Week 12

Genuine Wisdom
Two Kinds of Wisdom
The Test of Humble Wisdom
Heavenly vs Demonic Wisdom

As we begin studying these verses together, I pray that your heart is open to whatever Words God will be speaking to you. I personally was extremely convicted. I cannot say that I have had a radical change in my tongue, but I know for certain that I am “thinking” about everything that I speak. The first step in any type of change is first acknowledging that there is sin in your heart. I want to encourage you to evaluate your words, and measure them against the characteristics of God’s wisdom. Let’s dig in!

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his
good life, by deed done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if
you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about
it or deny the truth. 15 Such wisdom does not come down from heaven but is
earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish
ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace- loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

13 Who - James is asking the question … Which one of you…WHO! Which one of you is truly skilled in the art of living?

is wise (sophos) spiritually wise, showing the character of God in your behavior). Whom among you have learned naturally from turning to God as you have gone through the trials in your life.

Wisdom – the kind that comes only from God. Being able to apply our understanding of our faith into practical living.

1 Cor 1:30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

God is the source of and the reason for our personal and living relationship with Christ. Because of that union with Christ, we have God’s wisdom and knowledge, possessing right standing with God (righteousness), being holy (holiness) and having the penalty of our sins paid by Jesus (redemption).

and understanding among you? Understanding means – having the mind of Christ thereby living our faith.

Let him show it (that Godly wisdom) …. HOW? by his good (godly character which is consistent with the WORD. Maintain, hold fast, not grow weary of doing good.

life, (from now on…….till you die. No turning back.

by deeds (doers, works, working at, becoming whole spiritually, mentally, and physically)

done in the humility (lowliness of mind) Humility means lacking vanity – regarding yourself as unimportant…no self importance, not putting the emphasis on yourself.

that comes from wisdom. James is making a contrast between the tongue of the wise believer and the tongue of the foolish believer.

If you want a GOOD LIFE you must being doing GOOD DEEDS.

14 But if (you have a choice)

you harbor - harbor means to shelter, to hide the feelings in your mind.

bitter –cynicism – faultfinding character

envy – harsh, resentful attitude towards others

and selfish ambition – care more about yourself than others. Your motives are to distinguish yourself above others.

Do not boast – talk/brag too much about something one has done. This could be about what one has (possessions), ones looks, how spiritually you are, how much you have accomplished, how mistreated you are…What you had to do because no one else would or could. Martyr mentality.

about it (your wisdom) or deny the truth. Refuse to acknowledge where that wisdom came from.

REPHRASED: Do you think I can say unkind, unnecessary remarks about people Monday through Friday and then come in here on Wednesday and lead a Bible Study?

Do you think you can do whatever you want to Mon-Saturday and then waltz into to church on Sunday praising the Lord?

We have one tongue and it can speak righteously or stir up strife. The Mon- Saturday mirror (don’t turn away from it) is more important to God than the Sunday mirror.

15 Such wisdom does not come down from heaven (is not what God wants)

but is earthly, - limited to flesh – disharmony, disagreement

unspiritual, - sensual – characteristic of human frailty. .an unredeemed spirit

of the devil. – demonic – generated by satanic forces (1 Cor 2:14) The devil wants your soul.

16 For where you have envy, and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

Envy – selfishness leads to disorder in your life. Confusion, instability, chaos results from human wisdom.

Disorder – undisciplined – lack of regular arrangement
Envy – desires to deprive another of what she has
Jealous – desires to have the same thing as someone else.

The confusion of the mind that we find in the world today is a confusion brought about by earthly wisdom, responding in the flesh.

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; (TRUTH from the WORD not mixed with anything, not combines with anything, undiluted and with original meaning)

then peace-loving, freedom from strife

considerate, - thoughtful to others and their feelings

submissive – yielding to power, control, authority of another; obedient; humble

full of mercy – kind feelings, sympathy, compassion for those in trouble

and good fruit – result of a good life. Fruit of your saving faith.

impartial – showing no more favor to one side than the other

sincere – free from pretense or deceit – genuine, real, honest.
(without hypocrisy).

18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Peace – no external battles…no internal battles.

Peacemakers – one who brings harmony – not strife, not contentiousness, not hostile living.

Anxiety (uneasy thoughts or fears over the possibility of a coming misfortune; troubled, worried, or uneasy feeling) is often our first reaction to conflict, problems, or even our own fears.

Our best problem-solving resource is peace. Solutions arise easily and naturally out of a peaceful state. Often fear and anxiety block solutions.

Peace is available if we choose it. In spite of chaos and unsolved problems around us, all is well. Things will work out.

Relax. Your Father is perfect. Whatever happens is perfect. Why sweat it?

Today, let go of the need to stay in turmoil. Cultivate peace and trust that timely solutions (God’s timing) and God’s goodness will prevail.

Who sow in peace – sow means to scatter/spread the peace that you have that it will grow in others

Harvest means results – results in doing right (righteousness).

Righteousness flourishes in a climate of spiritual peace.

Matt 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God.

Would you like to be called a son of God?

Romans 12:9-21

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the yes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

God gives us a choice: Choose between the two kinds of wisdom:

Harboring bitter envy and selfish ambition type worldly wisdom

or

Pure peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy godly wisdom.

Remember we are to be-

Gentle – such a person will submit to all kinds of mistreatment and difficulty with an attitude of kind, courteous, patience, and humility.

Willing to yield – someone who is teachable, compliant, obedient to God

Full of mercy – showing concern for those who suffer pain and hardship

Without partiality – a consistent unwavering person who is undivided in his commitment and conviction, and does not make unfair distinctions

Keep the following handy as a reminder of what true wisdom is:

Learn the Wisdom of God. True wisdom comes ONLY from God.

1. The wisdom of God is pure. It isn’t mixed with selfishness. It seeks the good of others.
2. The wisdom of God is peaceable. It doesn’t quarrel. It is willing to be insulted but doesn’t insult others.
3. The wisdom of God is gentle. It isn’t forceful. It listens to others and speaks at the right time.
4. The wisdom of God is merciful. It doesn’t pass by people in need. It reaches out to help wherever it can.
5. The wisdom of God treats everyone fairly. It doesn’t play favorites.
6. The wisdom of God is sincere. It doesn’t pretend to be something it is not.

One final thought -


Talking too much is dangerous!


I have nothing else to say!

j.