A TRULY WISE PERSON

Passage: James 3:13-18

Key verse: 17

NIV

Two Kinds of Wisdom

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it(A) by their good life, by deeds(B) done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition(C) in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.(D) 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven(E) but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.(F) 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition,(G) there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven(H) is first of all pure; then peace-loving,(I) considerate, submissive, full of mercy(J) and good fruit, impartial and sincere.(K) 18 Peacemakers(L) who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.(M)

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Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

Wisdom from Above

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

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The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway
1. Earthly wisdom (13-16) There are two kinds of wisdom: wisdom from God and earthly wisdom. Truly wise people reveal their wisdom through good deeds and humility. But worldly wisdom says that we need to live by selfish ambition and to look out for ourselves in order to survive and thrive. Bitterness and envy are also justified as necessary. Such wisdom is earthly, unspiritual and demonic. Its fruit is revealed in disorder and evil practices. 2. Heavenly wisdom (17-18) Wisdom from God helps us to think and act with purity. This wisdom is peace-loving. It enables us to practically love others for their good instead of acting only selfishly. We can be considerate, submissive, impartial, sincere and merciful toward others when we have God's wisdom. Rather than sowing bitterness, we can sow peace with God and with others.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your wisdom. Help me not to live by worldly wisdom but by your word.

One Word: Hold heavenly wisdom in your heart