Heavenly Verses Demonic Wisdom
October 3, 2022
Commentary
The question is asked, “Who is a wise man and equipped with knowledge among you” (v. 13)? Whoever is, will show that in his daily living that God is in control of His life. Godly wisdom produces meekness, which is power under God’s control. In this passage we have the original “show and tell.” The truly wise person is humble and his wisdom is shown by applying truth to the life. It is not measured by college degrees or of acquiring knowledge from books or lectures. If you have jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not pretend to be something you are not (v. 14).
True wisdom has no room for bitterness, envy, or selfish ambitions. The envious and selfish person produces disorder, confusion, and every evil work because they’re getting their wisdom from the earthly, sensual and devil (v.15). That is a contrast to the wise person who does not seek glory or gain but is gracious and giving and gets their wisdom from almighty God. Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice (vv. 16-18). But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason.
It is easy to see from this passage why we are having the turmoil in all parts of the world in the age we are living. Instead of getting our direction from God and His word we’ve chosen as a nation to take God and His word out of our homes, out of our schools and out of our lives and have chosen to make our own man made standards. We have not passed our values on to our next generation.
Application
I cannot rely on outside sources to train my family in Godly wisdom. I must realize this is my responsibility and work at it (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).
James 3:13– 18 (NET)
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct he should show his works done in the gentleness that wisdom brings. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfishness in your hearts, do not boast and tell lies against the truth. 15 Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical. 18 And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace.