05 Wise Up - Wise Relationships

Wise Up!

Part 5: Acting Wise in Relationships

by Louie Marsh, 11-16-2025

 

Intro.

 

“¹⁸And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:18, ESV)

· Wisdom is a LIFESTYLE.

 

“¹³Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13, ESV)

· Lack of wisdom causes CONFLICT.

 

“¹⁴But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. ¹⁵This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ¹⁶For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” (James 3:14–16, ESV)

 

Relating Wisely To Others:

 

“¹⁷But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17, ESV)

1. If I’m Wise I Won’t Compromise  my INTEGRITY.

¹⁷But the wisdom from above is first pure,…

 

“⁹Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9, ESV)

 

2. If I’m Wise I Won’t Antagonize your ANGER.

…then peaceable…

 

“³It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife, but every fool will be quarreling.” (Proverbs 20:3, ESV)

³ Any fool can start arguments; the honorable thing is to stay out of them. (Pro. 20:3 GN)

 

“²⁹Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” (Proverbs 14:29, ESV)

 

²⁹A wise man controls his temper. He knows that anger causes mistakes. (Prov. 14:29 LB)

 

3. If I’m wise I won’t minimize your FEELINGS.

…Gentle…  Considerate another good translation.

“⁴A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:4, ESV)

4. If I’m wise I won’t criticize your SUGGESTIONS.

… open to reason …    Means: “approachable, congenial, open to reason”

“¹⁵The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15, ESV)

5. If I’m wise I won’t emphasize your MISTAKES.

… full of mercy and good fruits…

“⁹Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.” (Proverbs 17:9, ESV)

“¹Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1, ESV)

“¹We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” (Romans 15:1, ESV)

 

“³Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3, ESV)

 

6. If I’m wise I won’t disguise my WEAKNESSES.

 

… impartial and sincere.”   ” Means: “Straightforward & without hypocrisy”

 

“¹³Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. ¹⁴Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.” (Proverbs 28:13–14, ESV)

“²that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, ³in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ⁴I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.” (Colossians 2:2–4, ESV)