Studies From the Book of James

INTRODUCTION

1. In the Old Testament book of Proverbs, we are encouraged to seek after wisdom - Pr 3:13-18; 4:7-9

2. Likewise, in the New Testament we are exhorted to walk with wisdom - Eph 5:15-17

3. But in James 3:13-18, we learn that there is more than just one kind of wisdom

4. In this message, we will take a look at what James describes as two different kinds of wisdom: "Heavenly Wisdom Vs. Earthly Wisdom" When the message is completed you will have a choice to make - Which Wisdom will you choose to live by?

5. James has used the method of contrasting throughout the book so far. First there was the stable man and the unstable, then the rich man and poor man, then the nature of the creator verses the nature of the created, then hearing and doing, then mercy and judgment, faith and works, and finally the tongue that blesses God and the tongue that curses people. Compare and contrast.

I. A CONTRAST IN THEIR "ORIGIN"

In our modern society, knowing the source or origin of something has become very important to many people. This is especially true in the food industry. For instance, you have probably heard about the controversy about genetically modified vegetables, like tomatoes, versus regularly grown tomatoes (organic or otherwise). I don’t know much about the genetically modified field, but for many consumers it has become important. They want to know the source or origin of the food that they are buying and eating, and that makes perfect sense.

In the same way, as Christians, we should desire to know and understand the source of the “wisdom” that comes our way all the time. When we contrast the origin of the two “wisdoms” found in this passage of scripture, we should be able to make the right choice.

A. EARTHLY WISDOM IS NOT FROM ABOVE (15)

1. It is EARTHLY

a. I.e., worldly

b. This wisdom is that wisdom which is according to the world's standards; it is horizontal in scope. It looks to the earthly standard, earthly measure of success, earthly counsel, earthly motives, and earthly methods.

- You are successful in this life if ....

- If you want to be happy, then follow this advise ....

- If you want your way in the situation do it this way ....

Illustration: The World Wide Conference on Women in Beijing of a few years ago is a good example. Worldly wisdom poured forth from this conference. They told us there were now five genders, and that lesbianism might be the answer to many of the world’s problems.

c. But this wisdom is foolishness to God - cf. 1 Cor. 1:20 says, Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

2. It is SENSUAL or Natural

a. Appealing to the senses, the emotions, the passions

b. This is a wisdom that is limited to the natural realm of man’s existence apart from God. The Gr. word used here describes that which is essentially human without God in the picture - “soulish” wisdom - thinking that is completely of one’s own soul without God in the picture.

c. This is the same state that every person outside Christ finds themselves in. Paul writes in 1 Cor. 2:14 “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

3. It is DEVILISH

a. The kind of wisdom possessed by the devil and his angels. Check out what Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 4:1 “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.”

b. A wisdom that often finds its origin in the influences of Satan!

c. Have you ever considered the fact that the type of wisdom that is broadcasted, digested and accepted by most in this world is actually directly from the pits of Hell! That probably isn’t anything new to most here. We have known that for some time.

d. There are so many that try to come across as astute and brilliant but in reality what they believe and teach is demonic, but the world never notices and gives them awards and such for what they believe. It seems like the weirder it is the more people of this world think it must be brilliant - thinking beyond their time.

e. As brother Lars Wessberg shared with us this past Wednesday PM in his message on being deceived, Satan is active in deceiving the whole world (Rev. 12:9). One of the key ways that he has been successful in deceiving the whole world is in getting people to accept his brand of “wisdom”. This incorporates many things, but I believe it can be narrowed down to this: Satan’s wisdom will always be in opposition to God’s declared wisdom in the Word of God. We will soon examine some examples of this.

B. HEAVENLY WISDOM IS FROM ABOVE (17)

1. It comes from GOD - cf. James 1:17 READ

I believe each of us here could agree that the wisdom that comes from God can properly be called a “good and perfect gift”. God’s wisdom never changes because He never changes. That’s something you can take to your spiritual bank.

2. It comes via PRAYER - cf. James 1:5-8 READ

To whom are we directing our requests in prayer? To God of course, if we are praying with the knowledge that there is only one God, Jehovah.

[Knowing the origin or source of each kind of wisdom ought to encourage us to select the right one. But if that is not enough, then consider how James describes...]

II. A CONTRAST IN THEIR "NATURE"

A. EARTHLY WISDOM (14,16)

1. Characterized by BITTER ENVYING

a. Another word that we often use when speaking of envy is jealousy. The Greek word used here has come into the English as the word “zeal”. There can be a good kind of zeal - a zeal for the things of God, but here the word is obviously used in a negative sense.

b. What is going on among these Christians that James is writing to that would cause him to write to them about this “earthly” wisdom they have which is causing them to have bitter envy toward one another? It could have been a number of things. In James 1 & 2 we came across the haves and have nots in the church. In the verses which we will examine, Lord willing, next Lord’s Day in James 4:1-5 also give us a hint as to what was going on. READ It is quite clear that the Christians that James was writing to were polarized over various issues and it was dividing them. But the earthly wisdom which was at work within their heart and soul told them they had their rights and they should push until they got their way.

c. Notice the type of envying that was in their heart - “bitter”. The idea behind this word is that it is harsh or contentious. The Apostle Paul gave some instruction about bitterness and it’s fruits in Ephesians 3:31,32 READ

2. Possessing BITTER STRIFE IN YOUR HEART

a. Strife is the end result of unchecked envy. Notice in verse 14 where the strife is located - in the heart. Notice in verse 16 where the envy and strife are found - in outward actions and words.

b. What does that mean to each of us today? If you burn with envy and strife in your heart, and you allow it to go unchecked and are not willing to turn from it and confess it, then it will burn a hole through you and explode out into the open where everyone can see and hear it. You know what I’m talking about. Pent up anger and envy over one thing or another eventually comes to the surface, and we have the audacity to proclaim we are right to be angry and contentious toward this other person, this other believer. I believe this can even be exhibited toward those who may be wrong in what they believe and teach by those who do know the truth, but come across in the wrong way with their attitudes.

3. This wisdom extols as virtues such qualities as: Power, Position, Privilege, Prestige

4. It was this kind of wisdom...

a. That prompted Satan and his angels to rebel against God

b. That prompted the disciples to argue over who would be the greatest in the kingdom

c. That causes believers today to be at odds with others around them. Is that true in your life today? Are you holding a grudge against another person, another believer? Is there bitterness in your heart because you are not getting the attention that you feel you should be getting from others? Anything like this is “earthly” wisdom and not of God.

B. HEAVENLY WISDOM (17)

Verse 17 begins the contrast, as James begins to tell us what true wisdom is all about. As we have mentioned in the past, James often uses poetic styles to convey his thoughts. Verse 17 is a literary form known as “assonance.” You know what “dissonance” is: things that don’t sound alike or clash. So “assonance” is words that do sound alike or begin or end with the same vowel sounds. It is like an alliteration in sermon points. In this case most of the words have nearly the same ending. James is extremely creative with the descriptive words he uses to express what heavenly wisdom is all about.

1. It is first PURE

a. The wisdom that God gives is clean and uncontaminated from self ambition and jealousy. It comes from within, while the rest of the traits listed here are external traits.

b. Nothing unclean ever comes from God.

c. God expects us to live in a pure and holy manner. Though a slightly different word is used than the one here for “pure” notice what Paul writes to Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure. Did you catch the command that was given at the end of that verse? Timothy was commanded to keep himself pure, morally pure, and relationally pure in his ministry as a pastor. He had to determine that he was going to be pure in his thoughts and actions. As we grow in the Lord this heavenly trait should also become more and more evident in our life. As we release our own desires and demands and accept the desires and demands of our Lord Jesus Christ, we will become more and more uncontaminated from our own ambitions and jealousies.

2. Then it is PEACEABLE

a. Holding firm to the truth, it makes every effort to be at peace - cf. Rom 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

b. Since one of the traits of the world’s wisdom, of Satan’s wisdom, is strife, it is only appropriate that God’s wisdom is characterized by peaceableness.

c. Is your life characterized by peaceableness or by strife?

d. We need to be careful that we do not mix peaceableness with unionableness. God’s Word does not teach us that for the sake of peace we must compromise what we believe from God’s Word so we can get along with those who twist and distort what God’s Word says, or live in open disregard for the Scriptures. Amos 3:3 says, Can two walk together, except they be agreed? This is why purity precedes peace. Isaiah 57:20,21 says, But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

3. GENTLE

a. That is, kind in one's dealings with others

b. Not harsh, even when right and dealing with those who differ - cf. 2 Tim 2:24-25 (in the context of character traits of a pastor) And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; Though these two verses are directed toward a preacher, I do believe God wants all believers to be gentle with all people, including those who are unsaved. God can use our gentle nature to work repentance in that sinner’s heart.

c. How gentle are you in your dealings with people who differ with you? It is pretty easy to be gentle with folks who agree with you, but what about those times when they don’t?

4. EASY TO BE INTREATED

a. This is having an attitude of being reasonable; open to other’s opinions, but not in matters of truth. Some Christians are so adamant in what they believe about some issues that they are hard to get along with and are known as such. If you don’t cross your t’s and dot your i’s just like them then your a reprobate. Does this mean that we have to agree with what other Christians teach if we think it is not correct? No, but we need not be unreasonable either.

b. Take for instance the matter of Christian liberty - Rom. 14:17-19 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

c. Unreasonableness seems to always engender strife; God says the wisdom that is from above is “easy to be intreated.”

5. FULL OF MERCY

a. Quick to forgive the offenses of others; and having an attitude of caring for those who suffer. James has already touched on this in James 1:27 READ

b. Wisely understanding one's own need of mercy - cf. James 2:13 READ

c. When earthly wisdom tries to dictate that we should not forgive or be merciful to the one who has offended us, God’s wisdom instructs us to show mercy, to be full of mercy.

d. This mercy can also take in what Lars Wessberg taught us on Tuesday night about being Good Samaritans. Keep praying that God will bring into your life strangers who you can help and share a witness to.

6. FULL OF GOOD FRUITS

a. Notice verse 13, where it says we are to show by our “conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”

b. This wisdom takes one beyond being a HEARER to being a DOER - James 1:22

c. Understanding that "faith without works is dead" - James 2:26

d. I definitely believe we ought to include in what James is referring to here what is called the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22,23 which says, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

e. If you are a believer, then God’s Word says there should be fruit in your life. When the fruit of the Spirit is active in your life and my life we will be full of good fruits toward God and toward others.

f. What do we say of a fruit tree that is full of fruit on a particular year? We would say that tree is healthy, alive, and prospering. What do we say of a fruit tree that doesn’t produce any fruit, and no leaves are on the tree? We would probably say that tree is dead or nearly so. What does it say about a person who says they are a believer but there are no good fruits in their life?

7. WITHOUT PARTIALITY

a. Showing no respect of persons - cf. James 2:1-13

b. Rather, treating all fairly, on the same basis.

c. Are we partial to whom we share the gospel message to? We shouldn’t be. Are we kind to some people and not to others? According to God’s form of wisdom, this would be wrong.

8. WITHOUT HYPOCRISY

a. Indicating that all of the above is not an "act", a "show" but that it comes from a heart desiring to please God, not man.

b. The Apostle Paul has something to say about those who are living in hypocrisy in 1 Timothy 4:1-3 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

[Certainly the superiority of "Heavenly Wisdom" over "Earthly Wisdom" is apparent in this passage. But as additional proof, notice also...]

III. A CONTRAST IN THEIR "FRUITS"

A. EARTHLY WISDOM (16)

1. Causes CONFUSION (Disorder)

a. Is that true? Is it true that where there is envy and strife you will also find confusion among people?

b. You bet it’s true and we each know it. When envy and strife is found in the home you will not find peace and contentment - you will find confusion and disorder. What about at church when believers are at odds with one another, and strife has erupted - do you find peace and contentment? Certainly not.

c. Earthly wisdom has the effect of throwing people into confusion, rivalry, antagonism, and disorder.

d. Sadly, despite the known result of resorting to earthly wisdom in dealing with matters, people still choose it because they selfishly want their way.

2. And EVERY EVIL THING

a. The word “evil” obviously speaks of that which is opposite of good.

b. Earthly wisdom is without moral value, and because of that it can not come as a gift from the One who only gives good gifts (James 1:17)

B. HEAVENLY WISDOM (18)

1. Produces PEACE, instead of confusion

2. Bears the fruit of RIGHTEOUSNESS, instead of every evil thing

3. Instead of sowing seeds of discord, envy and strife, those who are righteous sow the seeds of God’s Wisdom and it always will produce a wonderful crop of peace with others.

4. Notice the end of verse 18 - only those who know peace in their life are capable of sowing the seeds of God’s Wisdom in the soil of other’s lives with the resultant crop of peace.

CONCLUSION

1. Certainly when we compare their ORIGIN, NATURE and FRUITS, the wisdom to be preferred is "HEAVENLY WISDOM"

2. What kind of wisdom do we have?

a. Those who have "EARTHLY WISDOM" boast of theirs (14) James says they should “glory not”

b. While those who have "HEAVENLY WISDOM" show theirs by their good conduct done in meekness (13)

3. What kind of wisdom do we want?

a. If EARTHLY, then no effort is necessary

1) Just do what the world tells you

2) Just do what feels right

b. But if HEAVENLY, then we must be diligent

1) To seek such wisdom from God

2) To demonstrate such wisdom by our conduct

4. Which kind of wisdom is being demonstrated in your life today - the wisdom of this earth, or the wisdom that God gives? You don’t know? Just look behind you in your life and see what kind of wake you are leaving as you move through the waters of life. If the wake is full of envy and strife then you are living by this world’s wisdom. If you find in the wake of your life peace and righteousness, then you have been allowing God to develop his wisdom in your life.


		Which Wisdom? James 3:13-18

Home Baptist Basics Messages Ministries Crusader Club Our Missionaries Our History Guest Book Contact Directions Helpful Links Announcements Vacation Bible School	INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION 1. In the Old Testament book of Proverbs, we are encouraged to seek after wisdom - Pr 3:13-18; 4:7-9 2. Likewise, in the New Testament we are exhorted to walk with wisdom - Eph 5:15-17 3. But in James 3:13-18, we learn that there is more than just one kind of wisdom 4. In this message, we will take a look at what James describes as two different kinds of wisdom: "Heavenly Wisdom Vs. Earthly Wisdom" When the message is completed you will have a choice to make - Which Wisdom will you choose to live by? 5. James has used the method of contrasting throughout the book so far. First there was the stable man and the unstable, then the rich man and poor man, then the nature of the creator verses the nature of the created, then hearing and doing, then mercy and judgment, faith and works, and finally the tongue that blesses God and the tongue that curses people. Compare and contrast. I. A CONTRAST IN THEIR "ORIGIN" In our modern society, knowing the source or origin of something has become very important to many people. This is especially true in the food industry. For instance, you have probably heard about the controversy about genetically modified vegetables, like tomatoes, versus regularly grown tomatoes (organic or otherwise). I don’t know much about the genetically modified field, but for many consumers it has become important. They want to know the source or origin of the food that they are buying and eating, and that makes perfect sense. In the same way, as Christians, we should desire to know and understand the source of the “wisdom” that comes our way all the time. When we contrast the origin of the two “wisdoms” found in this passage of scripture, we should be able to make the right choice. A. EARTHLY WISDOM IS NOT FROM ABOVE (15) 1. It is EARTHLY a. I.e., worldly b. This wisdom is that wisdom which is according to the world's standards; it is horizontal in scope. It looks to the earthly standard, earthly measure of success, earthly counsel, earthly motives, and earthly methods. - You are successful in this life if .... - If you want to be happy, then follow this advise .... - If you want your way in the situation do it this way .... Illustration: The World Wide Conference on Women in Beijing of a few years ago is a good example. Worldly wisdom poured forth from this conference. They told us there were now five genders, and that lesbianism might be the answer to many of the world’s problems. c. But this wisdom is foolishness to God - cf. 1 Cor. 1:20 says, *Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?* 2. It is SENSUAL or Natural a. Appealing to the senses, the emotions, the passions b. This is a wisdom that is limited to the natural realm of man’s existence apart from God. The Gr. word used here describes that which is essentially human without God in the picture - “soulish” wisdom - thinking that is completely of one’s own soul without God in the picture. c. This is the same state that every person outside Christ finds themselves in. Paul writes in 1 Cor. 2:14 *“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”* 3. It is DEVILISH a. The kind of wisdom possessed by the devil and his angels. Check out what Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 4:1 *“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.”* b. A wisdom that often finds its origin in the influences of Satan! c. Have you ever considered the fact that the type of wisdom that is broadcasted, digested and accepted by most in this world is actually directly from the pits of Hell! That probably isn’t anything new to most here. We have known that for some time. d. There are so many that try to come across as astute and brilliant but in reality what they believe and teach is demonic, but the world never notices and gives them awards and such for what they believe. It seems like the weirder it is the more people of this world think it must be brilliant - thinking beyond their time. e. As brother Lars Wessberg shared with us this past Wednesday PM in his message on being deceived, Satan is active in deceiving the whole world (Rev. 12:9). One of the key ways that he has been successful in deceiving the whole world is in getting people to accept his brand of “wisdom”. This incorporates many things, but I believe it can be narrowed down to this: Satan’s wisdom will always be in opposition to God’s declared wisdom in the Word of God. We will soon examine some examples of this. B. HEAVENLY WISDOM IS FROM ABOVE (17) 1. It comes from GOD - cf. James 1:17 READ I believe each of us here could agree that the wisdom that comes from God can properly be called a “good and perfect gift”. God’s wisdom never changes because He never changes. That’s something you can take to your spiritual bank. 2. It comes via PRAYER - cf. James 1:5-8 READ To whom are we directing our requests in prayer? To God of course, if we are praying with the knowledge that there is only one God, Jehovah. [Knowing the origin or source of each kind of wisdom ought to encourage us to select the right one. But if that is not enough, then consider how James describes...] II. A CONTRAST IN THEIR "NATURE" A. EARTHLY WISDOM (14,16) 1. Characterized by BITTER ENVYING a. Another word that we often use when speaking of envy is jealousy. The Greek word used here has come into the English as the word “zeal”. There can be a good kind of zeal - a zeal for the things of God, but here the word is obviously used in a negative sense. b. What is going on among these Christians that James is writing to that would cause him to write to them about this “earthly” wisdom they have which is causing them to have bitter envy toward one another? It could have been a number of things. In James 1 & 2 we came across the haves and have nots in the church. In the verses which we will examine, Lord willing, next Lord’s Day in James 4:1-5 also give us a hint as to what was going on. READ It is quite clear that the Christians that James was writing to were polarized over various issues and it was dividing them. But the earthly wisdom which was at work within their heart and soul told them they had their rights and they should push until they got their way. c. Notice the type of envying that was in their heart - “bitter”. The idea behind this word is that it is harsh or contentious. The Apostle Paul gave some instruction about bitterness and it’s fruits in Ephesians 3:31,32 READ 2. Possessing BITTER STRIFE IN YOUR HEART a. Strife is the end result of unchecked envy. Notice in verse 14 where the strife is located - in the heart. Notice in verse 16 where the envy and strife are found - in outward actions and words. b. What does that mean to each of us today? If you burn with envy and strife in your heart, and you allow it to go unchecked and are not willing to turn from it and confess it, then it will burn a hole through you and explode out into the open where everyone can see and hear it. You know what I’m talking about. Pent up anger and envy over one thing or another eventually comes to the surface, and we have the audacity to proclaim we are right to be angry and contentious toward this other person, this other believer. I believe this can even be exhibited toward those who may be wrong in what they believe and teach by those who do know the truth, but come across in the wrong way with their attitudes. 3. This wisdom extols as virtues such qualities as: Power, Position, Privilege, Prestige 4. It was this kind of wisdom... a. That prompted Satan and his angels to rebel against God b. That prompted the disciples to argue over who would be the greatest in the kingdom c. That causes believers today to be at odds with others around them. Is that true in your life today? Are you holding a grudge against another person, another believer? Is there bitterness in your heart because you are not getting the attention that you feel you should be getting from others? Anything like this is “earthly” wisdom and not of God. B. HEAVENLY WISDOM (17) Verse 17 begins the contrast, as James begins to tell us what true wisdom is all about. As we have mentioned in the past, James often uses poetic styles to convey his thoughts. Verse 17 is a literary form known as “assonance.” You know what “dissonance” is: things that don’t sound alike or clash. So “assonance” is words that do sound alike or begin or end with the same vowel sounds. It is like an alliteration in sermon points. In this case most of the words have nearly the same ending. James is extremely creative with the descriptive words he uses to express what heavenly wisdom is all about. 1. It is first PURE a. The wisdom that God gives is clean and uncontaminated from self ambition and jealousy. It comes from within, while the rest of the traits listed here are external traits. b. Nothing unclean ever comes from God. c. God expects us to live in a pure and holy manner. Though a slightly different word is used than the one here for “pure” notice what Paul writes to Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:22 *Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.* Did you catch the command that was given at the end of that verse? Timothy was commanded to keep himself pure, morally pure, and relationally pure in his ministry as a pastor. He had to determine that he was going to be pure in his thoughts and actions. As we grow in the Lord this heavenly trait should also become more and more evident in our life. As we release our own desires and demands and accept the desires and demands of our Lord Jesus Christ, we will become more and more uncontaminated from our own ambitions and jealousies. 2. Then it is PEACEABLE a. Holding firm to the truth, it makes every effort to be at peace - cf. Rom 12:18 *If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.* b. Since one of the traits of the world’s wisdom, of Satan’s wisdom, is strife, it is only appropriate that God’s wisdom is characterized by peaceableness. c. Is your life characterized by peaceableness or by strife? d. We need to be careful that we do not mix peaceableness with unionableness. God’s Word does not teach us that for the sake of peace we must compromise what we believe from God’s Word so we can get along with those who twist and distort what God’s Word says, or live in open disregard for the Scriptures. Amos 3:3 says, *Can two walk together, except they be agreed?* This is why purity precedes peace. Isaiah 57:20,21 says, *But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.* 3. GENTLE a. That is, kind in one's dealings with others b. Not harsh, even when right and dealing with those who differ - cf. 2 Tim 2:24-25 (in the context of character traits of a pastor) And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; Though these two verses are directed toward a preacher, I do believe God wants all believers to be gentle with all people, including those who are unsaved. God can use our gentle nature to work repentance in that sinner’s heart. c. How gentle are you in your dealings with people who differ with you? It is pretty easy to be gentle with folks who agree with you, but what about those times when they don’t? 4. EASY TO BE INTREATED a. This is having an attitude of being reasonable; open to other’s opinions, but not in matters of truth. Some Christians are so adamant in what they believe about some issues that they are hard to get along with and are known as such. If you don’t cross your t’s and dot your i’s just like them then your a reprobate. Does this mean that we have to agree with what other Christians teach if we think it is not correct? No, but we need not be unreasonable either. b. Take for instance the matter of Christian liberty - Rom. 14:17-19 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. c. Unreasonableness seems to always engender strife; God says the wisdom that is from above is “easy to be intreated.” 5. FULL OF MERCY a. Quick to forgive the offenses of others; and having an attitude of caring for those who suffer. James has already touched on this in James 1:27 READ b. Wisely understanding one's own need of mercy - cf. James 2:13 READ c. When earthly wisdom tries to dictate that we should not forgive or be merciful to the one who has offended us, God’s wisdom instructs us to show mercy, to be full of mercy. d. This mercy can also take in what Lars Wessberg taught us on Tuesday night about being Good Samaritans. Keep praying that God will bring into your life strangers who you can help and share a witness to. 6. FULL OF GOOD FRUITS a. Notice verse 13, where it says we are to show by our *“conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”* b. This wisdom takes one beyond being a HEARER to being a DOER - James 1:22 c. Understanding that "faith without works is dead" - James 2:26 d. I definitely believe we ought to include in what James is referring to here what is called the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22,23 which says, *But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.* e. If you are a believer, then God’s Word says there should be fruit in your life. When the fruit of the Spirit is active in your life and my life we will be full of good fruits toward God and toward others. f. What do we say of a fruit tree that is full of fruit on a particular year? We would say that tree is healthy, alive, and prospering. What do we say of a fruit tree that doesn’t produce any fruit, and no leaves are on the tree? We would probably say that tree is dead or nearly so. What does it say about a person who says they are a believer but there are no good fruits in their life? 7. WITHOUT PARTIALITY a. Showing no respect of persons - cf. James 2:1-13 b. Rather, treating all fairly, on the same basis. c. Are we partial to whom we share the gospel message to? We shouldn’t be. Are we kind to some people and not to others? According to God’s form of wisdom, this would be wrong. 8. WITHOUT HYPOCRISY a. Indicating that all of the above is not an "act", a "show" but that it comes from a heart desiring to please God, not man. b. The Apostle Paul has something to say about those who are living in hypocrisy in 1 Timothy 4:1-3 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. [Certainly the superiority of "Heavenly Wisdom" over "Earthly Wisdom" is apparent in this passage. But as additional proof, notice also...] III. A CONTRAST IN THEIR "FRUITS" A. EARTHLY WISDOM (16) 1. Causes CONFUSION (Disorder) a. Is that true? Is it true that where there is envy and strife you will also find confusion among people? b. You bet it’s true and we each know it. When envy and strife is found in the home you will not find peace and contentment - you will find confusion and disorder. What about at church when believers are at odds with one another, and strife has erupted - do you find peace and contentment? Certainly not. c. Earthly wisdom has the effect of throwing people into confusion, rivalry, antagonism, and disorder. d. Sadly, despite the known result of resorting to earthly wisdom in dealing with matters, people still choose it because they selfishly want their way. 2. And EVERY EVIL THING a. The word “evil” obviously speaks of that which is opposite of good. b. Earthly wisdom is without moral value, and because of that it can not come as a gift from the One who only gives good gifts (James 1:17) B. HEAVENLY WISDOM (18) 1. Produces PEACE, instead of confusion 2. Bears the fruit of RIGHTEOUSNESS, instead of every evil thing 3. Instead of sowing seeds of discord, envy and strife, those who are righteous sow the seeds of God’s Wisdom and it always will produce a wonderful crop of peace with others. 4. Notice the end of verse 18 - only those who know peace in their life are capable of sowing the seeds of God’s Wisdom in the soil of other’s lives with the resultant crop of peace. CONCLUSION 1. Certainly when we compare their ORIGIN, NATURE and FRUITS, the wisdom to be preferred is "HEAVENLY WISDOM" 2. What kind of wisdom do we have? a. Those who have "EARTHLY WISDOM" boast of theirs (14) James says they should “glory not” b. While those who have "HEAVENLY WISDOM" show theirs by their good conduct done in meekness (13) 3. What kind of wisdom do we want? a. If EARTHLY, then no effort is necessary 1) Just do what the world tells you 2) Just do what feels right b. But if HEAVENLY, then we must be diligent 1) To seek such wisdom from God 2) To demonstrate such wisdom by our conduct 4. Which kind of wisdom is being demonstrated in your life today - the wisdom of this earth, or the wisdom that God gives? You don’t know? Just look behind you in your life and see what kind of wake you are leaving as you move through the waters of life. If the wake is full of envy and strife then you are living by this world’s wisdom. If you find in the wake of your life peace and righteousness, then you have been allowing God to develop his wisdom in your life.