Earthly Wisdom vs. Heavenly Wisdom

READ James 3

James 3:13-18, “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”

Verse 13 briefly describes the wise man or teacher.  The Bible says, “…Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”  Biblical teachers are not only knowledgeable, but they demonstrate their wisdom humbly and meekly by means of good works (good conversation).  A godly teacher would say as Jesus said, “I am meek and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29).

Verses 14-16 describe earthly wisdom.  James speaks of jealousy in the earthly teacher (vs. 14).  He uses three primary words to speak of the origin of his wisdom.  It is earthly, sensual, and devilish (vs. 15).  Earthy wisdom comes from the world, sensual wisdom is that which originates in the lost soul of man and stands in contrast to God’s wisdom, and finally there is a devilish wisdom which proceeds from the devil himself.  Paul the Apostle warned that some people would give “heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.”   In verse 16 James refers to the harm that envy and strife can produce if left unchecked.  They produce confusion.  God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.  This confusion brings about instability. 

Verses 17-18 describe heavenly or Godly wisdom.  God’s wisdom is pure from all that is earthly, sensual, and devilish.  Divine wisdom is “peaceable” in contrast to earthly wisdom which creates confusion.  It is peace-loving.  It is gentle, that is it is fair, forbearing and considerate, in contrast to the arrogant spirit produced by earthly wisdom.  It is “easy to be entreated,” that is, it is reasonable as opposed to harsh or stubborn.  It is “full of mercy and good fruits.” God’s wisdom results in compassion for the suffering, and produces good works as opposed to the evil work of verse 16, resulting from human wisdom.  The wisdom from above is “without partiality” (literally undivided).  There is no indecision about commitment to God.  It is “without hypocrisy.” There is no attempt to pretend or to make a good impression.

In verse 16 James showed that the product of earthy wisdom is confusion and every evil work.  In verse 18 James showed that the product of divine wisdom is righteousness.  Those endued with divine wisdom are peaceable (vs. 17).  Righteousness is that which is the result of divine wisdom.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

 MEDITATIONS

1.  What traits can be seen in a truly wise person (vs. 13)?

2.  Why is earthly wisdom so terribly dangerous?  How can God’s Word keep you from the trap of false wisdom?

3.  Why does true wisdom only come from God?

4.What good fruit has true wisdom brought about in you? What about in others you know?