“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).

Question: May it be inferred from this text that purity of doctrine is placed first above all other considerations and that the defense of truth comes before peaceableness?

In endeavoring to resolve this matter, it will be helpful for us to examine the Greek word translated pure in this text and to establish its true meaning and then to verify this from other scriptural usages of the same word.

DEFINITION AND USAGE

Pure is from the Greek hagnos, defined as “chaste, pure” (Young) or “properly, clean, i.e. (fig.) innocent, modest, perfect” (Strong’s #53). In the noun form hagnotes, it means “chastity, purity,” or “state of being clean.”

This word hagnos is used only eight times in the Bible and is translated “chaste,” “clear,” and “pure” (Young). In the noun form, it is found only once, where it is translated “pureness.” The eight occurrences are as follows:

Philippians 4:8, “Whatsoever things are pure…” I Timothy 5:22, “keep thyself pure.”

James 3:17, “The wisdom from above is first pure …”

1 John 3:3, 4, “… purifieth himself, even as he is pure.” 2 Corinthians 7:11, “… ye [are] clear in this matter.”

2 Corinthians 11:2, “… as a chaste virgin to Christ.” Titus 2:4, 5, “… discreet, chaste, keepers at home.”

1 Peter 3:2, “… your chaste conversation … with fear.” The noun form (hagnotes) is found in 2 Corinthians 6:4-7, “In all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions … by pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness … by the word of truth…”

By usage then, we conclude that every instance in which hagnos is used (omitting James 3:17 which is under consideration) finds it pertaining to purity and chastity of Christian thought and conduct. No instance where it applies unmistakably to doctrine is apparent.

The one occurrence of the noun form hagnotes seems especially enlightening, 2 Corinthians 6:4-7. Here the Apostle sets forth a long list of ways by which the Christian can commend himself as a servant of God. “Pureness” (chastity or purity) is listed separately from “knowledge” and from “the word of truth,” suggesting that the purity referred to is that of Christian conduct.

CONTEXT

To properly understand the Apostle’s intent in the James 3:17 text, we need to consider it as part of the whole setting of the chapter, especially beginning with verse 13, to the end. The lesson he seems intent on conveying appears to be that there are two kinds of wisdom-heavenly and earthly (or “devilish”). Each brings forth its characteristic fruitage. If there is truly a wise man among you, he says, let him demonstrate it by the Christian conduct it produces: good works, meekness, chastity, and a nature that is peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated. These provide ample evidence of the heavenly source of the wisdom which is directing such a life.

On the other hand, if there is bitterness, envying, and strife in the heart, this is clear evidence that the wisdom producing it does not descend from above, but is “earthly, sensual, devilish.” For where envying and strife abound, there will be tumult, works of evil, and unrighteousness. Since God is not the author of tumult and evil works, such wisdom stems from Satan and should be recognized as such.

This entire chapter (James 3) seems to be devoted to a discussion of proper and improper conduct, including the use of the tongue. Seen in this context, the expression wisdom from above identifies the source of the development of true Christian character and the manifestation of the fruits and graces of the spirit. The matter of doctrine, true or false, does not seem to be under discussion in this chapter at all.

CONCLUSION

James 3:17, “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable,” etc. is sometimes quoted as justification for employing a disputatious and combative spirit in defending the purity of the truth. It is believed that at all costs and by whatever means our doctrine must be defended from all encroachment of error. Certainly the desire to hold fast the doctrines of truth in their purity is a commendable one. But neither this text nor any other in the Bible gives us license to become overly combative in doing so, or to abandon the Christian standards of conduct governing all of our actions.

James tells us pointedly, in his summarizing verse of the entire chapter, that “the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” Those who cast aside this standard on the grounds that it is justified by James 3:17 are to that extent lacking in the heavenly wisdom, which never produces bitterness, or tumult, or strife. To the contrary, the true wisdom is marked by purity of thought and conduct, and a nature that is peaceable, gentle, and easy to be approached.

Such a disposition will provide an atmosphere for open discussion of truth subjects without undue wrangling, bitterness, or fear of contamination by hearing opposing thoughts. And one directed by the heavenly wisdom need not, under any circumstances, resort to the methods of the Adversary to gain his ends. The means which are lawful and approved of God are quite sufficient for the Lord’s people in their valiant defense of the truth, and these should be consistently adhered to. If this is done, the results may confidently be left in the Lord’s hands.

“The servant of the Lord must not strive but be gentle unto all men; skillful in teaching, patient of wrong, gently correcting those who put themselves in opposition; for perhaps God will give them a change of mind to a full knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:24-25, composite translation).

– Charles Redeker

 

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