Today’s sermon audio can be found on Castbox at 152 “Wisdom from Above” James 3:13-18.

Our primary text for February 15 is James 3:13-18. For our first reading we read Proverbs 9:1-18. Some scholars think this paragraph is the thematic highpoint of the letter. In 3:13 James challenges the reader to consider whether his or her thoughts, attitudes, words, and actions match up to the wisdom that is from above. He then describes earthly, unspiritual, demonic “wisdom” in 3:14-16. Then he describes the wisdom from above in 3:17. The contrast is sharp and which is better is obvious. Then James 3:18 describes the outcome of living a life guided by the wisdom from above; those who make peace are sowing peace and will harvest righteousness in due time.

In the the rhetorical question James starts with we see a hint of where the enablement to obey God comes from. James tells us to show our works in the meekness of wisdom. In James 4:6 James tells us plainly that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. If we rely on ourselves for salvation or spiritual growth we are not showing the wisdom that is from above.

"Wisdom from Above" James 3:13-18

  1. Introduction: Which Kind of Wisdom (3:13)
  2. Earthly Wisdom (3:14-16)
  3. Heavenly Wisdom (3:17)
  4. Conclusion: A Harvest of Righteousness (3:18)

Scripture References: Proverbs 9:1-18; James 3:13-18; Proverbs 1:1-7; Ephesians 5:15-21; James 4:6;

J. I. Packer on wisdom in Concise Theology

Wisdom in Scripture means choosing the best and noblest end at which to aim, along with the most appropriate and effective means to it.

Charles Bridges on Proverbs 1:7 in An Exposition of Proverbs

But what is this fear of the Lord? It is that affectionate reverence, by which the child of God bends himself humbly and carefully to his Father’s law.