Two Kinds of Wisdom — Which Are You Living By?

James 3:13–18

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” — James 3:13 (NIV)

Wisdom That Works

We live in a world bursting with information. Social media feeds, YouTube gurus, and bestselling books claim to offer “wisdom” on everything from relationships to business to how you should live your life. But in James 3:13–18, God makes a bold distinction: not all wisdom is created equal.

There is wisdom from above—and wisdom from below. One leads to peace, the other to chaos. One builds relationships, the other fractures them. One honors God, the other feeds the self.

The Contrast: Worldly vs. Godly Wisdom

Worldly Wisdom (James 3:14–16)

James doesn’t mince words. Wisdom that’s earthly, unspiritual, and demonic is marked by bitter envy and selfish ambition. This kind of wisdom is clever, but manipulative. It’s persuasive, but proud. It may win arguments, but it loses people.

Examples of Worldly Wisdom:

• “Do whatever makes you happy.”
• “Look out for number one.”
• “If they hurt you, cut them off.”
• Business tactics that sacrifice integrity for profit.
• Marriage decisions rooted in control, not humility.

Pastor and theologian John MacArthur writes, “The ultimate test of wisdom is not what a person knows, but what a person is.”

When we lean on worldly wisdom, we often get what we want—but not what we need.

Godly Wisdom (James 3:17–18)

In contrast, godly wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. This is not weakness; it is strength under the control of the Spirit. This kind of wisdom listens well, speaks gently, and sows peace.

Examples of Godly Wisdom:

• A spouse who chooses grace over sarcasm.
• A leader who admits fault before blaming others.
• A friend who listens before offering advice.
• A believer who pauses to pray before speaking.
• A business owner who honors God before the bottom line.

The late theologian R.C. Sproul noted, “Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge in a godly way… and it begins with reverence for God.”

How Do We Grow in Godly Wisdom?

It starts not with more education, but more relationship.

Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” When we walk closely with God—through His Word, through prayer, through Spirit-led living—He shapes not just what we know, but how we live.

You can’t microwave spiritual wisdom. It grows slowly, steadily, and most often through humility, surrender, and obedience.

Action Steps: Walking in Wisdom

1. Ask God for Wisdom.
   James 1:5 reminds us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all.”
2. Examine Your Motives.
   Is your decision rooted in peace or pride? Are you building unity or proving superiority?
3. Stay in the Word.
   Let Scripture shape your values more than the culture does.
4. Pause Before Speaking.
   Before offering advice or reacting emotionally, ask: Is what I’m about to say peace-loving, sincere, and full of mercy?
5. Pursue Relationships, Not Just Results.
   Wisdom isn’t measured by achievement but by fruit—especially the fruit of peace.

Closing Thought

Godly wisdom doesn’t make you look smarter—it makes you look more like Jesus.

Let the Spirit of God do a deep work in you this week. Choose humility over hustle. Choose purity over posturing. Choose peace over pride. And trust that when you walk in God’s wisdom, you sow a harvest of righteousness—not only in your life, but in the lives around you.

“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” — James 3:18