Scripture Reading: James 3:13-18

Introduction

James addresses the subject of wisdom because Godly wisdom is needed and valued. Proverbs 8:11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

In these six verses, he approaches his subject from four perspectives. First, he discusses the proof of wisdom; then he deals with phony wisdom, he describes the essence of pure wisdom, and finally, he declares the profit and value of God given wisdom.

Let’s consider those four ideas.

I. The Proof of Godly wisdom (3:13).

• The main question, “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?
  • Two of the most sought-after qualities of human life are wisdom and knowledge.
  • James helps us identify the wise person who is “endued with knowledge”.
  • This speaks of one who is able to apply knowledge to the practical details of life.
• Wisdom is not proved by arrogant words, and angry attitudes.
  • James challenges those who think they are streetwise. They are convinced they have both wisdom and knowledge.
  • James challenges these streetwise people, to “Prove your wisdom!”
• How to do this?
  • “Show me your wisdom with a good life “With meekness of wisdom”.
  • “Show me your wisdom with a good life with “humility, which wisdom prompts.”
  • Where there is no meekness nor humility, there is no real wisdom. A good and godly life lived in the spirit of gentleness. Otherwise, it is not wise.

II. The Phony ungodly wisdom, is a demonic streetwise instinct to survive (3:14—16).

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

• James says there are particular fruits of false wisdom (v. 14).
  • These fruits are “bitter envying and selfish ambition which leads to strife.”
  • The word translated “envying” is the same Greek word from which the word zeal is derived.
  • The word literally means “to boil or bubble up.” Zeal can be both good and bad.
  • Personal zeal will either warm others or burn them!
  • Phony wisdom is streetwise survival skills that are deceitful, demonic and deadly.
• James outlines the distinctive traits of false wisdom (v. 15-16).
  • He describes this otherwise wisdom negatively: “This so-called wisdom descended not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.”
  • Then in verse 16 he describes the destructive consequences of this false wisdom. ¹⁶ For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

III. The Pure wisdom is “from above”.

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

• James says it is “first of all pure”.
  • True wisdom is above all else It is not defiled with any bad action, attitude or aspiration!
  • Heavenly wisdom is “peace-loving, considerate, submissive.”
  • True wisdom is “peaceable.”
  • It delights in promoting and making peace.
  • It is reasonable, forbearing, and courteous, and it does not always insist on its own rights.
  • True wisdom is compliant, conciliatory, willing to yield yet without compromise to evil.
• Then James says that heavenly wisdom is “full of mercy and good fruits.”
  • The word “mercy” speaks of not giving others good when they deserve bad.
  • It is a characteristic is godly because it gives grace, mercy, kindness, and love.
  • James says that Godly wisdom is “without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” It is without prejudice and does not show respect of people. It makes no distinctions. It is genuine, sincere, and unpretentious.

IV. The Profit of Godly Wisdom.

“Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness” (v. 18).

• The valuable fruit of Christ’s righteousness which is received by grace not earned by works. James 1: 5 ^“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
• The value grows in applying wisdom to everyday life. So, we grow from the seed of grace to the fruit of the Spirit.
• The seed will grow into a life full of valuable treasures stored in Heaven. Prov 8:11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Conclusion

1. What kind of wisdom characterizes your life?
2. Seek wisdom that is born of God otherwise it will be foolishness.
3. Streetwise survival skills only want to survive. Godly wisdom enables a person to thrive like the tree planted by the water.

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Thrive Song by Casting Crowns

Here in this worn and weary land-

Where many a dream has died

Like a tree planted by the water

We never will run dry

So living water flowing through

God, we thirst for more of You
Fill our hearts and flood our souls with one desire

Just to know You and to make You known
We lift Your name on high

Shine like the sun, make darkness run and hide
We know we were made

For so much more than ordinary lives
It’s time for us to more than just survive

We were made to thrive

Songwriters: Matthew West, John Hall.