13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James 3:13-18 (ESV)
THREE QUESTIONS…
- What is wisdom?
- What difference does wisdom make in relationships?
- How can I get this wisdom?
1. WHAT IS WISDOM?
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
(vs. 13)
2. WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES WISDOM MAKE IN RELATIONSHIPS?
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
(vs. 17)
“…the wisdom from above is first pure…”
“…the wisdom from above is…peaceable…”
“…the wisdom from above is…gentle…”
“…the wisdom from above is…open to reason…”
“…the wisdom from above is…full of mercy and good fruits…”
“…the wisdom from above is…impartial and sincere…”
3. HOW CAN I GET THIS WISDOM?
Wisdom comes…
…from knowing God.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Proverbs 9:10 (ESV)
…from suffering.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
James 1:5 (ESV)
…down from above.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory…
John 1:14 (ESV)