Two Kinds of Wisdom
Wisdom From Above
August 8, 2021
Rev. Tim Sharpe
James 3 warns against unqualified teachers and teaches that true (heavenly) wisdom is evident in pure motives, meek conduct, and the fruit of the Spirit, while worldly or 'hellish' wisdom is driven by jealousy, ambition, disorder, and earthly or demonic concerns.
Summary
In James chapter 3 the author begins with a caution that not many should become teachers, then focuses on the power of the tongue and the need to begin with a pure source to produce pure results. He distinguishes 'wisdom from above' from false wisdom, urging us to pray for discernment. True, heavenly wisdom shows itself in good conduct, a meek spirit, and the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—while false teachers are motivated by jealousy, ambition, boastfulness, and worldly or even demonic concerns, producing disorder. Heavenly wisdom yields a harvest of righteousness sown in peace by peacemakers, so we must not accept spiritual direction from those who do not exhibit this fruit.
Key Points
- James 3 opens with a warning: not many should be teachers or leaders in the church.
- The chapter emphasizes the tongue's power and the principle that a pure source produces a pure result.
- Ask the Lord for help to recognize true (heavenly) wisdom amid many competing voices.
- Heavenly wisdom is identified by good conduct and a meek spirit.
- Hellish or worldly wisdom is driven by jealousy, ambition, boastfulness, and self-centered motives.
- Untrustworthy teachers focus on earthly, unspiritual, and even demonic concerns rather than Godly ones.
- Hellish wisdom produces disorder; heavenly wisdom produces a harvest of righteousness sown in peace by peacemakers.
- Don't accept spiritual direction from anyone who does not display the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control).
- Be wary of leaders who promote themselves or worldly pleasures—such signs indicate they are not following heavenly wisdom.
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