Godly Wisdom That Shows

James 3:13-18 (ESV) 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Vs 13a: Who is wise among you? 

James 3:1 (ESV) 1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

What is wise/wisdom? What does it mean? 

Miriam Webster: Wisdom is the ability to make sound, intelligent judgments and decisions by applying accumulated knowledge, understanding, and life experience.

Crossway: Wisdom is the ability to discern good from evil and apply knowledge, skill, and experience in order to live in right relationship with God and others within the world that God made.

Proverbs 9:10 (ESV) 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Proverbs 17:28 (ESV) 28 Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.

1 Corinthians 3:18-20 (ESV) 18 Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” 20 and again, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.”

Vs 13b: By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

Conduct: wisdom shows up in our actions or its not really wisdom. 

Meekness: Softness of temper; mildness; gentleness; forbearance under injuries and provocations.

Signs of NOT having wisdom…. 

Vs14-16: But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

Jealousy and selfish ambition breed disorder and evil practices that are detestable to God. 

Characteristics of Godly Wisdom… 

Vs 17: But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

• First pure… if not pure, the rest of the list is skewed.
• Peaceable
• Gentle
• Open to reason (contrast to unreasonable) 
• FULL of mercy AND good works
• Impartial
• Sincere

The results of Godly Wisdom… 

Vs 18: And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.