Lesson 8: Part II - Two Kinds of Wisdom

Two Kinds of Wisdom - Worldly wisdom vs. Godly Wisdom

James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17But 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. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Discussion:
-What is bitter envy? ___________
-What is Selfish ambition? _________

Both have origins in “Pride” – which is the opposite of submission, or the willingness to come under Christ’s Lordship.

True wisdom manifests itself in the person’s life by a good life. (For a full treatment on the topic of Wisdom, I recommend Pastor Betters’ recent sermon series on the Proverbs -Teaching the Young)
The result of seeking worldly wisdom: war/chaos/death vs.

The result of seeking Godly wisdom: a harvest of righteousness/life eternal, Obedience to the law of God - Godly wisdom does not result in earthly wisdom/fights and quarrels

Conclusion: From the beginning, James’ hearers are being called to a Living Faith, which is a faith that shows itself in good deeds. They are Christians who are being persecuted because of their faith, but at the same time, some of them are prone to fighting, quarrels, envy, favoritism, selfishness and all sorts of behaviors that were inconsistent with what their faith required. Here James is showing the worldly wisdom that some of them have bought into is in complete opposition to divine wisdom. They are not living consistently with their faith in Christ.