Two kinds of wisdom James 3:13-18 Part 6



Read James 3:13-18

There are those in life that think they know it all, yet they act like fools. By looking at someone’s actions and behaviors you can see the true measure of a person’s character. James tells us that there are two kinds of wisdom: wisdom from God and Satan’s “wisdom”. Our text today takes a look at what they each mean and how to identify them. Our passage seems to be a culmination of what James has been teaching us so far in this letter. 

Looking back to chapter one we can see that true wisdom is from God and if we ask Him for this wisdom, He will give it. James has taught us that true wisdom is not simply gaining worldly knowledge but gaining practical insight into the wisdom that God gives us in His word. We also learned that true wisdom absorbs God’s word and is seen in your actions. It is shown in how we take care of those in need, not judging by appearance but with mercy and by the law. True wisdom will be reflected in all you say and do and the attitude in which you do it. 

James writes our current passage to further explain what true wisdom is and isn’t. Our world would tell you “You are strong”, or YOLO (You Only Live Once), or to put yourself first, and its very easy to get caught up in the selfish ideology of the world. These trends can lead us to greedy, self-centered and destructive sins. Even Christians get caught up in the “You do you” attitude. Do not be deceived by the world. 1 Timothy 4:1 says, “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” Do not be caught up in worldly trends that lead to destruction. James tells us that Satan’s “wisdom” is bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, earthly concerns and desires, disorder, evil and unspiritual thoughts and desires. Colossians 2:8 warns us “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” All this is a stark contrast to true wisdom: wisdom from God. Godly wisdom teaches us humility, mercy, love and consideration for others, submission to God, sincerity and righteousness. Verse 18 tells us that “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” Just as the flower or fruit helps you identify the plant, so, too, our actions can identify our true intentions and heart. The Bible is full of passages to help us identify true wisdom and worldly “wisdom”. It’s easy to see why we should seek God’s wisdom. Matthew 5:9 tells us that peacemakers will be blessed. Psalm 1:1-2 says, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.” True wisdom is seeking God’s law and the man who does so will be blessed. 

If we turn to Proverbs 3:13-18 we can see that “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.” In contrast, those who think they are wise are often fools. 1 Corinthians 3:18-20 says, “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of the world is folly with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness’, and again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile’.” Proverbs has many verses that show a contrast between the two; one being Proverbs 11:2 where it says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”

Our text is a tool we can use to discern Godly wisdom from worldly “wisdom”. When looking at actions and ideologies we can hold them up to God’s Law and His word to see if they are good and right. Hold yourself accountable to the standard of God’s law and seek His wisdom and word in all things. Be confident that the Holy Spirit God has given us is working in you to help you know what true wisdom is.


1. Find some more Bible verses that speak of Godly wisdom and/or worldly “wisdom”. 

2. Are there times in your life where you should have held your tongue? Or maybe what you said was not helpful or kind, what could you have said instead?

3. Make a comparison list of things that are Godly wisdom versus things that the world thinks are wise?

4. What are some current worldly trends that go against or do not fit with true and Godly wisdom?

5. What does the Bible say will happen to those who use Godly wisdom?


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