Wisdom: What this World Desperately Needs!

James 3:13-18

KNOWLEDGE is the accumulation of facts.

WISDOM is the ability to use knowledge for God’s glory and to benefit mankind.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 

I. THE WISDOM OF THE WORLD

(1) Where did it get its ORIGIN? “This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.”

(2) Now what is the OUTCOME of worldly wisdom?

“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”

1. Envy

2.  Selfishness “But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.”

3.  Confusion

4.  Perversion

II. THE WISDOM OF GOD                                                                         

(1)  Notice its ORIGIN. But the wisdom that is from above.                                                                

1) Godly wisdom is found in the Living Word–Jesus Christ.

2) Godly wisdom is found in the Written Word–the Bible.

(2)  Now what is the OUTCOME of Godly wisdom?

1.  Purity “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure…” 

2.  Peace “then peaceable”

3.  Gentleness “gentle”

4.  Reasonableness “willing to yield” 

5.  Mercy and good fruits “full of mercy and good fruits”   

6.  Without partiality and hypocrisy “without partiality and without hypocrisy.”

“Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And the knowledge of the Holy One is  understanding. (Proverbs 9:10)