Solomon stated, “Wisdom is too lofty for (24:17) fools. Such was the case of one man in Queens, NY. He was about to commit a burglary and got himself stuck in a chimney in for hours before emergency personnel were able to remove him. Police and fire personnel were called to an address in Jackson Heights just before 3 am on a Friday morning. An investigation determined the man was in the process of trying to commit a burglary when he got stuck in the chimney. The man was arrested on burglary charges but had to be taken to Elmhurst Hospital with superficial wounds and a bit dehydrated.

We would all agree that wasn’t a wise thing to do trying to go down a chimney to rob a house. He must of figure if Santa can do it so can I. He lacked wisdom and became a fool, Solemn also stated “but fools die for want of wisdom”. Wisdom really does not refer to ones IQ or intellectual abilities as we might believe. Rather wisdom is making the proper responses to the circumstances and events that one encounters in life. Wisdom means the application of godly knowledge to the reshaping of life, transforming attitudes, transforming behavior into righteousness. Wisdom then is not what I know, wisdom is how I live. 

James tells us that there are two different wisdom’s trying to control our lives one originates from Heaven above and the other is an earthly wisdom. Those who possess genuine saving faith will manifest the wisdom of God, the wisdom from above (vv. 17-18)

I. The Evidence of Wisdom 11-13

1. If you are a Christian following the Word of God then you should respond accordingly. The well from which we get all our resources for the decision of life is God’s word. If one draws from God’s well of knowledge then one immolates this., Just as the fresh water fountain only gives fresh water and a fig tree gives figs… Now please note verse 13…

2. James is saying, “If you are wise you will understand God’s ways. If you claim wisdom and understanding show it first by your good behavior your exemplary lifestyle. That is how the word conversation “anastrophē” än ä-stro-fā’  translates to conduct or ones’ lifestyle. As with faith, wisdom and understanding that are not demonstrated in righteous, godly living are devoid of spiritual value.

3. James goes on to admonish his reader’s vv13 to show their wisdom and understanding by their good deeds. Believers are also to demonstrate wisdom and understanding by an attitude of meekness meaning gentleness, mildness of disposition (“power under control”). In the Greek culture the word was used to describe the taming of wild animals so they would be useful for work. You may have a bold personality but for God sake He wants us to entreat those who are Christians with meekness and the lost in such a way they would seek the goodness they see in you for themselves. Your demeanor becomes something they desire.

Illustration:

A rider on horseback, many years ago, came across a squad of soldiers who were trying to move a heavy piece of timber. A corporal stood by, giving orders to “heave” but the piece of timber was too heavy for the squad.

“Why don’t you help them?” asked a quiet man on a white horse, addressing the important corporal. “Me? Why, I’m the corporal, sir!” Dismounting, the stranger carefully took his place with the soldiers. “Now, all together, boys-heave!” he said. And the big piece of timber slid into place. The stranger mounted his horse and addressed the corporal. “The next time you have a piece of timber for your men to handle, corporal, send for the commander-in-chief.” That horseman was George Washington.

II. The Categories of Wisdom-14-16

1. James goes on to describe two kinds of wisdom. True wisdom comes from above, but the false wisdom comes from below. In other words, there is a “heavenly wisdom” that comes from God, and there is a “man-made wisdom” that does not come from God.

The wisdom of God is the same today as yesterday and as yesteryear and beyond. That is known as the immutably of God. Cultures have change and the church has changed because men believe there wisdom is more moral than God and wiser than the Almighty. That is why we have a multicity of genders today and why we have gender misunderstanding. Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

vs non-binary, bigender, agender, and transgender. — (notes???)

  There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. — Proverbs 21:30

2. False Wisdom is self-serving having two distinct motives: Bitter envy and selfish ambition. False wisdom is demonic, it is not of God.

3. Examples of this are found in Solomon, known as one of the wisest men ever: but his wisdom was corrupted by selfish ambition, as he tries to create a name for himself by collecting wives from all the pagan countries around him.

And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. I Kings 11:3

4. A ministry operating in the wisdom of this world may appear to be great and successful, but in the Day of Judgment it will burn up. A person whose motives are based on the world’s wisdom is inevitably arrogant. James is therefore saying that, if a person claims to belong to God and to have the wisdom of God, but his life is motivated and characterized by selfish ambition and bitter envy, he is simply lying against the truth.

5. Verse 16. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion. These are the opposite of the meekness of wisdom mentioned in James 3:13. These words actually refer to someone who has a critical, contentious, fight-provoking manner.

III. The Essence of Wisdom From Above. Vv. 17-18

1. The Bible is full with stories of people who prospered because of God’s Wisdom. Joseph goes through slavery and imprisonment to become the second in command of all Egypt, Daniel goes into captivity … to become an advisor to the King, Ester attains the position of queen because of her beauty, but save her people through wisdom.

2. There are eight characteristic James listed to describe wisdom from above. First is purity. James is not talking just about moral purity here – that is important, but he is also talking about purity of motives – that we would use the wisdom given to us to seek after God’s glory, his praise, and the furthering of his kingdom, not the furthering of our kingdom,

3. God’s wisdom is the wisdom of peace – a wisdom that brings reconciliation in conflicts – not a wisdom that wins at every cost. What makes the wisdom that comes from above “peace loving” is that it is it is considerate and submissive.

4. Gentle, translates being considerate to others however, it is impossible to find an English word to translate this quality. Matthew Arnold called it ‘sweet reasonableness’ and it is the ability to extend to others the kindly consideration we would wish to receive ourselves.” It is one who knows how to forgive when strict justice gives a perfect right to condemn. One has a kind consideration.

5. Easy to be entreated this person can agree to disagree. Wisdom that is true is able to listen to the people around it, for both advice and explanations. We might think that wise people have all the answers, but the reality is that truly wise people are able to listen for answers.

6. Being full of mercy (James 3:17) is the fifth characteristic James lists to describe wisdom from above. This means full of compassion for the hurting or suffering. It also refers to being quick to forgive those who have wronged or hurt you. The phrase full of means “controlled by.” In other words, a person who has wisdom from above is controlled by mercy which leads to the sixth characteristic of heavenly wisdom: good fruits or literally, good deeds. Wisdom from above reveals itself in good deeds for those who are in need.

7. The seventh characteristic of wisdom from above is being without partiality. The word translated partiality means “unwavering” or “consistent.” Wisdom from above is not forced to change its mind because of the pressure of situations or personalities. Wisdom from above is characterized by a consistency in belief and behavior.

8. Finally, James says that wisdom from above is without hypocrisy. The word translated hypocrisy means “unfeigned” or “sincere.” The same Greek word is translated dissimulation in Romans 12:9. This refers to a person who is genuine or real, not someone who does things with ulterior motives.

Conclusion:

When there is a discrepancy between what we say and what we do that is hypocrisy and we create confusion in the minds of our “audience.” That’s why many non-believers do not take the gospel message seriously. Folks, the entry into true wisdom is through faith in God through Jesus Christ. We are saved into wisdom. (Gospel) Once we come into wisdom, then Scripture becomes the source of wisdom, the Holy Spirit becomes the teacher of wisdom.