The following is based on notes I took from our pastor's sermon Sunday morning.
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In James chapter three, the Bible teaches about wisdom. There are two types of wisdom described in this chapter – earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom.
Earthly wisdom has to do with accumulating knowledge. This may be how-tos, hacks, and other types of knowledge that makes life easier. Some parts of earthly wisdom are not bad, but earthly wisdom does not reveal spiritual truth and there are many facets of earthly wisdom that are not good.
Good behavior and meekness accompany godly wisdom.
Earthly wisdom is often accompanied by works of the flesh.
Heavenly wisdom is from above and is found along with good works and in harmonious relationships. Heavenly wisdom leads to oneness of mind and heart while earthly wisdom leads to conflict.
Because earthly wisdom does not impart spiritual truth we know that it is not the wisdom that comes down from God. It may contain some good ideas or knowledge, but the focus is on ourselves and how we can fix our situations or resolve our own problems. James 3:14,15 says, “14) But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15) This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.” We cannot solve our problems apart from God. In Ephesians 5:15-17 we read, “15) See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16)
Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17) Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”
Our actions reveal which type of wisdom we have. The true test of our wisdom is works not words. The works show that our faith is genuine. Heavenly wisdom only comes by the strength of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:16 teaches, “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
Meekness, or gentleness, is the defining quality of heavenly wisdom. James 3:13 says, “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”
Heavenly wisdom is measured by deeds. Earthly wisdom is measured by degrees. If you have heavenly wisdom, others will see Jesus in you. Earthly wisdom says, “See what I discovered!” Heavenly wisdom takes no credit for self. According to James 3:14, earthly wisdom is self-glorifying, earthly, sensual, devilish, accompanied by strife and confusion and every evil work. If you find that earthly wisdom is in your heart today, do not let it stay. I Timothy 4:1-5 warns about earthly wisdom. It permeates lives, affects actions, and leads to many false teachings. These verses say, “1) Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2) Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3) Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4) For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5) For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”
In James 3:16, we see Satan’s theology which is the fruit of earthly wisdom. “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
In James 3:17, we see the fruit of heavenly wisdom, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” Heavenly wisdom brings forth righteousness, and righteousness results in peace. “And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” (James 3:18)
Let us take a look into our own hearts. What kind of wisdom do we see there today? If we see earthly wisdom and are lacking fruits of heavenly wisdom, let us ask God to help us today and then walk in the Spirit so that the Holy Spirit can bring forth the fruits of heavenly wisdom in our lives.