Devotional Thoughts | James Pt. 8

Heavenly Wisdom -vs- Earthly Wisdom

As we continue to work our way through the Epistle of James, we remember some have called it the Book of Proverbs for the New Testament. It certainly contains practical truths for Christlike living no matter the period of time in which you live.

Today, we continue to work our way through chapter 3, as James shows the stark contrast between Heavenly wisdom and Earthly wisdom. All one has to do is take a good look at society to see just how much we need Heavenly wisdom.

James 3:13 – 18

13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James begins with a question; Who among you is wise and understanding? These are important questions to deal with at the beginning of the teaching on wisdom. Let’s look at the question ourselves. Let’s begin by defining wise. In the Greek it means, skilled. The word understanding means knowing. Those who know and understand and are skillful in the application of what they know, are instructed to live lives which are in agreement with what they know and understand. In other words, their works and words are in agreement. Because there is agreement between their skill and understanding, there is a gentleness which is the evidence of their wisdom.

Conversely, bitter jealousy and selfish ambition, which is evidenced by the motives of the heart, lie against the truth. These characteristics are evidence of earthly, natural, demonic wisdom which manifests itself in jealousy, selfish ambition, disorder and every evil thing.  

This is where our world is today. Wrong is now considered right, and right is now considered wrong. We have normalized rebellion, and sin, and as a result have a nation of confused and lost people. The truths James shared in his letter to the early church speak volumes to our social, political and spiritual situation today. In fact, I would go as far as to say, the abandonment of Heavenly wisdom is leading us down a pathway of destruction.

Let’s remember the words of Solomon from Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seems right to a person, but its end is the way of death.

Look at the last two verses of chapter 3. Verse 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

For too long we have drunk from the cesspool of earthly wisdom and show the effects both in the world and in the church.

Let us make this our prayer; Lord let your wisdom transform us that we may be purified from all that is earthly, reflecting the beauty of Jesus to those around us. Let us reflect his peace, love, gentleness and mercy, being impartial, reasonable and free from hypocrisy. May we sow the fruit of righteousness in peace that Jesus alone may receive all glory and praise. Amen.