Wisdom from Above James 3:13-18

James 3:13-18 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.

“Wisdom must go beyond knowing and doing the Word of God “Wisdom must go beyond knowing and doing the Word of God. Wisdom must include a sensitive, mature judgment or discernment of how the fear of the Lord should work itself out in all the circumstances not specifically dealt with in the Bible.” John Piper

“Wisdom is not simply a matter of learning certain principles of life and applying them mechanically. Wisdom begins with a relationship with God.” Tremper Longman

John 18:19-23 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?”

“They deal out global condemnation, while screaming in outrage whenever they are mistakenly criticized regarding some tiny detail of a story. They grouse about a spouse spending $20 on some perceived frivolity, while they don’t think twice about spending $500 on their own hobbies. They damn others as theological nincompoops and biblical ignoramuses, while they themselves subscribe to theological ‘distinctives’ that are at best dubious and at worst flat out wrong.” David Powlison

How do we get wisdom? Introspection Prov 20:5 The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.

How do we get wisdom? Introspection Ask others Prov 20:5 The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. Ask others Prov 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

How do we get wisdom? Introspection Ask others Learn from mistakes Prov 20:5 The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. Ask others Prov 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. Learn from mistakes Prov 19:25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.

How do we get wisdom? Introspection Ask others Learn from mistakes Prov 20:5 The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. Ask others Prov 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. Learn from mistakes Prov 19:25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge. Read God’s word Psalm 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.

How do we get wisdom? Introspection Ask others Learn from mistakes Prov 20:5 The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out. Ask others Prov 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. Learn from mistakes Prov 19:25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge. Read God’s word Psalm 119:130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. Ask James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

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