05 Wise Up - Wise Relationships

River Church Sermons

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)