A Tale Of Two Kinds Of Wisdom Series

There are decisions that all of us make on a daily basis. Some of those are minor and relatively inconsequential, others are major and potentially life altering. Some impact only us (or so we think), where others reap ramifications on our families, church, workplaces, school, community, and more. How do we know what is right and what is wrong? How can we discern the best from better and good from great? How do we know what is the wise thing to do?

There is a sense in which we can look at people around us and consider what’s pragmatic or practical, but does that really address all of the issues? We can follow people who have success in one area of life and make decisions similar to theirs, but will we be able to pay attention to and deal with the collateral damage that came out of those decisions?

Thankfully, because these decisions are before ALL of us - we have a wealth of resources at our disposal. At the top of that list of resources, I think is the Word of God - and specifically, the book of James.

Over the last several weeks, we’ve been learning in the in James’ epistle that we are to live a life that is fully marked by genuine faith - or a true religion. In the section that we’re considering today, James continues that theme by integrating two topics that he has already briefly discussed - wisdom and works.

In James 1:5-8, we learned that if we lack wisdom - we should ask of God - who gives generously. This followed right on the heals of his encouragement to stand firm in the face of persecution and trials (James 1:2-4). It’s not difficult to imagine why we would need wisdom in the face of extreme opposition.

Then, in chapter 2, James seemed to address the heresy of antinomianism (a separation of soul and body in way leaves people living morally differently than the life that faith expects) as he urged people to demonstrate their faith with their works (James 2:14-26) - works of mercy, worship, obedience, and compassion.

As we saw last week, James discussed the troublesome nature of our tongues - urging all of us to watch our words and those of us who teach to be especially careful (James 3:1-12).

So, it almost seems that he has teachers or leaders in mind as he enters into the combined topics of wisdom and works as he tells us that…

Our works reveal our source of wisdom (13)

James 3:13 ESV

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

As I read this over the week, I couldn’t help but think about a classroom setting and a teacher asking a question. When I was in school, I was the type of student who tended to like to sit near the front and liked to respond to questions. So hearing a teacher ask something like “Who is wise and understanding among you?” I could easily imagine a rather foolish, younger Joel eagerly raising his hand and responding with “me, me, me.” To which James’ next words would have been an appropriate rebuke.

How do we know we’re wise? Some people seem to have the ability to discern fact from fiction and analyze options. The writer of proverbs notes that even a fool is considered wise if they remain quiet (Pv. 17:28).

What we see here is that a person of wisdom will be meek, humble (unlike the front row sitting Joel) and will let good conduct or a lovely life reveal the source of wisdom.

Trials and adversities have a way of exposing the core of who we are. They have a way of uncovering the conduits of our conduct.

But how do we know whether our deeds are rooted in godly wisdom? How do we know if we’re making decisions rooted in biblical values and in a God-honoring way.

Thankfully, in the next several verses, James depicts two kinds of wisdom, what we will call worldly wisdom and heavenly wisdom. He helpfully outlines the root, attributes, and fruit of each kind of wisdom so that we can evaluate what we see in order to trace the fruit to the root or the results to the source of that wisdom.

James begins by addressing what we might call worldly wisdom, noting that…

Worldly wisdom produces works of chaos (14-16)

As we read through these verses, see if you can notice the origin or source, the characteristics and the fruit or works of this kind of wisdom - in other words, the root, attributes, and fruit

James 3:14–16 ESV

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. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.