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NOVEMBER 23
with it we curse men, who have been made in 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in
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the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth your hearts, do not boast and lie against the
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proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, truth. This wisdom does not descend from
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these things ought not to be so. Does a spring above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For
send forth fresh water and bitter from the same where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion
opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear and every evil thing are there. But the wis-
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olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no dom that is from above is first pure, then
spring yields both salt water and fresh. peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy
13 Who is wise and understanding among and good fruits, without partiality and without
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you? Let him show by good conduct that his hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is
works are done in the meekness of wisdom. sown in peace by those who make peace.
DAY 22: How does James explain the difference between
the two kinds of wisdom in the world (3:13–18)?
The term “wise”in v.13 is the common Greek word for speculative knowledge and philosophy,
but the Hebrews infused it with the much richer meaning of skillfully applying knowledge to the
matter of practical living.This passage points out that two groups of people can be called wise;but
in each case, the source of wisdom and the character of the “wise”are entirely opposite.
Wisdom from above (v.17) includes the following characteristics:1) pure.This refers to spiritu-
al integrity and moral sincerity. Every genuine Christian has this kind of heart motivation (Pss.
24:3,4; 51:7; Matt. 5:8; Rom. 7:22,23; Heb. 12:14); 2) peaceable. Means “peace loving” or “peace pro-
moting” (Matt. 5:9); 3) gentle. This word is difficult to translate, but most nearly means a character
trait of sweet reasonableness. Such a person will submit to all kinds of mistreatment and difficulty
with an attitude of kind, courteous, patient humility, without any thought of hatred or revenge
(Matt. 5:10,11); 4) willing to yield. The original term described someone who was teachable, com-
pliant, easily persuaded, and who willingly submitted to military discipline or moral and legal stan-
dards. For believers, it defines obedience to God’s standards (Matt. 5:3–5); 5) full of mercy.The gift
of showing concern for those who suffer pain and hardship,and the ability to forgive quickly (Matt.
5:7; Rom. 12:8); 6) without partiality. The Greek word occurs only here in the New Testament and
denotes a consistent, unwavering person who is undivided in his commitment and conviction and
does not make unfair distinctions.

November 23
37:3 can these bones live? The many dry
bones (v. 2) picture the nation Israel (v. 11) as
Ezekiel 37:1–38:23 apparently dead in their dispersion and wait-
ing for national resurrection.The people knew
The hand of the LORD came upon me about the doctrine of individual resurrection;
37 and brought me out in the Spirit of the otherwise, this prophecy would have had no
LORD, and set me down in the midst of the val- meaning (1 Kin. 17; 2 Kin. 4; 13:21; Is. 25:8;
ley; and it was full of bones. Then He caused 26:19; Dan. 12:2; Hos. 13:14).
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me to pass by them all around, and behold,
there were very many in the open valley; and 37:4–6 Prophesy to these bones. Ezekiel is to
indeed they were very dry. And He said to me, proclaim God’s pledge to reassemble Israelites
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“Son of man, can these bones live?” from the world and restore the nation of Israel
So I answered, “O Lord GOD, You know.” to life (v. 5) and give them His Spirit (v. 14) in
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Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these
bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the promising the resurrection of the nation of
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word of the LORD! Thus says the Lord GOD to Israel and its spiritual regeneration (36:25–27).
these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to
enter into you, and you shall live. I will put
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sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover 7 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as
you with skin and put breath in you; and you I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a
shall live. Then you shall know that I am the rattling; and the bones came together, bone to
LORD.”’” bone. Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the
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