August 28, 2014
WISDOM FROM ABOVE
James 3:13–18
Steve Abney
Central Truth
There are two sources of wisdom: the world and God. Which one is always trustworthy? Which one will you trust?
Key Verse | James 3:17
But 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)
James 3:13–18
Wisdom from Above
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 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. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Dive Deeper | James 3:13–18
How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! (Proverbs 16:16)
Wisdom. It's something we are all seeking, but what is the source from which I am seeking it? Is it from the philosophies of this world or the divinely revealed Word of God? And which wisdom am I applying in my daily life? James gives us a great litmus test to find out: if it's not resulting in peace, gentleness, reasonableness, mercy, and good fruits, then I may need to check the source.
I spend many of my waking hours in the business world trying to answer the question "what would wisdom have me do?" Because I believe Genesis 1:1 and John 3:16, I know there's only one source I need to look to for wisdom, and I strive to use a biblical grid when making decisions. But in a secular business world, it can get tough. Most people in business (and life) would agree that you should make wise decisions, but not all will agree on the source of wisdom. For example, quoting Proverbs 22:7 in a management meeting on how much debt to incur to fund a cash shortfall may not go over too well, but that doesn't make it any less true!
The Book of James was a big part of my story. I was a junior in college trying to live for the world while claiming to be a Christian when I read James for the first time. I realized I was a fraud when I read James 4:4 (NASB): "You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God." Those words set me on a path toward trusting Christ and learning how to follow Him.
So what will I do today? Will I default to the wisdom this world has to offer or pursue the One who created wisdom that, in His grace, He might share it with me?
Discussion Questions
1. In what areas of your life are you in need of God's perspective? Read James 1:5 and then, in faith, pray for wisdom in those areas.
2. Is the wisdom you're employing producing the traits listed in James 3:17?
3. What worldly wisdom are you buying into that needs to be replaced with the wisdom from above?
4. For help in making biblically sound, wise decisions, check out http://www.watermark.org/am-site/media/20060312.pdf.