Wisdom From Heaven or Hell
James 3:13–18
1. The Superiority of Heavenly Wisdom
1st Heavenly wisdom is more valuable than money
Proverbs 3:13-15 (NLT)
13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.
14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.
15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
2nd Heavenly wisdom is more valuable than power
Ecclesiastes 9:16, 18 (NIV)
16 So I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.”
18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war,
3rd Heavenly wisdom is more valuable than education
Proverbs 4:5-7 (NLT)
5 Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.
6 Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you.
7 Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.
James 3:13 (NIV)
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
2. The Signs of Demonic and Heavenly Wisdom
1st Demonic Wisdom which is primarily from the devil
James 3:15 (NIV)
Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.
2nd Heavenly Wisdom is wisdom that comes from heaven.
James 3:17 (NIV)
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is...
Demonic Wisdom. is from the devil and results in selfish/evil thoughts and actions
Heavenly Wisdom is from God, honors God and results in a holy life that reflects God’s character.
James 3:14-16 (NIV)
14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.
16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
Bitter envy is resentful comparison.
Selfish ambition is self-seeking, competitive and contentious.
James 3:14 (NIV)
But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.
James 3:15 (NIV)
Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.
1st It is worldly
2nd It is sensual
3rd Of the devil
James 3:16 (NIV)
For where you have envy and selfish ambition [demonic wisdom], there you find disorder and every evil practice.
Disorder: confusion or instability
The word “evil” is the Greek word phaulos ...we get our word “foul” from it.
James 3:17 (NIV)
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
1st Pure
2nd Peace-loving
3rd Considerate
4th Submissive
5th Full of mercy
6th Good fruit
7th Impartial
8th Sincere
In the Greek it literally says:
“without hypocrisy.”
3. The Significance of Heavenly Wisdom
James 3:18 (NIV)
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
