What Wisdom do you have?

17th July 2016

James 3:13-18 Hymns: 103, Holy

Spirit, 604

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct

let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you
have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not
boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that
comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For
where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder
and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure,
then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good
fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is
sown in peace by those who make peace.

Throughout the Bible there is a constant encouragement to

seek wisdom. In fact the whole book of Proverbs is so full of
these encouragements a blind man can miss it! For
example, in 3:13,19, we are told that,
Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one
who gets understanding for the gain of her is better
than gain from silver and her profit better than gold
The Lord by wisdom founded the earth, by
understanding He established the heavens
Moreover, in Ephesians walking in wisdom is a mark of
being spiritual life. See , 5:15-17;
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but
as wise, making the best use of the time, because
the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but
understand what the will of the Lord is. (Eph. 5:1517)
James in this passage helps to understand that there are
two types of wisdom:

Wisdom that comes from above Heavenly wisdom

Wisdom that is earthly/unspiritual/demonic

James goes on to compare these two types of wisdom in

order that it may be clear what type of wisdom you ought
to have. Because the Lord would not want anyone being
deceived to believe that he has true faith when really he
has spurious faith, in the same way, here pastor James
shows what true wisdom is, in order that we may have
nothing to do with earthly wisdom which is no wisdom at
all. True faith produces true wisdom and the opposite is
true.
1. What is the origin of?
a. Earthly wisdom
What does earthly(v. 15) mean? Negatively, it means that
this wisdom is not from God, since it is from the earth. It is
not from heaven. It is not eternal. It is temporary.
Positively identified, earthly wisdom means that it is
according to the worldly standards and principles, in other
words, it is false wisdom. Therefore, it is a wisdom that is
limited in scope; this world is its boundaries. It begins and
ends with this world. It is deficient of eternal perspective.
Jamess point is obvious worldly people may be cunning,
clever and selfish and yet, at the same time think that they
are being wise. Wisdom is reduced to a label that they use
in order to sell, earthly wisdom. But the truth is that it is
fake. A counterfeit product does not become genuine
product simply because it picked up a label of a quality
product.
He has already warned against many becoming teachers.
When these people took up teaching positions in their
churches for the wrong reasons and spoke in the wrong
way, and taught the wrong things, with a selfish motive of
impressing a man, if they appeared to succeed in the
worldly terms, they were thinking like people of earth
instead of people of heaven! This wisdom is foolishness to
God. Therefore God asks these questions;

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? 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. For Jews demand
signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ
crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to
Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and
Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of
God. (1Co 1:20-24)
Earthly is wisdom also sensual (v.15). The word sensual
refers to fleshly appetites, as the source of this
wisdom.That is, it appeals to the flesh, to senses, emotions,
lusts and passions that wage war against your souls. In
James days, just like in our days, there were people who
sought to reach the flesh rather than the heart in their
teachings. Once again, James is very clear that there are
those who are only seeking to gratify themselves, they
think only of self and no one else.
Earthly wisdom ultimately comes from the devils factory.
This is why pastor James, as carried along by the Holy
Spirit, says it is demonic (v.15). The devil is wise in a
certain way. That is, he is opposed to the truths of God. He
seeks to pervert what God has given by deceitful schemes
and cunning. When we allow ourselves to be driven by
false wisdom, we are allowing Satan to slip into the drivers
seat! Some seem to think that there is no way the devil can
drive them. If they see him coming, they will just lock the
doors! But the devil does not come to us as he is often
portrayed, that is, as an ugly, ferocious creature, one-eyed,
black monster with horns and arrow-sharp tail. As James
says, he comes in the garb of wisdom.
b. Heavenly wisdom
Heavenly wisdom comes from above (. 15, 17). Negatively,
this wisdom does not come from men, and cannot be made

on earth. This wisdom is neither from angels or demons nor

is it from men. Positively, its source is heavenly. It
originates coming from God. God is the author of all
wisdom and He is the standard of wisdom.
Therefore, this wisdom comes from God and it is first and
foremost about God our Saviour. Since it comes from God
then it is eternal as opposed to the earthly wisdom which is
temporary.
Ultimately, this wisdom is Christ, for we read,
but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks,
Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God (1
Cor.1:24)
We must not think that knowing the origin of each of these
types of wisdom, could be sufficient to help us to choose
the right one for we have no capacity to make such a
choice. We depend on the Holy Spirit who applies the work
of Christ to enable us to drink from this wisdom and live
accordingly.
The point is when you find Christ, you find true, heavenly
wisdom. He alone is the wisdom of God. For in Him all the
fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to
reconcile to Himself all things (Col. 1:19-20).
2. What is the nature of?
a) Earthly wisdom
The nature of this earthly wisdom is given in verses 14 and
16 as;

Bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts

Boasting and being false to the truth
Jealousy and selfish ambition exist

False wisdom is exposed by its proud and selfish nature.

Envying and strife are in conflict with the meekness of
wisdom. The heart could not be the seat of both. Envy and

wisdom cannot dwell together in the same heart. They are

mutually exclusive in nature.
Notice the order jealousy comes first and it excites strife.
Strife excuses itself by boasting and lying or by being false
to the truth. Effectively, this leads to confusion, disorder
and vile practices of every kind. Surely, all these are from
their father the devil whose iniquity was discovered in Him.
Finally, the nature of earthly wisdom is such that it upholds
such things as money, position and power. Unless there is
prestige and privilege this wisdom would not take
responsibility and initiative since it is so self-seeking and
proud. This is why it has already been pointed out that it is
from the devil. We know that the devil rebelled against God
in order to take position and power.
However, we are well instructed from the Scriptures to
know that pride comes before the fall. God resists the
proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourself
under the mighty hand of God so that in due course He
may lift you up. Do not think a Christian can rear pride,
malice or any vile practice. Christians bear the fruit of the
Spirit as well see shortly.
b) Heavenly wisdom
We read from verse 17 that,
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits,
impartial and sincere.
It is first of all pure. Heavenly wisdom, above
anything else, is not mixed with the corruptions of
the world. It is not corrupted by sin and other
pollutions of this world. It is pure, true and faithful to
do Gods pleasure. Moral purity is an evidence of
heavenly wisdom.
Then it is peaceable. Gods wisdom, which comes
through Christ who is the Prince of Peace, and that

which is promoted by the gospel of peace delights

and is founded on peace. Peace flows from purity.
This wisdom is peaceable and promotes peace
between individuals, families, churches, in the
society and in nations. Peace is more than lack of
strife for absence of strife is calmness. Peace is only
the work of God.

Gentle. In other words, it is not harsh, argumentative,

antagonistic or abrasive. It is reasonable and
courteous. It is a product of the indwelling of the
Spirit and so this gentleness, just like peace is part of
the fruit is conspicuous, without drawing any
attention to itself.
Open to reason. In other words it is willing to yield and
even to submit. It does not insist on its own way. It does
not insist on personal rights but in humility counts the
other person more significant than oneself. Heavenly
wisdom is very easy to persuade with heavenly truth. It
is persuaded, either to what is good or from what is
evil.
Full of mercy. Heavenly wisdom comes from the Father
in heaven who is the Father of mercies. Therefore those
who receive wisdom from Him also learn to show mercy
and compassion to the needy. In other words, when the
fear of the Lord comes so as to give wisdom, it will also
come with love and care for those who are in the image
of God (v.9). Christians care for the needy, that is the
widows, the orphans and the aliens and in this way
display that God indwells them, because He is God of
compassion.
Bearing good fruits. Inwardly it is disposed to
everything that is kind and good. It is inclined both to
relieve the needy, to forgive those who offend, and
actually to do this whenever proper occasions offer.
This shows that heavenly wisdom is of God, produced
with the fruit of the Spirit.

 Impartial. The original word employed here is

adiakritos. It means to be without suspicion, or free
from judging, or making neither undue assumptions nor
differences in our conduct towards one person more
than the other. Here is an exhortation to stop acting as
dividers, and disputing and objecting merely for the
sake of a party. It is an encouragement to stop all
manner of censuring others purely on account of their
differing from us. The wisest men are least apt to be
censurers. This is what Pastor James has already
condemned in 2:1-13 and has compared partiality with
blaspheming the glorious ones. He said,

Earthly wisdom also produces every vile practice. This is

foul in an ethical sense. That is, wicked or an abomination.
Evil or vile translates phaulon, an adjective marking the
moral character of a person or activity. It is used in John
3:20 and Titus 2:8 to mean worthless or empty activity.
James is concerned for the unity of the body, that is the
church, and where unruly tongues and worldly wisdom
reign the result will be selfishness, confusion, and the like.

If you show partiality, you are committing sin and

are convicted by the law as transgressors (James
2:9).

This is the wisdom behind denominationalism and

sectarianism and schisms. And it must be exterminated in
the church of Christ by embracing heavenly wisdom.

Sincere. Heavenly wisdom can fit no mask for it is

without hypocrisy. It has neither disguises nor deceits.
Instead it is sincere and open, steady and uniform, and
consistent with itself. O that you and I may always be
guided by such wisdom as this!
3. What is the fruit?
a) Earthly wisdom
Earthly wisdom bears confusion and disorder and rebellion
(v.16) For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist,
there will be disorder and every vile practice.
James has already torn the mask of wisdom from this
imitation. Therefore in its nakedness it is carnal and
devilish conduct, he shows it to be which is not
only mere disorder but the termination of order, that is
anarchy and rebellion which must not be found among
those under the rule of God because He is not God of
confusion but of order and peace (1 Cor. 14:33). Confusion,
disorder and rebellion is funded by the kingdom of
darkness, from where this demonic wisdom comes.

Remember that this is James the peacemaker from Acts 15

and 21:1825. He labored to keep the opposing parties
together in Christ. It is that same spirit that breathes
through this passage.1

b) Heavenly wisdom
While verse 16 describes the evil fruits of worldly, spurious
and devilish wisdom; verse 18 describes the harvest of
true, godly wisdom. And a harvest of righteousness is sown
in peace by those who make peace.
The structure of this sentence leaves room for a wide
variety of possibilities and the English translations reflect
that fact. One concern is how to render the genitive of
righteousness. Is it appositional: the fruit which is
righteousness? Or is it subjective: the fruit which
righteous living produces? 2
Pastor James gives a summary of all he has been saying in
terms of good works and peace, of a living and not a dead
faith. A closer look will show a close relationship between
righteousness and peace, which is not surprising because
1 Ellenburg, B. D., & Morgan, C. W. (2008). James: Wisdom for the Community (p. 135). Great Britain:
Focus Christian Publications.

2 Ellenburg, B. D., & Morgan, C. W. (2008). James: Wisdom for the Community (pp. 137139). Great
Britain: Focus Christian Publications.

we know that he is writing to a people who were divided in

terms of their social status, in terms of position and
possession.
Therefore, by the mercies of God he implores them to sow
in peace. And what James is saying is that a Christians life
should consist of, habitually and continually, without
getting tired, sowing the seed of peace. Those who love
peace innately sow peace everywhere they go in homes
as well as in churches and in the society. But they also will
also reap a bountiful harvest of righteousness.
Application
1. Cast all hypocrisy to the cross of Christ. Pretend all
you want, and think yourselves to be the wisest.
However, your bitter envying and strife exposes you to
be Mr. Worldly Wise. Even with your zeal for truth or
orthodoxy, if you are constantly boastful about knowing
more than others, you show yourself to be who you are
a child of the devil. If you employ these only to make
others hateful, and to show your own spite and heartburnings against them, then you are not a shame to the
cause of Christ, you are just as a shame to yourself for
being a fake, for such is downright contradiction of
Christianity and her wisdom. However, there is hope for
you, if you will repent to Christ and ask for His mercy.
2. Teachers reveal by their tongues what kind of
wisdom they possess. Self-appointed teachers, will
not possess heavenly wisdom because God did not call
them. Sooner rather than later, their selfish motives
may lead them to cause factions and disorder. Genuine

Christian teachers, however, called by God and filled

with His Spirit, though not perfect, will be most
concerned about truth and their example (good life and
deeds, v. 13). They will sow in peace and produce a
harvest of practical righteousness in mens and
womens lives by means of their consistent teaching
and example.
3. Sober judgment, humility, impartiality and
sincerity are necessary to show your wisdom.
When informed by the Word of God, and controlled by
the Holy Spirit you are likely to be peaceable. Clearly we
are best able to be quick to hear and reason, and best
able to speak in the heavenly wisdom, only if the Lord
Jesus Christ is the Lord of our lives. Unless, we are led
by the One who humbled Himself to the point of a
servant even to death and death on a cross, then we
cannot have His wisdom. Wisdom of Christ, who is the
wisdom of God produces meekness, and meekness
increases wisdom.
4. Our Christian wisdom is likely to draw the
attention of unbelievers. Thank God for the common
grace that causes foolish unbelievers take notice of that
which is good, true and beautiful. Therefore we have
reason to believe that unbelievers will take note and will
themselves desire to have the wisdom from God. And
when they express that desire, we can point them to the
Lord Jesus Christ, who is himself the wisdom from God
(1 Cor. 1:30). Jesus is Gods wise way of providing
forgiveness of sins and eternal glory for all who receive
him as their Lord and Saviour.