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 [a]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, [b]natural, demonic. ¹⁶ For where jealousy and [c]selfish ambition exist, [d]there is disorder and every evil thing. ¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [e]reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. ¹⁸ And the [f]seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace [g]by those who make peace. —James 3:13-18

Introduction

I. The Vices of Human Wisdom (14-16)

A. The Origin
1. Earthly
2. Natural
3. Demonic

B. The Operation
1. Bitter Jealousy
2. Selfish Ambition

C. The Outcome
1. Disorder
2. Every evil thing

II. The Virtues of Heavenly Wisdom (17-18)

A. Origin

B. The Operation
1. Pure
2. Peaceable
3. Gentle
4. Reasonable
5. Merciful
6. Fruitful
7. Unwavering
8. Sincere/Without Hypocrisy

C. The Outcome
1. Peace
2. Righteousness

Conclusion (How to Get Heavenly Wisdom)

1. Receive Christ (1 Cor 1:24,30; Col 2:3)
2. Revere God (Prov 1:7)
3. Read the Word (Ps 100:97-100; Col 3:16)
4. Request Wisdom (James 1:5)