Sadly, some Christians are super critical and overly opinionated. They constantly criticize others and go around boldly stating their opinion (as if they’re always right). This is a sign of pride. Of course, no Christian is perfect – we all struggle with various sins, passions, and evil pleasures. But it is important for those who follow Christ to be humble, loving, patient, kind, gentle, peaceful, and so forth (cf. Gal. 5:22). We should fight against being critical and overly opinionated. Thomas Manton does a nice job explaining moderation and Christian wisdom in his commentary on James 3:17. He said, “A truly wise Christian is moderate:”
1) In his criticism. He is not always making the worst of matters but judges charitably and favorably where things are capable of being interpreted without censure. People who examine everything by very strict rules and use harder terms than the nature of human actions requires may seem to be more wise and perceptive than others, but they show lack of this true wisdom that the apostle commends. Austerity [a severe manner] is the sign of folly. Wise Christians, in weighing actions, always allow for human frailty.
2) In his opinions. He does not urge his own opinions too much or wrest those of his adversaries beyond what they intended to odious consequences that they disclaim – a fault that has much disturbed the peace of Christendom. Charity should consider not what follows of itself from any other opinion, but what follows in the conscience of those who hold it. A person may err in logic without erring in faith; and though you may show him the consequences of his opinion, you must not make him responsible for them. To make anyone worse than he is, is the way to disgrace an adversary not reclaim him.
These are good reminders! Rather than always criticising and voicing our opinion, we should seek the wisdom from above, Christ-like wisdom, wisdom that is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17, NIV).
The above quotes are found in Thomas Manton’s (abridged) commentary on James, p. 215-216.
Shane Lems
Covenant Presbyterian Church (OPC)
Hammond, WI, 54015
The Reformed Reader Blog 