Tuesday, September 12, 2023

TWO KINDS OF WISDOM

James 3:13-18 / Keywords 3:17

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.


3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds 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, demonic. 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 reap a harvest of righteousness.

 

1. James points out that there are two types of wisdom. There is earthly wisdom and there is spiritual, or heavenly, wisdom. Earthly wisdom leads us to live in selfish ambition. Earthly wisdom says, I want more! Maybe its money, or power, or prestige or position. And when we dont get it, we become bitter and envious of those who do get it. Earthly wisdom is thus earthly, unspiritual and demonic. It sounds like a good thing to have. But it leads to disorder and evil practices.

 

2. James contrasts earthly wisdom with Godly, heavenly wisdom. Wisdom that comes from heaven is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive to God, and full of mercy, good fruit. It is impartial and sincere. It is this kind of wisdom that allows us to love others with a pure, spiritual love, as Jesus loves us.

 

3. Is James saying that all kinds of book knowledge, our pursuit to find out how the world works and to make scientific advances demonic? No! Our curiosity and our intelligence are God-given. When this knowledge leads to good deeds and humility, it is wisdom from heaven.

 

Prayer Father, thank you for the wisdom of God. Help me to seek your wisdom in all that I do.

One Word Seek wisdom from heaven

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