Wisdom From Above

Text

James 3:13–18 (ESV)

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.

Pray

Introduction

Good morning church, it is a privilege to open God’s Word with you.

We’ve been walking through the book of James together the past few weeks.

And we will continue to do so today. If you have your Bible, let me invite you to join me in James 3:13-18. Where I just read for us.

As you flip there, let me ask you…

QUESTION

Do you consider yourself a wise person?

…

Most of us would probably say yes.

Or at least we would want to say yes.

I mean we typically don’t like to insult ourselves.

But even if you were to answer no, I think it’s safe to say that:

We all want to be wise.

I mean, no one wants to walk around being known as foolish. No one wants to be known as someone who’s unwise. At least I wouldn’t think so.

…

What does wisdom look like anyways?

We say things like:

“He’s a really wise man”

or

“She’s wise beyond her years”

What does that actually mean?

I think we have different ideas of what we mean by wisdom.

Maybe when you think of wisdom, you think of someone with wise speech or truths. You know, like little proverbs or platitudes that are witty and clever.

Consider what some of the wise philosophers in history have said:

It was Socrates, the famous Greek Philosopher, who said, “The unexamined life is not worth living”

It was Plato, who said, “The first and greatest victory is to conquer yourself; to be conquered by yourself is of all things most shameful and vile.”

It was Aristotle, who said, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom”

An interesting statement. One we’ll revisit later.

But these men have historically been deemed as wise.

Because they said a lot of brilliant things. Is that wisdom?

Or maybe when you think of wisdom, you think of someone you know:

who is really smart,

knows a lot of things,

and seems to always have the right answer in every situation.

It just seems like they always know what to do.

Whatever comes to mind when you think of wisdom, I want to pose the question:

What if wisdom is more than just pithy sayings and people with all the answers?

What if wisdom is not just about how you think or what you say, but even more so about how you live?

And we know what the world says about wisdom… but what does God have to say about wisdom?

Sermon

Well in this section of James, starting in chapter 3 and continuing into chapter 4, he’s addressing Christians in the church who were caught up in conflict with one another.

There seemed to be an issue of dissension within the church that James felt compelled to address.

Maybe you’ve experienced that yourself in the church before. Or with your family. Or your friends.

James addresses these Christians by drawing attention to their wisdom.

He wants to challenge their idea of what wisdom really looks like.

Because they thought themselves to be wise and understanding…

But their actions said otherwise.

And James wants them to see that wisdom is beyond just their words. Their intelligence. Their abilities.

What he wants them to know, and what I want you to to know today, is that:

Argument

Your Works Reveal Your Wisdom

In our passage, James presents us with two kinds of wisdom: Worldly Wisdom, and Godly Wisdom.

And we will consider both of them.

The question I want you to keep in mind as we consider this passage is:

What kind of wisdom do I have?

What kind of wisdom do I want to have?

Verse 13

James begins by asking the question, 13 “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.”

James asks this question to sort of give his readers a challenge. A call to prove what they claim to be.

You could think of it like James saying , “You think you’re wise and understanding? That’s great! Then prove it by your good works done in meekness.”

Meekness

Now, what’s meekness?

It’s an interesting word. One we don’t hear a lot, or at least I don’t.

We see it back in James 1 where he says to “put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”

So, what does it mean?

Meekness is this idea of being gentle and humble.

Some translations use the word gentleness or humility in place of meekness.

What James is getting at is:

True wisdom isn’t aggressive, boastful, and flashy, but it’s gentle, it’s quiet, it’s humble.

The Greeks in this time perceived meekness to be weakness.

And James is saying: this couldn’t be further from the truth!

What’s interesting too is that: the same greek word behind “meekness” is also found in Matthew 11, where Jesus describes Himself as “gentle and lowly in heart”.

The truly wise person will live out their faith in Christ doing good works (just as James has often emphasized), but in a way that is meek. In a posture of humility.

In a way that isn’t about getting attention for ourselves. But about paying attention to those around us.

So you think you’re wise, James says? Then it’ll be evident by the good works you do in a spirit of meekness.

Bridge

But this was not the wisdom that these Christians were demonstrating.

In fact, it was the opposite:

The Christians that James wrote to were operating under a different kind of wisdom.

It was a Worldly Wisdom.

And James describes for us what this Worldly Wisdom looks like.

I. Worldly Wisdom (vv. 14-16)

Explanation

Look at verse 14 with me.

14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.

So instead of having a meekness about them, instead of doing good works from a gentle and humble spirit, there was bitter jealousy and selfish ambition lurking in their hearts.

What’s the connection between bitter jealousy and selfish ambition… it’s the focus of

SELF.

It’s all about SELF.

Consider bitter jealousy for a moment.

BITTER JEALOUSY

This is the jealousy that hates to see others succeed.

Where you’re bitter if someone other than you is doing well.

“I deserve that promotion, not them.”

“I should be taking that nice vacation with all the hard work I put into my job, not them.”

“I should be getting the recognition… why do they get it all?”

Bitter jealousy makes you discontent.

And it doesn’t celebrate when others succeed.

Or consider selfish ambition.

SELFISH AMBITION

This is the drive to pursue something only if it benefits us.

Only looking out for yourself and your interests.

Neglecting those in your care.

Neglecting other Christians in the church that God has called you to love and care for.

Seeking to make a name yourself.

To promote yourself before others (and ultimately, above God).

A Slippery Slope

At first, these feelings can seem right or justified.

It can seem right to be jealous over something you feel you deserve.

It can seem right to pursue “your dream” no matter the cost.

But realize: it’s a slippery, slippery slope.

You might think you can get away with a little jealousy, a little healthy ambition… but it can quickly turn into bitter jealousy, and you can easily become consumed with selfish ambition.

So ask yourself: does any of this sound like me? Bitter jealousy, or selfish ambition, or both?

A great way to find out is by asking someone close to you. See what they say.

James is saying: Listen, if you say you’re wise and understanding, but have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast about it.

Don’t boast about that kind of “wisdom” that you think you have.

It isn’t right.

It’s false. It’s denying the truth. It’s denying what real wisdom is.

And where does this kind of wisdom come from?

15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

Notice that James describes it in three ways.

IT’S EARTHLY

It’s the wisdom of this world.

As one pastor Michael Lawerence likes to say,

It’s the script that the world follows. It’s the script of our culture today.

IT’S UNSPIRITUAL

It is not the kind of wisdom that comes from the Holy Spirit.

It’s the opposite.

It comes from our flesh. Our old self, if we are in Christ.

IT’S DEMONIC

It’s the kind of “wisdom” Satan and his demons operate by.

The kind that seems right, but eventually destroys you and those around you.

OPPOSITES

What you’ll notice is: these are the opposite of what pleases God.

What should be heavenly is earthly.

What should be Spiritual is unspiritual.

What should be Godly is demonic.

And where this kind of wisdom exists, the kind that’s full of jealousy and selfish ambition, James says…

16 there will be disorder and every vile practice.

If you think the wisdom of this world will do you well, listen to James’ words: it ultimately leads to disorder and every vile practice.

Think about those words. Disorder, and every vile practice.

When bitter jealousy and selfish ambition take over, there’s no practice too vile.

You’ll do whatever it takes, you’ll go to whatever extent, to get what you want.

You can try and fool people with your worldly wisdom, but it will ultimately destroy you and others around you.

…

Bridge

James wants us to see with clarity what worldly wisdom looks like.

It appears smart.

It appears bright.

But it’s really foolish.

And it’s dark.

And it will lead to ruin.

Do you have worldly wisdom?

…

There is a different kind of wisdom, however.

One that is from above.

One that comes from God Himself.

James describes it for us in verse 17.

II. Godly Wisdom (vv. 13, 17-78)

Explanation

17 But the wisdom from above is first pure…

If you remember back to James 1 for a moment, we were told that:

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…

So we can say that wisdom from above is a gift from God.

So if it’s a gift, then how do we receive this gift?

What do we need to do?

We find the answer to this in chapter 1 also. James says,

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

We ask God for wisdom! We ask him in faith, as James says, without doubting.

Which means: we humbly ask God for wisdom, expecting Him to give it generously to us, as His Word says.

And this kind of wisdom, Godly wisdom, produces drastically different fruit in us compared to the wisdom of the world.

If you know the fruit of the Spirit.

Think of this as the fruit of Godly wisdom.

But the wisdom from above is first

Pure

It’s blameless. It isn’t tainted by sin. It has motives and intentions that are directed by God.

It’s Peaceable

It doesn’t quarrel. It doesn’t start things. It puts an end to them. It makes peace.

Completely different from worldly wisdom, which led these Christians into conflict and division (and does the same for us).

It’s Gentle

Not harsh, not aggressive, but kind, thoughtful, taking others into consideration.

It’s Open to Reason

I love this phrase.

True wisdom is open to reason.

The greek word behind this phrase literally means “easily persuaded”

Not in a gullible or foolish way, but an able to calmly listen and be reasonable kind-of-way.

Being able to submit to others when appropriate.

May we be the kinds of Christian that are open to reason.

It’s Full of Mercy and Good Fruits

A few weeks back James told us to show mercy, for God has shown us mercy.

And this wisdom from above is full of good fruits. It is producing what God intends for His people.

Like what we see in the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

It’s Impartial

Godly wisdom it does not judge others wrongly. It does not dishonor those God honors, as we learned a few chapters back.

Finally, it’s Sincere

It is genuine. It isn’t a fake or a phony. It means what it says.

…

And what’s the result of this kind of wisdom?

Instead of dividing, it unites.

Instead of starting conflict, it resolves conflict.

It produces a certain outcome that James tells us about in verse 18:

18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Notice how James focuses in on one of the words from verse 17: peace.

And he uses this gardening imagery.

Think of peace as fertile soil for a moment.

And righteousness, that which is right and pleasing to God is the fruit or the produce of it.

Without the right soil of peace, there won’t be the fruit of righteousness.

If you sow into the soil of bitter jealousy and selfish ambition, you’ll get a harvest of disorder and every vile practice.

But if you sow into the soil of peace, you’ll reap a harvest of righteousness.

So when you and I live by Godly wisdom, acting as peace makers, we are sowing into the soil of peace, which will in turn produce a harvest of righteousness.

Not a temporary return, but a long lasting return. A harvest of righteousness.

Do you want that?

Do you want this kind of peace?

Then you need Godly wisdom. You need to be a peace-maker.

Jesus says,

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

Godly wisdom produces peace makers.

We serve a God of peace.

He has made peace with sinners through Christ.

Because of us being justified by faith in Christ, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, as Paul says in Romans 5.

…

Bridge

So there’s two kinds of wisdom, James says.

Question

And the question I asked earlier, I ask you again:

What kind of wisdom do you have?

What kind of wisdom do you want to have?

Is it Godly Wisdom? That comes from above? That’s marked by meekness, peace-making, and humility?

Or is it Worldly Wisdom? That comes from the principles of this passing world? That’s marked by intelligence, impressiveness, and self-centeredness?

You see: what’s different about God is, He doesn’t operate according to the wisdom of this world.

God’s Word clearly states that the “wisdom of this age” and “rulers of this age” are “doomed to pass away”.

Remember the Aristotle quote from earlier?

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom”

Proverbs 9:10 says just the opposite. It says:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, 

Church: Worldly wisdom will not stand the test of time.

It might seem like it.

It might feel like it.

But don’t be fooled by it.

The world and it’s wisdom are what rejected Christ. It’s what put Him on the cross and crucified Him.

The message of the gospel is foolishness to the world.

Paul says this in,

1 Corinthians 1:18–19 (ESV)

18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing…

God says,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, 

and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

Those who think they’re wise apart from God look at the cross and think of it as folly. As foolishness.

“Surrender my life to a Jewish rabbi who claimed to be God and lived 2,000 years ago?”

“Give up my sinful lifestyle and desires to follow Jesus?”

“Why would I do such a foolish thing?”

But the truth is, it’s far from a foolish thing.

It’s the very thing that saves you.

Wisdom Can’t Save You

If you’ve come today thinking you can get by in life with your worldly wisdom… please know that: it will lead you down a path of disorder and destruction if it hasn’t already!

And if you think you can get on God’s good side by your impressive wisdom, your smooth speech, your intelligent insights, the Scriptures are clear: that’s not gonna cut it with God!

That doesn’t impress Him!

Look what God did:

1 Corinthians 1:27–29 (ESV)

27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.

God wants you to see that your worldly wisdom cannot save you. There is nothing to boast about in worldly wisdom.

…

It’s all coming to an end.

…

But Godly wisdom?

It’s going to last for eternity.

Because it comes from an eternal God.

He is the very source of true wisdom.

…

So how do we get Godly wisdom?

What do we need to do?

Application

We first need to:

Fear the Lord

We just read a moment ago that:

Proverbs 9:10 (ESV)

10  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, 

and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

If you want to be truly wise, you must fear the Lord.

What does it mean to fear the Lord?

It means to have a healthy reverence and awe for Him.

To not take Him lightly, as if He is an old pal or buddy of yours.

To see Him for who He truly is: Holy, Set Apart, Entirely Different from us.

To recognize He is King. He is the Creator of the Universe.

He created you to know Him. To live for Him.

But you’ve disobeyed Him. You’ve sinned against Him.

And your sin isn’t a small crime, like getting a parking ticket you can go pay for $20 and be done.

You have committed rebellion against the very God of the universe who is sustaining your breath as you sit here this very moment.

He is to be approached with reverence and utter humility, for He is a Holy God.

You need to fear the Lord. You need to also:

Trust the Lord

I mean this in two ways: trust Him for salvation, and keep trusting Him after salvation.

You must first realize that,

1 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV)

14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

Apart from God, you can’t live by Godly wisdom. For your heart and mind are closed off to it.

We don’t naturally accept and receive the things of God; we reject them.

So, to trust the Lord for salvation, you need a brand new heart. A spiritual heart. One that is not dead, but alive.

And the only way to get one is from God. He’s able to give you a new heart.

If you haven’t turned away from your sin and trusted in Christ, let me implore you: repent and believe in Jesus.

Only He can give you a new heart that fears and trusts Him.

Only He can give you Godly Wisdom and spiritual discernment.

But here’s the key: once you trust in Him for salvation, you keep trusting in Him.

You never stop trusting in Him.

It may be graduation Sunday, but you never graduate from depending on Christ.

The more you grow in Godly wisdom, the more you’ll realize how much you need Him!

So trust in the Lord, and keep trusting in the Lord daily.

Finally, you’ve gotta:

Ask the Lord

You’ve got to ask the Lord for wisdom.

James told us this in chapter 1. If we lack wisdom, we are to ASK God in faith, without doubting.

So it’s simple:

Ask God for Wisdom.

Ask Him for insight in the situations and circumstances of your life.

Ask Him for the wisdom to live a life that honors Him. To respond appropriately in difficult moments… not just with your words but with your works.

And when you ask Him, expect Him to answer. His Word says He will. And He keeps His Word.

You ask God by praying to Him.

By crying out to Him in a posture of humility.

God hears the prayers of His people. We’ll learn more about that in James 5.

When you fear the Lord, trust in the Lord, and ask the Lord for wisdom, He will give you Godly wisdom.

And you’ll continue to grow in Godly wisdom as you depend on Him daily.

Conclusion

What kind of wisdom do you have?

What kind of wisdom do you want to have?

If you’re unsure what kind of wisdom your life reveals, just know that:

Your Works Reveal Your Wisdom.

How you live shows what wisdom you operate by.

And if you want Godly wisdom, then look to Christ. He is the source of all Wisdom.

Let’s pray.