Wisdom vs. Wisdom
Scripture Reading: James 3:13-18
One of the primary themes in James is how our inner life is reflected by our actions. We sought that in chapter two where he showed how faith (an unseen, inner quality) is going to be proven real by our works. This text has a similar idea but is focused on wisdom, not faith.
True wisdom produces “good conduct,” peaceableness, gentleness, reasonableness, impartiality, sincerity, and mercy. This kind of wisdom is from above. It comes down to us as a gift of God’s grace.
There is another kind of wisdom. It is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. James calls it wisdom, not because it is true wisdom, but because in this world it has an appearance of wisdom. But you can know it by its fruits. Bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, confusion, and evil will come from earthly wisdom.
This is the battle of wisdom vs. wisdom. One from above. One from below. One from God. One from the devil. You can know which is winning the battle in your heart by the fruit that is being produced.
The good news is, going back to James 1:5, we are given this promise:
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Watch your attitudes and actions. They will demonstrate from whence your wisdom comes. And always seek and ask for wisdom from above. God is not reluctant to give it.
