KBM Jealousy And Selfishness

It’s good to be back with each of you again after not being able to do this podcast for a few weeks. We are going to jump right in on our theme “Impact 3:16” having last studied from the book of Hebrews. So, today our study will focus on James 3:16. Having just discussed the dangers of the tongue and need for controlling it (James 3:1-12), James is inspired to write concerning “wisdom from above” in contrast to man’s wisdom (James 3:13-18). This is the context of our passage today in James 3:16. So let’s read James 3:13-18. James 3.13-18

James 3:13–18 (NKJV)

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

The point is, earthly wisdom is always going to be inferior to God’s wisdom. Mankind simply does not have all the information much less had any part in the creation. When men and women try and rely on their “own understanding or wisdom” things become disorderly because of the evil in selfishness and jealousy mankind has without God in their lives.

This is the reason the proverb writer was inspired by God to write in Proverbs 3:5…

Proverbs 3:5 NKJV

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;

If we listen to God concerning “everything we do” (Colossians 3:17) and live life according to God’s word “in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13) we will not fall victim to Satan and sin, but rather will be lifted up by God in our humility as the psalmist wrote in Psalm 147:6.

Psalm 147:6 ESV

6 The Lord lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground.

Jealousy and selfishness are a recipe for disaster but humility and wisdom from above are a recipe for eternity.