JAMES
Lesson 12: Spiritual or Worldly Wisdom

James 3:13-18 CSB
13 Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and deny the truth.
15 Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
16 For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice.
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.

• Practical Discipleship for Everyone.
• Bible Memorization.
o Psalm 119:11
I have treasured your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you.

Our last memory verse:
James 3:10
10 Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way.

This week’s memory verse:
James 3:18
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.

Is our wisdom from God or the underworld?

---

Point 1: Worldly wisdom 3:13-16

James 3:14-15
But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and deny the truth.15 Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

Those with

wisdom prioritize their own desires, standards, and ideas above all else.

Worldly Wisdom’s Characteristics (v. 15)
• Earthly- short-sighted; it does not look beyond the immediate moment.
• Unspiritual - translated sensual.
• fleshly desires.
• passion-based.
• appeases or satisfies human desires rather than God.

Philippians 2:3
3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.

False wisdom is

.

The Devil uses

as a means of deception.

Demonic, earthly wisdom is often loud, assertive, and demands attention.

Consequences of worldly wisdom v. 16
For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

Our natural tendencies can lead to complete

.

Godly wisdom offers a path to

.

Include your notes about Point 1 here.

---

Spiritual Wisdom 3:17-18

7 traits of Godly wisdom:
7- completeness and perfection.

1: pure – hagnos – pure; pure from carnality, immaculate; clean. free from carnality - holiness,

Romans 12:1-2.
12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

2: peace-loving – eirenikos – loving peace; bring peace with it. calm and unity.

Matthew 5:9.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

3: gentle – epieikes – seeming, suitable; equitable, fair, mild, gentle. fairness, mildness, and a gentle disposition.

4: compliant or easy to be entreated – eupeithes – easily obeying, compliant. a teachable, submissive attitude.

5: mercy – eleos – mercy: kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them. serve and support others.

Matthew 5:7.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

6: without partiality – adiakritos – undistinguished, unintelligible. does not discriminate or favor certain individuals. everyone is significant, fostering an inclusive attitude.

7: without hypocrisy – anupokritos – unfeigned, undisguised, sincere. authentic and genuine.

Inclde your notes about Point 2 here.

---

Key takeaways:

1. Prioritize Service.
2. Cultivate Character.

Your Notes