Wisdom From Above

GETTING STARTED

Do you know anyone who doesn’t like being told what to do because they think that they know everything? Some members of the early church, those who had eloquent speech and were knowledgeable, acted as though they possessed great wisdom, but they actually had a false, earthly spirit. James drew a contrast between false and true wisdom and discussed the fruit of both in the passage below. 

  • Where have you seen great wisdom displayed? Where have you seen false wisdom offered?

 READ THE WORD: JAMES 3:13-18 (ESV)

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.

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. What types of wisdom did James contrast in verses 15 and 17?
  2. How did he characterize wisdom that does not come from above (vs. 15)? How did he characterize wisdom that comes from above (vs. 17)?
  3. What type of fruit does each type of wisdom produce (vss. 16-17)?
  4. James mixed a farming term and a spiritual word with the metaphor, “harvest of righteousness.” What do you think he meant by this?
  5. What type of wisdom are you concerned with today? What kind of harvest is it reaping in your life?

RESPOND TO GOD

All too often we rely on our God-given gifts, instead of the wisdom and knowledge that come from God. Do you fan the flames of conflict and discord with your words or actions? Do you carry gossip and leave strife in your wake? There is a difference between using the gifts that God has given you and indulging in the destructive competitiveness that leads some of us to “win at all costs.” James clarified that when we have God’s wisdom, we will be peaceable, reasonable, impartial, and sincere. As Christians, we must strive to be winsome and to choose our speech carefully so that we will reflect not only the wisdom that comes from God, but God himself.

  • Ask God to replace any false wisdom in your life with his wisdom, so that the things you say and do will reflect him and his Word.