Lesson 21: Wisdom (part 3)
Read James 3:13-18 - www.bible.com/bible/59/jas.3.esv

Contrast in operations (James 3:13-14, 17)

False Wisdom

- Bitter envy (v14a) selfish ambition and zeal. The world’s wisdom says promote yourself. You are as good a candidate as others. The wheel that squeaks the loudest gets the grease. It is easy to go on an ego trip under the guise of spiritual zeal. The world’s wisdom exalts man and robs God of glory. (1 Corinthians 1:29-31)
- Strife (v14b) the word means “party spirit”. The Greeks used the word of a politician out canvassing for votes. This spirit of self-seeking always causes division and rivalry in the church. (Philippians 2:3)
- Glory (v14c) Pride loves to boast and nothing is prouder than the wisdom of men. (2 Corinthians 10:12)
- Deceit (v14d) Lie not against the truth. Defiance against the truth.

True Wisdom

- Meekness (v13) Meekness is not weakness but power under control. Meekness is the right use of power (James 3:3) while wisdom is the right use of knowledge. Attitude and action go together.
- Purity (v17a) the importance of holiness. Chaste, free from defilement. God’s wisdom leads to purity of life while man’s wisdom leads to sin. (2 Corinthians 11:3, James 4:4)
- Peaceable (v17b) God’s wisdom leads to peace while the world’s wisdom leads to war (James 4:1-2) True peace is based on holiness not on compromise, God has no “peace at any price.” Peace is not more important than purity. Man’s wisdom says cover up sin.
- Gentle (v17c) Sweet reasonableness, moderation without compromise, gentleness without weakness.


- Easy to be entreated (v17d) Compliant, teachable and submissive. The way this word is used in this context has to do with our own openness and teachability. Proverbs 12:15 - says, " The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but a wise man listens to advice.” A teachable, submissive spirit is often a major key in defusing conflict. Real wisdom is always teachable. The wise person is willing to hear all sides of a question. He can disagree without being disagreeable. Yielding to persuasion is another way to define this.
- Full of Mercy (v17e) to be full of something means to be controlled by. (Luke 6:36 – “Be merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”)
- Good fruits (v17f) God’s wisdom is practical; it changes the life and produces good works to the glory of God.
- Without Partiality (v17g) Decisiveness, without wavering (James 1:6). The world’s wisdom will pressure from all sides to change your viewpoint. When you have God’s wisdom you can be decisive and not be afraid.
- Sincerity (v17h) Without hypocrisy. (One who wears a mask, an actor). When God’s wisdom is at work there is openness and honesty. (Ephesians 4:15) Where you find God’s people pretending and hiding you can be sure to find the wisdom of the world at work. Religious politics is an abomination to the Lord. Faith is living without scheming. (1 Corinthians 2:12)

*Thought question: If our own way seems to be right, how do we know when we’re following our own way rather than God’s way to wisdom?