Scripture Text: James 3:13-18
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James 3:17-18
After James specifically addressed our words, he proceeded with the source of all actions, which is the state of a man's heart, specifically pointing to the 'Christians' who declare that their Lord is Jesus Christ, yet their heart is full of folly—which isn't supposed to happen.
The rhetorical question that James wrote was to remind the audience that we are able to show the wisdom and understanding that we have through our actions by displaying the wisdom of God through working out His will in our lives and not by babbling empty words without doing it into actions and not to brag or to show holier than thou attitude, but with humility and pure intentions only to please God by obeying Him.
Then he proceeded by calling out those who do things out of bitter jealousy and selfish ambition. Not only does this show that a person has a prideful heart, but also an unnecessary competition to others because one thinks he's higher than the other. These are hindrances to following the will of God and these never came from God, but from ones corrupted heart.
A clear difference of two types of wisdom from different sources and its result:
Godly wisdom which is pure then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere—resulting to righteousness that will give glory to God
Worldly wisdom (Folly) is earthly, unspiritual, demonic, where you have envy and selfish ambition which causes people to do sin and things that are evil in the sight of the Lord.
As His people, it should be clear enough in our hearts that the wisdom from God coming from His words empowered by the Holy Spirit should be the source of our wisdom and all of our actions, so we will be able to please God in all that we do. Jesus Christ did not sacrifice His life for our sins for us to still be entangled by these worldly foolishness.
Read
Proverbs 1:7; Ephesians 5:15-16; Colossians 4:5-6
Reflect
Do we seek and follow Godly wisdom through His word or are we still doing things out of worldly wisdom with as elfish ambition and envy?
Remember
Believers who have true wisdom coming from above avoid envy and selfish ambition that result in confusion and evil, but produce peace and righteousness which is the will of God. His Word is given to serve as a light on our paths in order for us to walk as wise in Christ.
Pray
Father, the God of all heavenly wisdom, I pray to You and am begging to fill my heart with the wisdom coming from You. Guard my heart with Your words so the foreign foolishness of this world will not slither in my heart. Teach me to discern what comes from You and what doesn't, so I might be able to follow and live my life for You alone. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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