(James 3:13a NLT) If you are wise and understand God’s ways, …
Knowledge comes from education. – – – Wisdom comes from God.
“wise \ wisdom” = skilled in living
(James 3:13b NLT) . . . prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.
(James 3:14-16 NLT) But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
(James 1:5 NLT) If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
(James 3:17-18 NLT) But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
1. A PURE heart.
(James 3:17 NLT) But the wisdom from above is first of all pure…..
(Titus 1:15 NLT) Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted.
(James 4:7-8 NLT) So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
What are you giving space too?
2. LOVE peace.
(James 3:17 NLT) But the wisdom from above is… It is also peace loving, gentle at all times …
(Proverbs 14:29 NLT) People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness. (or they prove it)
(Proverbs 20:3 MSG) ‘It’s a mark of good character to avert quarrels, but fools love to pick fights.’
Conflict minus You = no conflict
3. CONTEMPLATES a bigger picture.
(James 3:17 NLT) But the wisdom from above is… gentle at all times …
(Romans 15:1-3 NLT) We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. …
4. Willing to LISTEN.
(James 3:17 NLT) But the wisdom from above is . . . willing to yield to others
(Proverbs 12:15 MSG) ‘Fools are headstrong and do what they like; wise people take advice.’
5. Takes on the WEIGHT.
(James 3:17 NLT) But the wisdom from above is . . . full of mercy and good deeds.
(James 2:13 NIV) because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
“I would rather stand before God having loved too much than having judged too harshly.” ~Pastor Chris Hodges~
6. AUTHENTICITY.
(James 3:17 NLT) But the wisdom from above is . . . shows no favoritism and is always sincere.
What am I hiding?
(James 3:18 NLT) And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
