How to Be Wise
James 3:13-18
March 8, 2020

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(Scripture references from ESV unless otherwise noted)

If you want to be wise, submit and apply.

Who is wise and understanding among you? —James 3:13

Our wisdom is meant to be seen!

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. —James 3:14-15


“I will make myself like the Most High.” —Isaiah 14:14
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. —James 3:16

If you want to be wise, submit and apply.

Wisdom is pure.

But the wisdom from above is first pure… —James 3:17


Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. —Psalm 139:23-24

Wisdom is peaceful

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable. —James 3:17


“Loving someone honestly will sometimes unnerve, offend, disturb, or even hurt those who are being loved.”

Wisdom is gentle

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle… —James 3:17-18

Wisdom is reasonable

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason. —James 3:17-18

Wisdom is merciful

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits. —James 3:17-18

Wisdom is unwavering.

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial—James 3:17-18

Wisdom is without hypocrisy

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. —James 3:17-18

Sincere = no wax in the cracks

And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. —James 3:18

If you want to be wise, you need to submit and apply.

Study Guide

Practice His Ways
Focus on the following practice in your pursuit of God:
1. Learn to recognize the big events and daily moments God uses to deepen your relationship with Him.
2. Observe the places in your life where God is getting your attention. What made you sad, glad, or mad today? What stood out from the passage above or Jay’s message?


3. Reflect on these areas. Where do you need to change the way you are thinking? What truth do you need to believe in its place?


4. Discuss this with your group or another close person in your life. What is God asking or leading you to do?

Pursue Others
Courageously choose to know and be known by sharing what God is doing in your life with your group.
1. Who in your life has exemplified and imparted godly wisdom? What characteristics marked their life?


2. How does the world’s definition of wisdom differ from Scripture’s definition?


3. According to James 3:13, why can’t someone whose life is marked by immorality be considered wise?


4. Was there a time this past week when you were jealous or acted out of selfish ambition? Process this with the group. Ask your group members what God might be trying to teach you from that situation.

Practice His Ways
Focus on the following practice in your pursuit of others:
1. Intentionally care for someone by visiting, preparing meals, writing notes, or praying for them.
2. Who in your neighborhood could use care this week?
Think about caring for a member of our church family who is homebound or in a care facility.
3. Who in your group could use care this week?