Two Kinds of Wisdom
Two Kinds of Wisdom
James 3:13-18. The Bible tells of two kinds of wisdom—one that comes from above and one that comes from below. The two may look the same at times, but they come from different seeds and yield different fruit. They are not the same at all.
James 3:13a—“Who is wise and understanding among you?” The last 900 years brought the rise of the university and higher education.
James gives many tests in this small letter, and here is the test of wisdom.
Scholars met to research, dialogue, teach and pass their knowledge to the
His point is that the kind of wisdom characterizing one’s life indicates the
next generation. Years of well-rounded and rigorous study culminated with
kind of faith that resides within.
an academic degree, which symbolized a level of proficiency and gave the student a stamp of authority. Universities have since grown and are flooded,
Under the wisdom of King Solomon, Israel reached its zenith of peace and
and though significant advances have been made, a dearth of wisdom
prosperity. He transformed the nation into an economic powerhouse trading
remains.
vast amounts of goods and services. Gold poured into the treasury by tons each month, and silver was said to be as plentiful as the stones of the streets
James asks all who think they’re wise and understanding to step forward.
(cf. 1 Kings 10:14-29). Solomon expanded the armed forces, built the first
The word he uses for “understanding” refers to the specialist, expert or
temple and strengthened his international alliances.
professional. Most of us love to give advice on every problem under the sun. James says, “If you think you’re wise, let’s look at your life and the lives of
Three-thousand years have passed, and Israel has never come close to
those you’ve affected.” What kind of wisdom would this suggest you have?
reliving these days. Though the king’s wisdom shone brilliantly on the world stage, it was the wrong kind of wisdom. Solomon followed in his father David’s footsteps and started out well with a humble heart. Yet, he soon veered and failed as a father, husband and man of God. Solomon started to acquire wives as part of ensuring peace with other nations. It seemed so wise, but this kind of wisdom destroyed him from the inside out. Women led him away from the Lord, and his inquisitive mind began to experiment with every kind of sin. The further Solomon wandered the more meaningless and empty his life became. Though having the world at his fingertips, he “congratulated the dead” (cf. Ecc 4:2). Sheer misery. What is worldly wisdom? According to James, its reasoning is godless, its motivation is selfish, it is characterized by immorality and results in disorder (cf. Jas 3:14-16). Such is a perfect description of Solomon. He abused the great wisdom God had given him. It destroyed him, and shortly after his death it destroyed the nation as well (cf. 1 Kings 11:11). Wisdom that makes godless, self-focused, immoral decisions may pay off in the short-run; never does it pay well in the long-run. James contrasts the wisdom of heaven against this and says its defining feature is a profound humility before God (cf. Jas 3:13). Had Solomon devoted himself to God’s ways, godlessness, selfish ambition and immorality never would have arisen. A humble heart would have governed his decisions, his life would have been fulfilling, and his kingdom wouldn’t have split in two.
There is a dangerous kind of wisdom that governs the world. It is dangerous not so much because of its every decision. Many decisions made in business, politics or within the family overlap with heavenly wisdom. The danger lies in its atheism and pride. It is “earthly, unspiritual, demonic” (cf. Jas 3:15). The wisdom from below is governed by the thought patterns and concerns of all that is below. It may claim to believe in God, but reasons from day to day in life’s many decisions as if He didn’t exist (cf. Psa 14:1). God and His Word have no real place among the worldly wise, and they have no interest in using their abilities for His glory. Foremost on their mind is, “How will this deal, this person, this meeting or organization help me?” Worldly wisdom is self-centered even when choosing to serve others. Why? Because it is driven by “bitter jealousy and selfish ambition” (cf. Jas 3:14). Worldly wisdom creates a façade that masks one’s true motives as it seeks personal gain in one form or another. As surely as the Lord looks at the heart, He abhors this kind of wisdom.
Illinois Two Kinds of Wisdom “Every vile practice” characterizes the wisdom from below (cf. Jas 3:16).
Worldly wisdom is godless, selfish, immoral, and results in disorder. By
This does not mean every worldly person does every vile thing. James is
contrast, the wisdom from above is God-centered and known for being:
referring to a class of people—the worldly wise. Among them is immorality of every kind. It may differ by type and degree, but immorality is present
Peaceable. Rather than causing fights, “stirring the pot” or inciting conflict,
nonetheless. The governing philosophy of worldly wisdom is: “The end
heavenly wisdom loves to make peace where possible.
justifies the means.” Moral compromises are made to get ahead. Flattery, lies
Gentle. Not retaliating or taking revenge. Receiving insults with an attitude
and deceit are used to manipulate. The end of this kind of wisdom is never God and His glory, but one’s personal agenda. Lines are blurred or utterly
of humility and kindness.
destroyed in the exaltation of self.
Reasonable. As opposed to being stubborn or obstinate, this word means
As with Solomon’s life, so the same can be seen with Cain, Korah, Samson,
person can be entreated, change his position and admit error.
Saul, Judas, Demas or Diotrephes. The application of worldly wisdom leads
Merciful. Instead of self-centeredness, God’s wisdom is filled with a desire
to disorder (cf. Jas 3:16). Fights, riots, battles, confusion—all of these are akin to James’ word choice here. Whether on a national scale or a personal one, the wisdom from below never ends well. Ultimately, all it builds comes crashing down as a house that rests upon sand (cf. Matt 7:24-27).
easily persuaded, teachable or compliant. When facts are given, a reasonable
to meet others’ needs. It looks on the suffering of others with compassion. Fruitful. The result of wisdom is some kind of fruit. Godly wisdom yields
fruit that is pleasing to God. Worldly wisdom does not. Impartial. Does not vacillate or waver in its dealings with people. Sincere. Without hypocrisy or disguise.
In the twilight years of Solomon’s life he penned Ecclesiastes, a book that displays the fruit of worldly wisdom. Looking back, Solomon studies his life and concludes, “all is vanity” (cf. Ecc 12:8). The wisest man to ever live concluded his own life hadn’t been worth living. Pretty harsh. He finally
James’ list regarding wisdom is similar to Jesus’ Beatitudes in Matthew 5. A believer consumed with God’s glory and not his own fears the Lord. Upon this foundation, heavenly wisdom develops and these characteristics form.
realized that fulfillment only comes from fearing and following the Lord.
Ecclesiastes 12:13—“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Heavenly wisdom begins with fearing God (cf. Prov 1:7). As opposed to the kind of wisdom that so proudly reasons without Him, true wisdom humbly realizes its need (cf. Jas 3:13). On a foundation of reverence and fear of the Lord, James now tells us what heavenly wisdom looks like. The wisdom from above is, first of all, pure or holy (cf. Jas 1:17). It is a setapart kind of wisdom entirely distinct from the world. Whatever the world’s wisdom is, God’s wisdom is not. Foundationally, the two never overlap. At the crossroads of decision, the wisdom from above will never lead a person into sin. Driven by love to please God, it perfectly reflects the nature of God. True wisdom loves what God loves and hates what God hates. To the degree that a believer’s life reflects this, he or she is walking in wisdom.
The Roman orator Cicero said, “Wisdom is the best gift of the gods. It is the mother of all good things, the best and that which generates all of the best.” True wisdom is a gift from God that generates all that is truly good and lasting. James’ challenge to us is this: “If you think you have true wisdom, let’s take a look at your life.” A truly wise person is not known by the number of degrees and certifications on his wall, but by the fruit of his life. So, who has God’s wisdom? The one who fears God and whose life shows it. How encouraging to know that those who sow the seeds of God’s wisdom into the lives of others will reap a harvest of righteousness (cf. Jas 3:18). Seeds of true wisdom scattered about will affect countless lives for good. Let us then walk humbly with the Lord.
James 3:13-18. The Bible tells of two kinds of wisdom—one that comes from above and one that comes from below. The two may look the same at times, but they come from different seeds and yield different fruit. They are not the same at all.
James 3:13a—“Who is wise and understanding among you?” The last 900 years brought the rise of the university and higher education.
James gives many tests in this small letter, and here is the test of wisdom.
Scholars met to research, dialogue, teach and pass their knowledge to the
His point is that the kind of wisdom characterizing one’s life indicates the
next generation. Years of well-rounded and rigorous study culminated with
kind of faith that resides within.
an academic degree, which symbolized a level of proficiency and gave the student a stamp of authority. Universities have since grown and are flooded,
Under the wisdom of King Solomon, Israel reached its zenith of peace and
and though significant advances have been made, a dearth of wisdom
prosperity. He transformed the nation into an economic powerhouse trading
remains.
vast amounts of goods and services. Gold poured into the treasury by tons each month, and silver was said to be as plentiful as the stones of the streets
James asks all who think they’re wise and understanding to step forward.
(cf. 1 Kings 10:14-29). Solomon expanded the armed forces, built the first
The word he uses for “understanding” refers to the specialist, expert or
temple and strengthened his international alliances.
professional. Most of us love to give advice on every problem under the sun. James says, “If you think you’re wise, let’s look at your life and the lives of
Three-thousand years have passed, and Israel has never come close to
those you’ve affected.” What kind of wisdom would this suggest you have?
reliving these days. Though the king’s wisdom shone brilliantly on the world stage, it was the wrong kind of wisdom. Solomon followed in his father David’s footsteps and started out well with a humble heart. Yet, he soon veered and failed as a father, husband and man of God. Solomon started to acquire wives as part of ensuring peace with other nations. It seemed so wise, but this kind of wisdom destroyed him from the inside out. Women led him away from the Lord, and his inquisitive mind began to experiment with every kind of sin. The further Solomon wandered the more meaningless and empty his life became. Though having the world at his fingertips, he “congratulated the dead” (cf. Ecc 4:2). Sheer misery. What is worldly wisdom? According to James, its reasoning is godless, its motivation is selfish, it is characterized by immorality and results in disorder (cf. Jas 3:14-16). Such is a perfect description of Solomon. He abused the great wisdom God had given him. It destroyed him, and shortly after his death it destroyed the nation as well (cf. 1 Kings 11:11). Wisdom that makes godless, self-focused, immoral decisions may pay off in the short-run; never does it pay well in the long-run. James contrasts the wisdom of heaven against this and says its defining feature is a profound humility before God (cf. Jas 3:13). Had Solomon devoted himself to God’s ways, godlessness, selfish ambition and immorality never would have arisen. A humble heart would have governed his decisions, his life would have been fulfilling, and his kingdom wouldn’t have split in two.
There is a dangerous kind of wisdom that governs the world. It is dangerous not so much because of its every decision. Many decisions made in business, politics or within the family overlap with heavenly wisdom. The danger lies in its atheism and pride. It is “earthly, unspiritual, demonic” (cf. Jas 3:15). The wisdom from below is governed by the thought patterns and concerns of all that is below. It may claim to believe in God, but reasons from day to day in life’s many decisions as if He didn’t exist (cf. Psa 14:1). God and His Word have no real place among the worldly wise, and they have no interest in using their abilities for His glory. Foremost on their mind is, “How will this deal, this person, this meeting or organization help me?” Worldly wisdom is self-centered even when choosing to serve others. Why? Because it is driven by “bitter jealousy and selfish ambition” (cf. Jas 3:14). Worldly wisdom creates a façade that masks one’s true motives as it seeks personal gain in one form or another. As surely as the Lord looks at the heart, He abhors this kind of wisdom.
Illinois Two Kinds of Wisdom “Every vile practice” characterizes the wisdom from below (cf. Jas 3:16).
Worldly wisdom is godless, selfish, immoral, and results in disorder. By
This does not mean every worldly person does every vile thing. James is
contrast, the wisdom from above is God-centered and known for being:
referring to a class of people—the worldly wise. Among them is immorality of every kind. It may differ by type and degree, but immorality is present
Peaceable. Rather than causing fights, “stirring the pot” or inciting conflict,
nonetheless. The governing philosophy of worldly wisdom is: “The end
heavenly wisdom loves to make peace where possible.
justifies the means.” Moral compromises are made to get ahead. Flattery, lies
Gentle. Not retaliating or taking revenge. Receiving insults with an attitude
and deceit are used to manipulate. The end of this kind of wisdom is never God and His glory, but one’s personal agenda. Lines are blurred or utterly
of humility and kindness.
destroyed in the exaltation of self.
Reasonable. As opposed to being stubborn or obstinate, this word means
As with Solomon’s life, so the same can be seen with Cain, Korah, Samson,
person can be entreated, change his position and admit error.
Saul, Judas, Demas or Diotrephes. The application of worldly wisdom leads
Merciful. Instead of self-centeredness, God’s wisdom is filled with a desire
to disorder (cf. Jas 3:16). Fights, riots, battles, confusion—all of these are akin to James’ word choice here. Whether on a national scale or a personal one, the wisdom from below never ends well. Ultimately, all it builds comes crashing down as a house that rests upon sand (cf. Matt 7:24-27).
easily persuaded, teachable or compliant. When facts are given, a reasonable
to meet others’ needs. It looks on the suffering of others with compassion. Fruitful. The result of wisdom is some kind of fruit. Godly wisdom yields
fruit that is pleasing to God. Worldly wisdom does not. Impartial. Does not vacillate or waver in its dealings with people. Sincere. Without hypocrisy or disguise.
In the twilight years of Solomon’s life he penned Ecclesiastes, a book that displays the fruit of worldly wisdom. Looking back, Solomon studies his life and concludes, “all is vanity” (cf. Ecc 12:8). The wisest man to ever live concluded his own life hadn’t been worth living. Pretty harsh. He finally
James’ list regarding wisdom is similar to Jesus’ Beatitudes in Matthew 5. A believer consumed with God’s glory and not his own fears the Lord. Upon this foundation, heavenly wisdom develops and these characteristics form.
realized that fulfillment only comes from fearing and following the Lord.
Ecclesiastes 12:13—“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” Heavenly wisdom begins with fearing God (cf. Prov 1:7). As opposed to the kind of wisdom that so proudly reasons without Him, true wisdom humbly realizes its need (cf. Jas 3:13). On a foundation of reverence and fear of the Lord, James now tells us what heavenly wisdom looks like. The wisdom from above is, first of all, pure or holy (cf. Jas 1:17). It is a setapart kind of wisdom entirely distinct from the world. Whatever the world’s wisdom is, God’s wisdom is not. Foundationally, the two never overlap. At the crossroads of decision, the wisdom from above will never lead a person into sin. Driven by love to please God, it perfectly reflects the nature of God. True wisdom loves what God loves and hates what God hates. To the degree that a believer’s life reflects this, he or she is walking in wisdom.
The Roman orator Cicero said, “Wisdom is the best gift of the gods. It is the mother of all good things, the best and that which generates all of the best.” True wisdom is a gift from God that generates all that is truly good and lasting. James’ challenge to us is this: “If you think you have true wisdom, let’s take a look at your life.” A truly wise person is not known by the number of degrees and certifications on his wall, but by the fruit of his life. So, who has God’s wisdom? The one who fears God and whose life shows it. How encouraging to know that those who sow the seeds of God’s wisdom into the lives of others will reap a harvest of righteousness (cf. Jas 3:18). Seeds of true wisdom scattered about will affect countless lives for good. Let us then walk humbly with the Lord.
