> 00:38:27.299 About a wisdom. 00:38:27.299 --> 00:38:28.279 That comes. 00:38:28.739 --> 00:38:30.539 From the Lord being exalted. 00:38:31.420 --> 00:38:32.339 He's concerned. 00:38:32.339 --> 00:38:33.039 About a wisdom. 00:38:33.359 --> 00:38:34.559 That is from above. 00:38:37.079 --> 00:38:38.039 A wisdom. 00:38:39.000 --> 00:38:40.279 That is connected. 00:38:40.879 --> 00:38:41.779 To integrity. 00:38:43.779 --> 00:38:44.739 A wisdom. 00:38:45.139 --> 00:38:46.299 That proceeds from the Lord. 00:38:46.559 --> 00:38:47.159 And I think. 00:38:47.159 --> 00:38:48.460 The best way for us. 00:38:48.460 --> 00:38:49.759 To think about the Book of James. 00:38:49.759 --> 00:38:50.920 As we're getting into it. 00:38:51.039 --> 00:38:52.399 Is to receive it. 00:38:52.579 --> 00:38:54.139 As the Lord's epistle. 00:38:54.399 --> 00:38:54.980 To us. 00:38:55.159 --> 00:38:55.619 To live. 00:38:55.980 --> 00:38:57.339 A more wise. 00:38:58.699 --> 00:39:00.639 A more refined. 00:39:00.779 --> 00:39:01.379 And wise. 00:39:01.379 --> 00:39:02.219 Christian life. 00:39:02.819 --> 00:39:03.679 Built up. 00:39:04.440 --> 00:39:05.579 By the wisdom. 00:39:06.019 --> 00:39:06.799 That comes. 00:39:07.199 --> 00:39:07.639 From above. 00:39:08.799 --> 00:39:09.480 I'm going to go ahead. 00:39:09.500 --> 00:39:10.079 And close in prayer.