James 3:13-18

Knowledge, Understanding, Wisdom

“Knowledge” –many facts about life and the world we live in “Understanding” – the ability to take several facts and combine them to arrive at new information “Wisdom” – knowing when information ought to be applied to different situations

James 3:13 Wisdom is demonstrated by good conduct James 2:18 – like faith, it is not proved by mere words Philippians 1:27,28 – “striving together for the faith of the gospel”

Manner of Application Meekness of Wisdom Devoid of selfish motives Solely concerned about others and gives no thought for himself True wisdom looks for the best solution for others Earthly wisdom looks for solution that benefit the speaker or harm the listener- James 3:14-16

Characteristics of True Wisdom James 3:17,18 Pure Peaceable Gentle Willing to yield Full of mercy & good fruits Without partiality Without hypocrisy

Traits of The Wise Seeks Counsel – Proverbs 12:15 Man cannot direct his own steps – Jeremiah 10:23 A wise man learns & increases his understanding – Proverbs 1:5; 9:9; 19:20 Psalm 1:1 – Don’t follow the advice of the wicked

God The Source of Wisdom Proverbs 9:10,11 Surest councils are God’s – Proverbs 19:21 A Wise man controls what he says Proverbs 10:19; 29:11 Mature man shows self-control by mouth control – James 3:2 Slow to speak – James 1:19,20; Proverbs 17:27,28 God will judge us by our words – Matthew 12:37

Wise Man Stays Away From Evil Proverbs 14:16 – Wise man fears sin & avoids it Proverbs 22:3 - considers the potential consequences 1 Thessalonians 5:21,22 – Test everything Wise man makes plans in advance – Proverbs 6:6-11; 10:5 Matthew 7:24-27 2 Peter 1:3

True Wisdom Learned From God World cannot produce true wisdom- 1 Corinthians 1:20-21 Source of true wisdom greater – 1 Corinthians 1:25 Result something unexpected by the world – 1 Corinthians 1:27-31 Seen in How it is used a What it Creates in people – James 3:17,18

Yield To God’s Teachings James 1:21-25 “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. 25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.”