The Way of Wisdom
James 3:13-18 (ESV)
“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
The wisdom of man:
James 3:15
“This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” (ESV)
The fruit of the wisdom of man:
James 3:14
“bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth” (ESV)
The result of the wisdom of man:
James 3:16
“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” (NKJV)
The wisdom of God:
1 Corinthians 14:33 (NKJV)
“For God is not the author of confusion but of peace…”
James 3:17
“the wisdom that comes from heaven” (NIV)
Decisions made from God's wisdom:
James 3:18
“will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” (NLT)
James 1:5 (ESV)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
