James 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
God is asking who is wise and understanding among the brethren - among us who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is looking for men, women, youth who will be able to show by good conduct that their good works are done in meekness of wisdom.
For you and I to gain wisdom we are to do as we are asked in James 1:5, realizing that the true essence of knowledge and wisdom is in the fear of the Lord - Proverbs 1:7; 9:10
A wise man is a knowing man who lays stock of knowledge and also applies it in his/her life.
First distinguishing mark of true wisdom is a good conduct or good conversation. A conduct characterised by words that inform, heal and do good, not roughness or vanity. Not a conversation that looks great adn do mischief and is an occassion of evil.
Secondly it is known by works - Ephesians 2:10 Believers are God's workmanship for good works which God foreordained that we should walk in them.
Thirdly, true wisdom is known by meekness of the spirit and temper. Wisdom produces meekness and meekness increases in wisdom.
EARTHLY WISDOM - SHUN IT!
James 3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
First, Envying and strife are opposed to the meekness of wisdom. The heart is the seat of both. Christians are admonished to ask for help. Jeremiah 17:9 Your heart and my heart are desperately wicked. God is willing to help you and heal your heart trouble.
Secondly an order is laid: Envying leads to strife, strife endeavors itself in vain glory and lying. THEN there will be confusion and every evil work. Those who live in malice, envy and contention live in confusion. They are liable to be provoked and hurried to any evil work. Such disorders raise many temptations, strengthen temptations and involve men in a great deal of guilt.
One sin leads to another. "Sin will take you further than you want to go. It will keep you longer than you want to stay, and it will cost you more than you want to pay" is a famous quote.
Thirdly, such wisdom comes from beneath and NOT from God - James 3:15
Earthly wisdom springs from earthly principles, acts upon earthly motives and is intent on serving earthly purposes. It is sensual - of the flesh as Romans 8:6 warns us.
You and I are to make not provision to fulfill the lusts and desire of the flesh. It creates an uneasiness when James says that ones wisdom is demonic. To create uneasiness and to do hurt among brethren is inspired by devils whose condemnation is pride.
