James 3:13–18
[13] Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. [14] But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. [15] This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. [16] For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. [17] But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. [18] And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (ESV)
Main Idea: _____________ comes only from the Lord and is primarily characterized by ____________ in _____________
Two Themes to look out for:
Faith and Works
Double-Mindedness: True/Heavenly Wisdom vs. False/Earthly Wisdom
1. Wisdom comes only from the Lord (3:15, 17)
- The wisdom that God gives is a ____________(1:5)
- The wisdom that God gives is informed by ________ __________ (1:19-25)
- ___________ ____________ should characterize our pursuit of wisdom (1:6-7)
2. False wisdom is characterized by ______________ fueled by _____________ (3:14-16)
Illustration: “Don’t let false wisdom get past the incubation period, root it out before acute infection sets in”
3. True wisdom is characterized by actions _____________ humility (3:13b, 17-18)
Meekness - “The quality of not being over-impressed by a sense of one’s self importance”
Application: How does humble wisdom take action?