James 3:13-18

Introduction

When we first started this series in James, I made the comment that this book is full of hard truths. And so far we’ve encountered these hard truths in two very real ways so far. I would like to take just a moment to remind us of them, because everything James is about to say in chapter 3 builds on what he has already taught us.

The first section we walked through dealt with genuine religion, which was chapter 1. I pray that we learned how we are supposed to face trials and temptations—with pure joy—knowing that God uses them to build perseverance in us and to shape us into mature believers with strong, fire tested faith. We learned that we are to be quick to listen and slow to speak, letting the Word of God shape our responses rather than our emotions.

The second section pointed us to genuine faith, running from chapter 2 through chapter 3, verse 12—right where we ended last week. There we learned how serious the sin of favoritism is in the eyes of God. We saw that genuine faith must produce obedience to Christ. And we were reminded that taming our tongue is only possible through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.

Now, this final section of James, beginning in chapter 3, verse 13 and running through the end of the letter, he deals with genuine wisdom. And let me say this gently but honestly: if you don’t think we’ve come across any hard truths yet… we just might today.

When I first started brainstorming about this message, there were things I wanted to say. But in my mind I kinda hesitated—I thought, “No, you probably shouldn’t even go there. It might offend someone. It might make people feel uncomfortable.” Then i was reminded that the gospel offends. The Word of God offends. But it is still the truth—holy, unchanging, and authoritative—no matter how harsh it may sound to our modern ears. As we can see God does all He does because He loves us.

So I will not apologize for telling God’s truth. If I withhold the hard difficult truth from someone and affirm their sins, I would not be doing what God has commanded. Gods truth sets people free. Jesus Himself spoke about this in John 8:31–32:

“If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

This morning we are going to finish up chapter 3, looking at verses 13–18. As I mentioned a moment ago, this begins James’s section on genuine wisdom. And these verses confront us with the reality that there are two kinds of wisdom shaping our world today.

Before we read the passage, let me give you a quick story to try and help frame what we’re about to see. There were two men—let’s call them Bob and Steve—who had been the best of friends since they could walk. They were inseparable well into their early thirties. Both loved the outdoors, and they often took hiking and camping trips together. One day they planned a trip into a national forest they had never explored before. There was no cell phone reception in this park—and Bob prepared for this. He packed a compass and a detailed map of the entire area. Steve, however, barely glanced at the map, acting like everything would be fine.

This trip was special to them because they were finally going to see a famous cave they had dreamed of visiting for years. After making camp, they slept well and woke before dawn to begin the hike. Bob grabbed his gear, along with the compass and map. Steve you know he kinda rushed out the tent, confident he knew where he was going.

Soon, they came to a fork in the trail. Steve confidently told Bob he was taking the left path because he believed it was a shortcut to the cave that he had seen on the map when he glanced at it. Bob, on the other hand, stayed put, pulled out his map, checked his compass, and went down the right path. Before long, Bob arrived at the cave—while Steve was nowhere to be found. He had gotten lost, wandering aimlessly through the forest, all because he was unprepared and trusted himself over the map.

This story here—its just like our lives—it shows us two kinds of wisdom. There is worldly wisdom: the shortcuts, the self-confidence, the “I know best,” and the acceptance of whatever society approves—even when it’s destructive. And then there is godly wisdom: the wisdom that corrects us, guides us, humbles us, and leads us safely down the right path.

As followers of Christ, we cannot afford to embrace the world’s version of truth. We cannot join a culture that chants, “Follow your heart,” when Scripture tells us the heart is deceitful. The world tells us, “Your truth is the truth.” The world tells us, “Live however you want.” The world tells us, “There are dozens of genders.” The world even tells us people can live in open sin and still call themselves Christians.

I’ll be blunt with you: that is a lie straight from the mouth of the father of lies!!.

The Bible says:

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Cor 5:17)

You cannot cling to old sin and claim new life at the same time.

This morning we’re going to look at what James says about these two kinds of wisdom—and how they are shaping the world we live in today. One leads to confusion, chaos, and destruction. The other leads to peace, righteousness, and a life that honors the Lord.

Let’s look together at what God has to say.

Section 1 v.13

As we open this final major section of James, he starts with a question that should pop out at us. Verse 13 says:

“ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”

James isn’t asking who thinks they’re wise. He’s not asking who has opinions, who’s loud, who’s clever, or who can win an argument. He’s just plainly asking: “Who actually has wisdom that comes from God?”

And the evidence, as James says, is not found only in your vocabulary but in your life.

Sam Storms, a great preacher, author, and theologian, makes a point that’s worth hearing: biblical wisdom is never shown by the one who talks the most, but by the one who walks the most like Jesus. Real wisdom is not measured in words alone but in works. Not in knowledge but in character. Not in pride but in humble obedience.

James says: “Show me your wisdom by your good conduct.” That phrase means a pattern, a habit, a lifestyle shaped by the Word of God. Not a moment. Not a Sunday morning mask. A life.

And this right here cuts straight across the grain of the world we live in. Because today, the world treats “wisdom” as something fluid—something you can invent for yourself. We live in a culture where everyone becomes their own compass, their own map, their own standard of truth. Just like Steve in the story, people confidently walk into total destruction because they trust their feelings more than God’s Word.

People today say: “I don’t need God’s Word; I have my truth.” “I don’t need repentance; God understands.”

And that is not wisdom, not even in least part of it. That is rebellion dressed up as enlightenment.

As Proverbs 9:10 says,

Proverbs 9:10 ESV

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,     and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

The late John MacArthur points out that wisdom disconnected from righteousness is nothing more than arrogance. And that’s exactly what James is exposing. The world claims a wisdom rooted in self—self-expression, self-glorification, self-identity. But God says wisdom is rooted in meekness—humility, surrender, and submission to the Lordship of Christ.

That word “meekness” is important. As Brother Kenny Overstreet said when he was here a few weeks back. Meekness does not mean weakness. It means strength under control. It means a life yielded to God’s authority. It means you don’t have to prove yourself, promote yourself, or push yourself into the spotlight.

Meekness is the posture of someone who knows they belong to Jesus.

In other words: Wisdom that does not lead to humility is not wisdom at all.

Now, let me bring this right into our world today, because James’s words could not be more relevant.

We live in a generation that celebrates arrogant wisdom. The loudest voices? The boldest sinners? The most unrestrained lifestyles? The most rebellious identities? These are the people society calls “brave,” “authentic,” “wise,” and “free-thinkers.”

And yet James says that real wisdom is quiet, steady, consistent, humble, holy, and obedient.

You know how upside down our world has become?

Our culture now calls evil good and good evil. God says He created two genders—male and female. The world says, “There are dozens.” God says sexual sin destroys. The world says, “It’s freedom.” God says drunkenness, gossip, pride, greed, and anger lead to death. The world says, “Do what makes you happy.” God says His truth is unchanging. The world says truth is whatever you feel today.

And then the world has the audacity to call that wisdom.

If you dont hear nothing else i say this morning, I want you to hear this, Any “wisdom” that contradicts Scripture is not wisdom from God. It may be popular. It may be applauded. It may be normalized. It may be protected by laws and courts and media and culture.

But it is not wisdom. It is deception.

James tells us where real wisdom begins: good conduct flowing from meekness, which flows from a heart that belongs to Christ.

You cannot live in pride and say you have wisdom. You cannot live in rebellion and say you follow Jesus. You cannot reject God’s standard and say you’re walking in truth.

genuine wisdom begins with a genuine life. And genuine life begins with genuine surrender—bowing the knee to Christ and letting His Word shape every step we take.

So James looks at us and says: “If you claim wisdom, show it.” Show it in your marriage. the way you speak. how you treat people, and your decisions.

This world doesn’t need more loud Christians. It needs more wise Christians. More humble Christians. More Christlike Christians.

Because real wisdom—the wisdom from above—never points people to us. It points them straight to Jesus.

Section 2 v 14-16

If Section 1 showed us what genuine wisdom looks like, James now turns the spotlight onto its opposite—false wisdom, flesh-driven wisdom, worldly wisdom that pretends to be deep but leads only to destruction.

James says:

“But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.  Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”

Church, these are among some of the strongest speeches James uses and he really holds nothing back. He pulls no punches. He exposes worldly wisdom for what it really is: earthly… unspiritual… demonic.

This is God’s assessment—not the world’s. And if God calls something demonic, you and I better take it seriously.

James begins with what fuels false wisdom:

“bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts.”

These aren't small words. “Bitter jealousy” means a sharp, resentful spirit—one that burns when others succeed or get attention. “Selfish ambition” means a drive centered on self—self-advancement, self-glory, self-promotion.

This is the exact opposite of meekness.

It’s the kind of heart that says: “I want what I want.” “I deserve to be happy.” “No one tells me what to do—not even God.”

And yet, that is the creed of our culture.

That is the anthem of the age we are living in.

We are surrounded by a society that worships self. Self-made. Self-defined. Self-approved. Self-centered.

People today form identities, lifestyles, and moralities rooted in nothing but their own feelings—and then they have the audacity to call that wisdom, authenticity, and courage.

But James says that kind of wisdom doesn’t come from above. It comes from below.

James says:

“Do not boast and be false to the truth.”

Worldly wisdom always brags. It always boasts.

People today boast in things that break God’s heart:

They boast in lifestyles God calls sin. confusion God never designed. rebellion they think is freedom. and sexual identities God condemns. They also boast in rejecting Scripture because they “found their truth.”

Sam Storms again points out that worldly wisdom is always self-justifying—it creates a narrative where sin is celebrated, repentance is mocked, and conviction is labeled “hate.”

And boy don’t we see that today? When Christians speak truth, the world says, “That’s bigoted.” When Christians hold to biblical purity, the world says, “That’s outdated.” When Christians refuse to affirm sin, the world says, “That’s hateful.”

But church, God has never apologized for the truth, and neither should we.

Worldly wisdom cannot be reasoned with because it refuses to submit to the truth. It is false at its core.

James gives three descriptions of worldly wisdom—and each one gets more shocking:

(1) Earthly

It is limited to this fallen, sinful world. It has no eternal perspective. It only asks, “What feels good right now?” It lives in the temporary, the fleshly, the here-and-now.

(2) Unspiritual

It has no connection to the Spirit of God. It is ruled by cravings, impulses, lusts, passions, and emotions. It is the natural man trying to live without the supernatural God.

(3) Demonic

James says worldly wisdom is demon-influenced.

Think about that.

Any worldview… any identity… any movement… any ideology… any lifestyle… that contradicts God’s Word is not just wrong—it is spiritually energized by the enemy.

Satan’s agenda has always been the same: confuse truth, corrupt identity, distort desires, and destroy lives.

And the tragic thing is this: The world calls this darkness “wisdom.” God calls it demonic delusion.

James concludes with this sobering line:

“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”

Where earthly wisdom rules, chaos follows.

No exceptions.

This is why our world looks the way it does. Confusion in identity. Chaos in families. Division in churches. Riots in streets. Corruption in leadership. Twisted morality in schools. Debased entertainment. Aggressive rebellion against God.

James is saying: What we are seeing in our culture is not psychological confusion, political misdirection, or social evolution— it is spiritual warfare produced by false wisdom.

Where self reigns, sin reigns. Where pride reigns, perversion reigns. Where “my truth” reigns, destruction reigns.

And until people reject the lies of the world and surrender to the wisdom of God, the chaos will only continue.

Let me say this with all the love and urgency God expects

The church must never let worldly wisdom inside.

We cannot let culture disciple us and let our feelings lead us.. We cannot let the world pressure us into approving what God condemns.

Section 3 v.17

After exposing the destruction of worldly wisdom, James now lifts our eyes to something better—wisdom from above. James 3:17 says:

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

What a contrast. One wisdom produces chaos and confusion. The other produces holiness and peace.

James gives us clear marks of heavenly wisdom—evidence that God is at work in a person’s life.

1. Wisdom From Above Is First Pure

James starts with purity because nothing else matters without it. Godly wisdom is not mixed with sin, compromise, or cultural pressure.

The world celebrates what God condemns. The world calls sin “identity.” The world calls rebellion “freedom.” The world calls confusion “truth.”

But wisdom from above never redefines holiness. It leads us away from sin, not deeper into it.

2. Wisdom From Above Is Peaceable and Gentle

This is not peace at any cost—it is peace rooted in truth.

Worldly wisdom creates division and hostility. Heavenly wisdom brings stability, unity, and reconciliation.

Gentleness does not mean compromise. It means we speak truth with compassion, not cruelty—just like Jesus did.

3. Wisdom From Above Is Open to Reason

This means teachable, humble, and willing to be corrected.

The world says, “No one can tell me I’m wrong.” Heavenly wisdom says, “Search me, O God.”

Godly wisdom submits to Scripture, not feelings. It welcomes correction instead of resisting it.

4. Wisdom From Above Is Full of Mercy and Good Fruit

Mercy does not ignore sin—it points sinners to grace. We love people enough to tell them the truth, because sin destroys and Christ saves.

And this wisdom produces fruit you can see: \integrity, love, faithfulness, and obedience.

The world can imitate emotion—but it cannot produce spiritual fruit.

5. Wisdom From Above Is Impartial and Sincere

Heavenly wisdom doesn’t bend truth to fit culture. It doesn’t play favorites. It doesn’t wear masks.

In a world filled with hypocrisy, godly wisdom is honest, consistent, and rooted in God’s unchanging Word.

Why does This Matter

Because this is the wisdom our world desperately needs. Not louder opinions. Not new definitions of truth. But hearts and lives shaped by the wisdom of Christ.

When God’s people walk in wisdom from above, we shine as light in a dark and confused world.

Section 4 v18

James closes this section with a verse that is both beautiful and challenging. After showing us the danger of false wisdom and the beauty of wisdom from above, he now shows us the result of the wisdom we choose to live by.

James 3:18 says:

“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”

James is telling us something exciting here: Wisdom always produces a harvest. Every belief, worldview, lifestyle, and “truth” sows seeds—and those seeds always grow into something.

Worldly wisdom sows chaos, confusion, pride, and rebellion. And we are seeing its harvest all around us—broken families, confused identities, moral decay, violence, division, and spiritual emptiness.

But wisdom from above sows peace—and it produces righteousness.

1. Godly Wisdom Always Produces Fruit

James uses farming language for a reason. A farmer doesn’t plant seeds and expect nothing to grow. And you and I cannot live by wisdom from above and not be changed.

When godly wisdom takes root in a heart, it produces visible fruit: right relationships, right priorities, right living, and right worship.

And notice James doesn’t say this harvest is forced, demanded, or manipulated. It is sown—patiently, faithfully, obediently.

This is the slow, steady work of God in the life of a believer called progressive sanctification.

2. Peacemakers Plant Seeds, Not Grenades

James says this harvest is “sown in peace by those who make peace.”

This does not mean we avoid truth, compromise doctrine. And this does not mean we stay silent about sin.

It means we don’t weaponize truth.

The world thrives on outrage, shouting, canceling, and destruction. God’s people are called to something different.

We speak truth firmly—but lovingly. We confront sin—in love, not triumph. We stand on Scripture—but with humility, not arrogance.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Not peacekeepers. Peacemakers—those who actively bring God’s truth and grace into broken situations.

3. Peace Is Not the Absence of Conflict, but the Presence of Christ

Biblical peace does not mean everyone agrees. It means Christ reigns.

When Jesus rules a heart, peace follows—even in a hostile world. Even when culture pushes back and truth is rejected.

The world cannot understand this peace because it doesn’t know the Prince of Peace.

And this is where the contrast becomes crystal clear:

Worldly wisdom creates noise. Godly wisdom creates nourishment.

Worldly wisdom divides. Godly wisdom restores..

4. The Question James Leaves Us With

James doesn’t just inform us—he confronts us.

What kind of seeds are you planting? What kind of wisdom is shaping your decisions? What kind of harvest is being grown in your life?

If your life is filled with constant conflict, bitterness, confusion, and compromise, James would lovingly ask: What wisdom are you living by?

But if your life is marked by humility, peace, righteousness, and obedience—even in a broken world—that is evidence of wisdom from above.

A Final Word Before We Close

In a world that celebrates self, confusion, rebellion, and counterfeit truth, God is calling His people to stand out—not in arrogance, but in wisdom.

We don’t follow the crowd. We don’t bow to culture. We don’t rewrite Scripture.

We walk in the wisdom that comes from above.

Because only that wisdom leads to peace. Only that wisdom leads to righteousness. And only that wisdom leads to life.

Conclusion & Invitation

As we bring yet another message to a close, James leaves us standing at a crossroads. And the truth is, every single one of us is standing there whether we realize it or not. Do you have your compass and map?

On one side is the wisdom of this world—loud, proud, self-centered, constantly shifting, and completely opposed to God. It promises freedom but delivers bondage. It promises identity but produces confusion. It promises happiness but leaves people empty, broken, and lost.

On the other side is the wisdom from above—pure, peaceable, gentle, sincere, and rooted in the unchanging truth of God’s Word. It doesn’t always feel easy. It doesn’t always align with culture. But it leads to righteousness, peace, and life.

James has shown us something very clearly today: Wisdom is not neutral. You are either being shaped by the wisdom of God or by the wisdom of the world. There is no middle ground.

And here’s the hard truth we can’t avoid: The reason our world looks the way it does is because it has rejected God’s wisdom and embraced its own. And the danger for the church is not just persecution from the outside—but compromise on the inside.

we cannot claim Christ and cling to culture at the same time. We cannot say Jesus is Lord and then redefine His truth. We cannot say we follow the Word while living by our feelings. We cannot call sin freedom and still expect peace.

James has been clear from the beginning of this letter: Genuine religion shows itself. Genuine faith proves itself. And genuine wisdom reveals itself.

So let me ask you the most important question of the morning: What kind of wisdom is shaping your life?

Look at your decisions. priorities. attitudes. Look at how you speak and treat others. Look at what you celebrate.

Because wisdom always leaves evidence.

Some of you may be sitting here today realizing that much of your thinking has been shaped more by the world than by the Word. And hear me clearly—this is a message meant to wake you up.

The world is discipling people every single day. Through screens. schools. entertainment. social media. Through voices that hate God and mock His truth.

And if we are not intentionally rooted in Scripture, we will drift—slowly, subtly, and dangerously.

James is calling us back. Back to truth. Back to wisdom from above

And here’s the good news,—this is not about trying harder or being smarter. True wisdom is not something you manufacture. True wisdom is found in a Person.

The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God.

He lived the perfectly pure life we never could. He spoke truth with grace and authority. He walked in humility and obedience. And then He went to the cross—not because He lacked wisdom, but because He loved sinners.

At the cross, Jesus bore the punishment for our foolishness, our pride, our rebellion, our sin. And three days later, He rose again—victorious over sin, death, and the lies of this world.

The same Jesus now invites us to turn from false wisdom and follow Him

So this morning, I want to give an invitation

First — To the Believer

If you are saved, but you know in your heart that you’ve allowed worldly thinking to creep in… If you’ve compromised where you shouldn’t have… If you’ve been quiet when you should have stood firm… If you’ve been shaped more by culture than by Christ…

Today is the day to repent in faith. Ask God to realign your heart with His wisdom. Ask Him to cleanse your mind with His Word. Ask Him to help you walk in wisdom from above in a dark world that desperately needs the light.

If you are here today and you don’t know Jesus in the way you should—if you’ve been living by your own truth, your own wisdom, your own way— that path will not lead to life.

Jesus offers forgiveness and a new life. He offers true wisdom.

The Bible says in Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

You don’t have figure everything out first. You come just as you are—and He makes you new.

The world does not need Christians who blend in. It needs believers who walk in wisdom from above. People who love deeply. Stand firmly. Speak truth. And point others to Jesus.

Choose your wisdom carefully—because the harvest is coming very soon

And may we be a people who sow peace, walk in righteousness, and live for the glory of God alone.