This wisdom is not
that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. James 3:15
We need to be able to discern
between godly wisdom and worldly wisdom so that we follow the right people and
learn the right principles. It is God’s
will that every person here become wise according to His standards. How
can we discern godly wisdom and distinguish it from the counterfeit?
1.
Lifestyle 2.Motives
3. Origin:
The source of wisdom is another
crucial factor. In verse
15 James says the kind of wisdom that stirs up confusion and
strife is not that which comes down from above. It’s not from God. In fact, it is earthly or
not heavenly; it is sensual or not spiritual in a godly sense (it flows out of
carnal thinking); it is even inspired by demons.
Do you remember the story of
Esther? There was an evil man in that
story named Haman. Haman was shrewd and clever. He probably had some demonic help in his
efforts to deceive and manipulate King Ahasuerus. He is an example of the wisdom James is
opposing. I’ve got good news from
Esther’s story. God’s wisdom is greater
than ungodly wisdom. When Mordecai and
Esther sought God, He gave a wisdom that superseded anything Haman could come
up with.
James says the source of godly
wisdom is “from above.” It is not something we have apart from our relationship
with God. It operates in our lives out of our relationship with God. Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on
your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct
your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the
LORD and depart from evil. Proverbs
3:5-7 When we lean upon
our own understanding we’re in danger of operating out of our carnal nature
with the wrong kind of wisdom.
It is shocking how someone can
operate in godly wisdom one moment and wicked wisdom the next. Remember in Matthew 16 when Jesus asked His disciples,
Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am? (verse 13). They told him some were saying Elijah, some
John the Baptist, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets. When Jesus made the question more personal and
asked, But who do you say that I am?
it was Peter who spoke up and said, “You are the
Christ, the Son of the living God.” Where
did that come from? It was revelation
from God. It came from above. It was wisdom from above.
But then what happened? Jesus began to share with them how He would
have to suffer and be killed and be raised the third day. Now watch Peter. He takes Jesus aside to
correct the Lord and says, “Far be it from
You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!” “That’s not a good plan. That’s not the success we signed up for. Jesus, we’re not going to let that happen to
You.” What kind of wisdom is he operating in there? His carnal mind is in full operation. In Matthew 16:23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you
are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.” Jesus identified the source of Peter’s words
and rejected his counsel. When the
source of our wisdom is not God it becomes tainted with self. Beware the wrong source of wisdom.
Scripture to Claim:
For wisdom will
enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will
guard you, understanding will watch over you, Proverbs 2:10-11
