## True Wisdom

## James 3:13-18

In the previous section James dealt with the need for us to control our tongues. He specifically addressed the dangers of the improper use of the tongue and the damage that can result. Now he deals with the subject of wisdom. Just as the tongue can be used to bless or to destroy, there are two different aspects of wisdom. There is earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom.

(James 3:13) "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom."

I. The Wise Man v13

A. This verse connects the two passages.

1. In v2 the 'perfect' or mature Christian, is noted to be one who is in control of their tongue.

2. James now asks the question, "Who is a wise man … among you?"

3. How many believe themselves to be wise and mature Christians?

4. Before we are too quick to answer, James gives us the way to evaluate ourselves in light of true wisdom.

B. True wisdom is revealed by how we live, not by what we know.

1. Within our church, who are the wise teachers and leaders?

a. We may think of certain individuals who are highly educated.

b. People who are 'professionals' or Bible scholars.

c. But that isn't the criteria for wise men.

d. James never tells us to show our credentials to prove who is wise…

e. Instead, he tells us to show our wisdom by how we live.

2. The wise man is to reveal his wisdom by his actions.

a. 'A good conversation' = good behavior, which includes what we say, but also deals with our overall actions.

b. 'His works' = reminds us that our Christianity is something that is to be seen by others.

(Mat 5:16) "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

c. 'With meekness' = power or strength under control…meekness does not equal weakness!

d. Again the picture is of one who is disciplined in his behavior.

II. Earthly Wisdom. v14-16

A. Note the identifying traits of earthly wisdom. v14

1. Bitter (piercing) envying (jealousy)

2. Strife (fighting and contention) in their hearts.

3. They glory (boast) in these traits and they lie against the truth.

4. What truth? They claim to be wise, when in reality they are fools.

(1 Cor 3:18-19) "Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. {19} For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness."

B. Note the source of earthly wisdom. v15

1. It is not from above…

2. It is earthly (of this world)…

3. It is sensual (of the natural or flesh)…

4. It is devilish (demon-like)

5. In other words…it didn't come from God!

C. The proof is in the results. v16

1. Confusion (disorder and commotion)

2. Evil work (wicked deeds)

3. The source of wisdom is determined by the fruits of that wisdom.

III. Heavenly Wisdom. v17-18

A. First it is Pure (clean or innocent)

1. This result is sharply contrasted with the evil work that results from earthly wisdom.

2. It is pure because the source is pure.

3. True wisdom does not come from seeking the knowledge and wisdom of men and of this world; it comes from seeking God-from seeking the knowledge and wisdom of God.

4. The source of His knowledge is His Word.

5. We have no excuse for not possessing true wisdom…He has promised to give it to us.

(James 1:5) "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

B. Other descriptive terms used.

1. Peaceable

a. At peace with God

b. At peace with others

c. At peace with ourselves

2. Gentle

3. Easy to be intreated (good for persuasion)

4. Full of mercy and good fruits

5. Without partiality and hypocrisy.

C. These terms describe for us the character of Christ.

1. If we seek after His wisdom, we will put on His character.

2. Which is exactly what we are commanded to do!

(John 13:15) "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you."

(Phil 2:5) "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"

D. The summary verse. v18

1. This final verse summarizes all that James has been teaching about a truly godly life.

2. He uses the illustration of sowing and reaping.

3. Righteous sowing results in righteous reaping.

4. Note the comparisons made:

a. Earthly wisdom results in 'confusion' v16

b. Earthly wisdom results in 'every evil work'.

c. But God's wisdom results in the fruit of righteousness.

d. It is sown in peace by those who are 'peace-makers'

e. God's people are characterized as peace-makers.

(Mat 5:9) "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."

(Prov 6:16-19) "These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: {17} A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, {18} An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, {19} A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."

f. This is what was going on in the lives of James' readers.

g. Note: 4:1 tells us that they were not at peace, but rather they were at war.

h. Why? Because they were relying upon earthly wisdom rather than God's wisdom. (following the world's way of thinking, rather than the principles of God as revealed in His Word.)

Our wisdom is revealed by our behavior!

Are we sowing peace or discord?

(James 3:13) "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom."