James 3:13-16 — Knowledge + Action = Wisdom!

READ THIS: James 3:13-16

13 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. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
 
WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

What is wisdom? I like to say that it is knowledge (what we learn and know) put into action. It’s taking all the lessons you learn into account so you know what decisions to make. It’s figuring out the right decision and the wrong decision in a situation. But what happens if we know a decision is wrong, but we choose to do it anyway? I think that’s pretty similar to what James calls earthly wisdom!

In verse 14, there are 3 things that stand out most to me: bitterness (lacking sweetness or kindness), envy (longing for what others have), and selfish ambition (doing what would be best for only us). All 3 of these things can cloud our judgment and influence how we act on what we know. Even when we know something is wrong, we can still choose to make the wrong decision if we care more about proving someone wrong, helping ourselves, or wanting to be like other people. If we really want to be full of wisdom from heaven, it starts with letting these things go and choosing humility instead (so choosing the opposite of the bolded words...to choose sweetness, gratitude, and loving others).

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. Who is someone in your life that you think is very wise? What about the way they act makes them a wise person?
 
2. Of the three things we covered today (bitterness, envy, and selfish ambition), which do you think you need the most help with this week? Ask God to help you grow out of it today!

 
TRY THIS:

The first solution James gives to leaving earthly wisdom behind is humility. Humility is thinking of yourself less often, so write down 1 thing you can do today to serve others with humility!

Comments

  1. MoFebruary 1, 2023 at 4:43 AM

    I think of Abby D because she holds people around her to a high standard and then holds herself to the same one. She knows what’s right and puts it into practice for herself AND others, which is sick. I think there’s a level of humility to have the same standard for you and others…so maybe that’s my one thing to work on…cuz sometimes I hold myself to a higher one or a lower one

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