2. Wisdom From Above

3. Wisdom From Above James 3:13-18 Worldly wisdom shown by:
Sinning and blaming God (1:13-15)
Dishonoring the poor (2:1-7)
Hypocritical speech (3:9-10)
Fighting with each other (4:1-2, 11)
Arrogantly counting on tomorrow (4:13-16)
Worldly wisdom says: “Put self first”

4. Wisdom From Above James 3:13-18 Heavenly wisdom shown by:
Being quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger (1:19)
Serving the less fortunate (1:27)
Self-control, humility, patience, and love
Prayer, forgiveness, restoration (4:7-20)

5. Wisdom From Above James 3:13-18
Wisdom from below produces jealousy and selfish ambition
Earthly, not heavenly
(I John 2:15-17; Philip. 3:18-21)
Unspiritual/sensual, not reasonable
(I Cor. 2:14; Rom. 12:1-2)
Demonic/devilish, not godly

6. Wisdom From Above James 3:13-18
Wisdom from below produces jealousy and selfish ambition
It leads to disorder and every vile practice
How we treat one another (James 4:1-3)
Sinful heart, sinful actions (Mark 7:21-22)
Loving heart, good actions (Gal. 5:14)

7. Wisdom From Above James 3:13-18 We must seek the wisdom from above
Pure – free from error and contamination, always yields good results (Psa. 119:9)
Worldly wisdom has a flawed foundation of selfishness
Peaceable – yields forgiveness, cooperation, and unity (Rom. 12:14-21)
Worldly wisdom: “My way or the highway”

8. Wisdom From Above James 3:13-18 Wisdom from above
Gentle – calm persuasion, not compulsion and rudeness (Titus 3:1-2)
Worldly wisdom: “If someone doesn’t listen, get loud”
Open to reason – listens, considerate rather than stubborn, produces learning and growth
Worldly wisdom: “Never admit you’re wrong”

9. Wisdom From Above James 3:13-18 Wisdom from above
Full of mercy and good fruits – mercy delays punishment to provide opportunity for resolution
Worldly wisdom: “Get even”
Impartial – produces consistency in interactions
Worldly wisdom: “Treat people better when you want something from them”

10. Wisdom From Above James 3:13-18 Wisdom from above
Sincere/without hypocrisy – produces a real desire to teach and do right consistently
Worldly wisdom: “Do what feels right in each situation”
A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace (3:18)

11. Wisdom From Above James 3:13-18
“Who is wise and understanding among you?”
Where does your wisdom come from?
One leads to conflict here and eternal punishment
One leads to a blessed life here and eternal joy