Worldly Wisdom vs. Divine Wisdom

One of the many reasons why some members of the church leave the church is due to conflicts. It could be conflicts with other Christians or conflicts with the church leaders and pastors. Conflicts usually arise because of severe disagreements on the interpretation of the Bible, the structure of the church leadership, or the sins committed by other Christians.

Unfortunately, many Christian churches and homes are sometimes marked by conflicts.

I am sure that all of us want to have a harmonious relationships. Perhaps at this moment, you may have a conflict with your parents, friends at school, siblings, church leaders or Christians in general. So, what is really the cause of conflicts?

is probably a good illustration. For those of you who do not know the story of Genesis, we are told that Jacob had two wives: Leah and Rachel. Jacob was the grandson of Abraham and the son of Isaac. In the context of the passage, Rachel and Leah were sisters. Leah would be the older sister. Jacob wanted to marry Rachel because she was beautiful and attractive, but Jacob got tricked into marrying Leah because it was the custom for the eldest daughter to be married first. Subsequently, Jacob married Rachel, and he loved Rachel more than Leah.

Rachel was unfortunately barren and she could not conceive a child. Leah on the other hand was able to have children.

Genesis 30:1–3 ESV

1 When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister. She said to Jacob, “Give me children, or I shall die!” 2 Jacob’s anger was kindled against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?” 3 Then she said, “Here is my servant Bilhah; go in to her, so that she may give birth on my behalf, that even I may have children through her.”

Genesis 30:1–2 ESV

Genesis 30:1-

Notice the cause of this conflict. Rachel ENVIED her sister. She did not have what her sister has and gets to enjoy. She desired the same possession, but she cannot. So, Rachel and Jacob were having a marital strife.

Notice the cause of this marital strife. Rachel ENVIED her sister. She did not have what her sister has and gets to enjoy. She desired the same possession, but she cannot. So, Rachel and Jacob were in conflict, and Rachel plans other schemes

Perhaps at this moment, you may have conflict with your parents, friends at school, siblings, church leaders or Christians in general.

The churches that James wrote to were experiencing a lot of conflict. This gives reasons why James told the Christians that not many of them should become teachers because of the danger of their tongues. Some were using their tongues in a sinful manner. In the next passage, we will see clearly:

James 4:1–2 ESV

1 What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.

The cause of conflict is probably summarized by what James says in

James 3:14 ESV

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

To address the conflict happening at the church, James will rebuke some of the Christians for having a kind of wisdom that is not from God, but it is the type of “wisdom” that comes from the world.

At the same time, desiring harmonious relationships does not mean that we compromise the truth of the Bible. Although there is room for Christians to defend the truth, they must do

The challenge for this lesson is found in in the “big idea.”

Big Idea: Seek divine wisdom, not worldly wisdom.

What is wisdom? I talked about wisdom back in the 1st chapter when addressing prayer. There may be a lot of different ideas on what wisdom is. Some think it’s like words of wisdom, such as “with great power comes great responsibility,” “patience is a virtue,” or “what does not kill you makes you stronger.” Some think it is believing in a certain philosophy or religion of this world, such as Confucius.

1. Wisdom in the Bible means to live skillfully with the fear and knowledge of God.

The book of Proverbs clearly teaches us that:

Proverbs 1:7 ESV

7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 9:10 ESV

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

To fear the LORD means to have a deep respect for God. It implies that you know this God who is to be revered and worshipped and obeyed. When you come to know God personally, you would love Him and desire Him above all things. And when you fear the LORD, that is the beginning of wisdom because you would want to obey His commandments and know what He requires you to do.

But, the Christians that James wrote to did not have wisdom as described in the Bible. READ verses 13-14.

James begins with a question: “Who is wise and understanding among you?” James likes to ask questions, especially rhetorical questions, as a way to challenge the sinful behaviour of the Christians. This is a good question for all of us to reflect on. Are we really wise? Do we really have understanding? I think this question that James asks is not meant to be answered because by responding “Me! I’m wise” we are demonstrating pride.

But, why does James ask this kind of question? James may then be challenging the Christians with a question because they think they are wise when in fact they are not since their sinful behaviour does not align with true wisdom from above.

If you are truly a wise and understanding person, you don’t need to say anything. James says, “By his good conduct / behaviour, let him show or demonstrate HIS works in the meekness of wisdom.” Words are cheap. Actions speak louder than words. More than just actions, your attitude must also speak louder than words.

James talks about the “meekness of wisdom.”

Meekness - An attitude of humble, submissive and trust in God, and a loving, patient and gentle attitude towards others.

Martin H. Manser, Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies (London: Martin Manser, 2009).

In James’ culture (and I think even in our culture), meekness, humility or humbleness was not prized as a high virtue. The reason is usually because humility demonstrates a weak and unworthy character. The Greek and Roman culture emphasized boasting, pride and strength.

However, Christianity is always counter-cultural. James commands them to show their works by their good behaviour. He’s talking about the humble, gentle and courteous behaviour, as opposed to prideful, boastful and arrogant behaviour.

When you truly know wisdom as taught in the Bible, it should produce an attitude of humility or meekness. Why? True Wisdom comes from God, not from us. God is the Creator, we are His creation. God is infinitely big, we are infinitely small compared to Him. God is all-powerful, we are not. God is in complete control over the present and the future, we are not. God is infinitely good and holy, we are wretched and sinful.

Matthew 5:5 ESV

5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

What happens when we are not pursuing meekness in our Christian life? What happens when we are not seeking divine wisdom? If we are not seeking divine wisdom, we are seeking worldly wisdom. James will explain that:

2. Worldly “Wisdom” Is Destructive. (3:14-16)

a. The Root Of Worldly “Wisdom”: Jealousy and Selfishness.

Jealousy is a negative feeling over someone else’s achievements. You may understand that feeling at school.

Selfish ambition.

Selfish Ambition is a feeling of resentment, anger, or hatred towards someone based on upon jealousy. This word usually implies that rivalry or competition. You have the feeling of wanting to be better than someone else and wanting to make others think that you are better. Another word for selfish ambition is self-seeking. You behave in a certain to make yourself look bigger than others and all you do is just for your own glory and reputation and popularity. This person would use divisiveness in order to promote his/her personal agendas.

It boils down to keeping your personal views and be so unwilling to listen to other people’s views. Only your opinions matter while you exclude other people’s opinions even thought it seems reasonable. This may be the cause or the root of conflicts in the church or in any situation. Jealousy, Envy, and Selfishness are qualities of behaviour that ruin relationships between people. They are worldly wisdom and opposite of true wisdom.

This stubborn attitude produces towards nasty kind of “wisdom.”

b. Worldly “Wisdom” Is Arrogant.

Arrogance - self-importance in an offensive manner; to be overly prideful. To boast about something by downgrading something else.

James commands us not to boast or be arrogant. Arrogance is contrary to humility and meekness. Arrogance comes with the attitude of denying something even though it is true.

Religious leaders would envious of Jesus and it led them to be so arrogant to the point of denying who He is and His power, and eventually it led to their plan of killing Him.

Proverbs 16:18 ESV

18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

c. Worldly “Wisdom” Lies Against The Truth.

What is this truth that James is mentioning? It could be speaking of the word of truth mentioned back in , . the gospel message. But, it is most probably talking about lying against the truth about what true wisdom is and does. A Bible translation would say this, “Don’t sin against the truth by boasting of your wisdom.”

To boast that you have wisdom while you are expressing jealousy and selfishness is to be false to the truth about what true wisdom is really about because true and divine wisdom must always come with meekness.

d. Worldly “Wisdom” Is From Secular Philosophy, Anti-Christian Ideas and the Evil One.

James is clear that jealousy and selfishness is not the wisdom that comes from above or from God. Worldly wisdom is earthly, unspiritual and demonic.

It comes from the

Divine wisdom is not something that you can study and learn from the world. Wisdom is from God. It is God’s gift.

First, secular philosophy of this world, something that Paul talks a lot about in 1 Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 1:20–21 ESV

20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.

1 Corinthians 1:20-

In the eyes of the world, Christianity is the most foolish thing to follow and believe in. But, God uses what seems foolish in the eyes of the world to shame secular philosophy. Perhaps, you feel that way. You feel that following Jesus and believing the Bible seems dumb to your friends and teachers, and you feel tempted not to talk about it because you may be ashamed. Let me encourage you: Stand firm and strong. Christianity, the faith that seems dumb to the world, has transformed civilizations and people’s lives for the good.

What often seems “wise” to this world is actually the most foolish thing to follow. Let me briefly use an example and it will be very controversial. In the eyes of the world, it seems “wise” to abort or murder babies in the womb because women have the choice to do whatever they want with their body and it’s called “healthcare.” However, it is a foolish thing to do because they are murdering the babies whom God is creating in the mother’s womb. It’s also not healthcare because abortion eventually affects women’s mental health. Women feel regretful and remorse over what they have done.

Second, unspiritual. It relate to things that are natural, instead of supernatural. You can call this anti-Christian or anti-Bible ideas. These ideas come from people’s sinful thoughts.

1 Corinthians 2:14 NLT

14 But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.

Third, demonic. Worldly wisdom is demonic. It comes from the evil one. Those who are developing the negative qualities are being led astray by the evil ones.

Divine wisdom is not something that you can study and learn from the world. It is not something that you can necessarily learn by watching movies, watching dramas and playing videogames. Divine Wisdom is from God. It is God’s gift.

If you develop worldly wisdom, if you cultivate jealousy and selfishness in your hearts, then watch out!

e. Worldly “Wisdom” Results In Rebellion Against Authority and Every Evil Things Unimaginable.

Worldly Wisdom fuels jealousy and selfish ambition that would cause disorder and every vile practice. It is obvious that such qualities that exist would damage the church and relationships.

Such disorder is like members of the church revolting or rebelling against the church leaders. It ruins relationships. There is lack of peace and unity, which divine wisdom should produce.

No wonder why Favouritism took place in the church. No wonder why there’s quarrelling / heated arguments in the church (4:1). This disorder is bound to break out in churches where people are pursuing their own selfish concerns rather than the good and unity of the church.

James even says that worldly wisdom results in “every vile practice.” He does not explain what it is, so we do not know exactly what he has in mind. But,

Galatians 5:19–21 ESV

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Now that I talked about worldly wisdom, let’s discover what divine wisdom is all about.

3. Divine Wisdom is from God (3:17-18)

a. Divine Wisdom Is Pure And Holy

This is the first thing we learn about divine wisdom. It is FIRST pure. Without purity, there would be no divine wisdom because God is pure and holy. Our motive for seeking wisdom is not to be smarter and wiser than others, but it must always be to love God and to serve others.

b. Divine Wisdom Is Peaceable And Harmonious

c. Divine Wisdom Is Gentle And Courteous

It means not being selfish and not insisting on your own ways. Rather, you look out for the interests of others and you learn to be kind of them.

d. Divine Wisdom Is Reasonable And Willing To Listen

You are open to reason and you are willing to consider other’s thoughts rather than stubbornly holding to your ideas. You are easily persuaded, but it does not mean you are gullible to believe everything and accept everything. You can openly consider other’s opinion as long as the truth is not compromised.

e. Divine Wisdom Is Always Merciful And Doing Godly Things

Matthew 5:7 ESV

7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Being merciful means not only having compassion for the person who is suffering for not doing anything wrong, but it is also showing compassion to the person who is suffering because of his own fault.

God is merciful to us despite the fact that we are sinners by our own fault. Because God has been merciful to us through Jesus Christ, we are also to extend mercy to other unworthy sinners.

By adding “good fruits,” James is pointing us back to regarding living faith. True faith must always produce good fruits or good works that honour and glorify God.

f. Divine Wisdom Is Impartial and Non-Judgmental

You do not show favouritism. You love everyone no matter who they are. You do not pick and choose who you hang out with and who you do not want to hang out with.

g. Divine Wisdom is Sincere And Non-Hypocritical

In other words, you are trustworthy and you are not hiding anything in front of people. You are willing to be transparent and honest with others.

h. Divine Wisdom Brings Peace And Harmony In The Community.

Divine wisdom from above can bring peace in the community. Jealousy and Selfishness can not bring this peace that James talks about.

Matthew 5:9 ESV

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

Peacemakers who sow peace in the church can produce the harvest of people who lives out righteousness/righteous life that God requires. They are the followers who live out in holiness and obedience to God.

All the things that I described are the characteristics of the LORD. They are contrast to the worldly wisdom that

4. Divine Wisdom Can Be Received By

Fearing

a. Fearing The LORD

b. Prayer (James 1:5)

You want to have healthy relationship with someone whom you do not see eye-to-eye on certain things. Perhaps you have the desire reconciliation, but you do not know how to do that. You want to hold on to your faith and you do not want to compromise, but you desire to still be friends with someone who disagrees with your religious and political views.

Conclusion

Are you acting and speaking in a way that expresses divine wisdom or worldly wisdom?

Related Media

Related Sermons