Two Categories of Wisdom

By Larry McAden, Retired Pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, Snyder, TX

Read James 3:14-16.

Does it bother you when an athlete arrogantly struts around after making a good play? They never used to do that. Do you think this reflects that the world is more self-seeking than it used to be? Does it seem to you that people, more and more, follow the wisdom of this world than God’s Word?

There is a sharp contrast between earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom.

There is a sharp contrast between earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom. The real test is in one’s conduct. James 3:13 tells us that a person shows that they are wise because their works are done in meekness.

True wisdom is not characterized by pride or arrogance but by gentleness. Meekness or humility can be defined as “strength under control.” Do not think that meekness is weakness or passive resignation. It is the opposite of arrogant self-assertion. Remember our Lord’s words in Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart.”

Gentleness is one of the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit that should be evident in true believers. Our Lord demonstrated this in the way He responded to the abuse heaped upon Him as He was crucified.

Paul spoke of our walk, another way of referring to our conduct in our daily lives. Ephesians 4:2 challenges us to walk “with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love.”

James 3:14 refers to bitter envy and self-seeking. These characteristics were evidenced in the Corinthian believers, whom Paul labeled as spiritual babes. The wisdom of this world says, “Get an advantage and gain prestige by any ruthless means necessary.” The Apostle Paul contrasts this attitude in his letter to the Philippians when he states, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit…”

James 3:15 even refers to such conduct as demonic. In fact, the three descriptive words referring to the wisdom that is not from above are “earthly, sensual, and demonic.” One cannot help but see the parallel with the three areas of temptation for the Christian: the world, the flesh, and the devil.      

James 3:16 shows us the result of such conduct rooted in earthly wisdom. Confusion or disorder follows self-centeredness. What a strong statement is made when “every evil thing” is added. We should not take that lightly when we examine our conduct in light of these verses.  Are you ever tempted to rationalize something you want to do as being wise even though it contradicts God’s Word? Well, join the club! Everyone since the Garden of Eden has done this, but our text reminds us that this is serious business.

Thank God for the rest of the chapter! James 3:17-18 assures us that pure, gentle, peaceable wisdom is possible through our relationship with Christ.

The three descriptive words referring to the wisdom that is not from above are “earthly, sensual, and demonic.” One cannot help but see the parallel with the three areas of temptation for the Christian: the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Reflective Questions:

1. Am I truly aware that God considers the wisdom of this world to be demonic? What are some examples of how this can be seen today? 
2. Since a theme of James is that the real test of godly wisdom lies in a person’s conduct, shouldn’t I take a moment to examine how I am fleshing out wisdom from above? How do I live out godly wisdom on a daily basis? 
3. Will I stop now and earnestly pray for God’s wisdom in my conduct, not just to prevent confusion or chaos but so that my life might better glorify our Lord? 

Memory Verse:

For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. James 3:16

Prayer: 

Dear God, I praise You for being the perfect example of wisdom. Help me to learn from the example set by Jesus Christ. Help me to exhibit heavenly wisdom rather than earthly wisdom. Help me to walk in meekness as I follow You. 

Related Scriptures:

Galatians 5:22-23; I Peter 2:23; Ephesians 4:2; I Corinthians 3:1-3; Philippians 2:2-5; I John 2:16; I Corinthians 13:4; Philippians 2:3; I Corinthians 3:19