James 3 - Discussion Provocation

A friend of mine just came by asking me to help him come up with some discussion questions on James 3:13-17. I talked him into including v. 18 which concludes chapter 3.

Considering I had just read James 3, I pulled the relevant passages out, and then whipped together some material for his small group that starts shortly.

After I sent him on his way, I thought it might make a good blog post, so here is what I gave him:

James 3:13-18

Who is wise and understanding among you?

By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is meekness?
2. What does it mean to “be false to the truth”?
3. How do you balance “selfish ambition” with “the desires of your heart” (Deuteronomy 14:26, Psalm 37:4, Ecclesiastes 11:9)?
4. Why does purity come before peace, gentleness, reason, mercy, and good fruits?
5. What is a harvest of righteousness?

A Fool!

• Proverbs 26:4 - Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself.
• Proverbs 26:5 - Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.

Feel free to chime in on the discussion below.