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James 1:20
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Proverbs 11:18,28,30
The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousnessshall be a sure reward…

Isaiah 32:16,17
Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field…

make.

Matthew 5:9
Blessedare the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

who sow in peace
The imagery of sowing in peace suggests a deliberate and ongoing effort to cultivate an environment of tranquility and goodwill. In agricultural terms, sowing requires patience and care, indicating that peacemaking is a process that takes time and dedication. This aligns with the biblical principle of reaping what one sows (Galatians 6:7-8), emphasizing that actions rooted in peace will yield positive outcomes. The cultural context of the time, where agriculture was a central part of life, would make this metaphor particularly resonant with the original audience.

reap the fruit of righteousness
The concept of reaping the fruit of righteousness implies that the efforts of peacemakers will result in a harvest characterized by moral integrity and justice. Righteousness in the Bible often denotes a right relationship with God and others, and the "fruit" signifies the visible outcomes of living according to God's will. This phrase connects to the broader biblical theme of righteousness as a gift from God, achieved through faith (Romans 3:22) and manifested in actions (Philippians 1:11). The historical context of James, addressing early Christian communities facing internal and external conflicts, underscores the importance of righteousness as a communal and individual pursuit.

James 3:18 opens by spotlighting “Peacemakers.” Scripture repeatedly commends those who actively foster harmony under God’s authority.

• “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

• “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)

• God “gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18)

Living this out looks like:

– Refusing gossip or divisive talk (Proverbs 16:28).

– Speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

– Carrying the “gospel of peace” wherever we go (Ephesians 6:15).

Peacemakers mirror the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), intentionally healing relationships.

The verse moves from identity to action: peacemakers “sow.”

• “Whatever a man sows, he will reap.” (Galatians 6:7-8)

• “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)

Sowing is:

– Ongoing—seeds are scattered daily through words, attitudes, choices.

– Purposeful—farmers never sow by accident; neither do disciples.

– Hidden at first—seed disappears beneath the soil, yet God sees (Matthew 6:4).

Practical seeds include a gentle answer (Proverbs 15:1), a prompt apology (Matthew 5:23-24), and intercessory prayer (1 Timothy 2:1-2).

These seeds are scattered “in peace.”

• “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:15)

• “The peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds.” (Philippians 4:7)

Traits of sowing in peace:

– Patience that waits for growth (James 5:7).

– Gentleness that refuses retaliation (2 Timothy 2:24-25).

– Confidence in God’s sovereignty (Isaiah 26:3).

Strife tramples seedlings before they break ground (James 3:16); peace nurtures them.

God promises a harvest: “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap…”

• “Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy.” (Psalm 126:5-6)

• “The reaper… gathers a crop for eternal life.” (John 4:36)

Expect while waiting:

– God sets the timetable (Mark 4:26-29).

– Seasons of barrenness build faith (Habakkuk 2:3).

– Harvest blesses both now and eternity (1 Corinthians 3:14).

The harvest is called “fruit,” signaling life-giving results.

• “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…” (Galatians 5:22-23)

• “He who remains in Me… will bear much fruit.” (John 15:5)

Fruit is:

– Visible—others taste and see (Matthew 7:16).

– Nourishing—benefits more than the grower (Philippians 1:24-25).

– Lasting—endures eternally (John 15:16).

Finally, it is “fruit of righteousness.”

• “…filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:11)

• Discipline yields “a peaceful harvest of righteousness.” (Hebrews 12:11)

Righteousness involves:

– Right standing with God through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).

– Right conduct toward people (Micah 6:8).

– Right order in society—justice with mercy (Isaiah 1:17).

James 3:18 outlines a simple, sure cycle: believers, acting as peacemakers, deliberately plant peace; God matures that seed into a visible, satisfying harvest—the fruit called righteousness. Trust the process, keep your heart ruled by Christ’s peace, and look forward to the guaranteed reward He promises.

"Peace comes at length, though life be full of pain;

Calm in the faith of Christ 1 lay me down;

Pain for His sake is peace, and loss is gain: . . .

(1) "for them," or

(2) "by them that make peace.

This verse gives us St. James's version of the beatitude, "Blessed are the peacemakers (μακάριοι οἱ εἰρηοποιοί)" (Matthew 5:9). . . .

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