True Wisdom

(#1060, Imperial, 1964)

Read James 3:13-18.

These are days when great emphasis is put upon knowledge and understanding.  But there is a difference in wisdom or knowledge (1 Cor. 1:18-21).  True wisdom comes from God (Jas. 1:5).  True wisdom is in God's Word (2 Tim. 3:15).

I. The evidence of true wisdom and understanding, v13.

ƒ      A good conversation or "manner of living".  The good life involves being honest (1 Pt. 2:12), chaste (1 Pt. 3:1-2), without covetousness (Hb. 13:5).  It is the life that "becomes the gospel" (Phil. 1:27).  True wisdom lies in the life.  It is not in being smart or clever or in amassing wealth.  True wisdom lies not in knowing and talking but in walking or living.

ƒ      Meekness.  The wise man is not only a good living man but a meek man.  What is meekness?  Is it weakness?  No! It is "submission toward God and gentleness toward man."  A meek man will take injustice and insult without complaining and anger.  A meek person says "Not I but Christ."  Christ is the ultimate example of meekness (Mt. 11:29; 1 Pt. 2:23).  Meekness may not advance us in the things of this world but it surely brings the favor of God.

II. The wisdom from beneath, v14-16.

ƒ      Bitter envying (bitter zeal).  The Jews were supposed to have great zeal for the Lord but instead it was the bitter, factious kind.  They argued and fought for their ideas of truth.  Zeal is splendid if used properly.

ƒ      Strife.  A struggle to be on top or to be preeminent is what this term has in view.  Paul often warned against this (2 Cor. 12:20).

ƒ      Lying against the truth.  With our tongues we tell the truth but with bitter zeal and strife we act a falsehood.

ƒ      Earthly, sensual, devilish.  This wisdom is associated with the three enemies of the Christian: the world, the flesh & the devil.

ƒ      The outcome of earthly wisdom is found in confusion and discord.  Churches are wrecked because of the wisdom from beneath.

Discord amongst the brethren is something God hates.