Lesson 6-Wisdom
Wisdom
(James 3:13–18)
Before you begin …
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal truth and wisdom as you go through this lesson.
• Read James 3:13–18. This lesson references chapter 8 in Be Mature. It will be helpful for you to have your Bible and a copy of the commentary available as you work through this lesson.
Getting Started
From the Commentary
Wisdom was an important thing to Jewish people. They realized that it was not enough to have knowledge; you had to have wisdom to be able to use that knowledge correctly. All of us know people who are very intelligent, perhaps almost geniuses, and yet who seemingly are unable to carry out the simplest tasks of life. They can program computers but they cannot manage their own lives! “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom” (Prov. 4:7).
—Be Mature, page 111
1. As you read James 3:13–18, what thoughts went through your mind? Is wisdom as important to you as it was to Jewish people? What does society seem to honor more, wisdom or knowledge? Explain.
More to Consider: Wisdom in popular culture is often presented as something rare and difficult to find. In your experience, does wisdom seem distant and unreachable, or something within the grasp of all people? How does this differ from your understanding of “common sense”? How does this line up with what James says in 3:13–18?
2. Choose one verse or phrase from James 3:13–18 that stands out to you. This could be something you’re intrigued by, something that makes you uncomfortable, something that puzzles you, something that resonates with you, or just something you want to examine further. Write that here. What strikes you about these verses?
Going Deeper
From the Commentary
Knowledge enables us to take things apart, but wisdom enables us to put things together and relate God’s truth to daily life.
—Be Mature, page 111
3. What do you think about Wiersbe’s differentiation between knowledge and wisdom? In what ways is this very thought an example of “wisdom that comes from heaven”? The world’s definition might be the same as Wiersbe’s, except for the words “and relate God’s truth to daily life.” What do you see as the primary differences between the application of the world’s wisdom as compared to heavenly wisdom?
From the Commentary
The Bible contains many examples of the folly of man’s wisdom. The building of the Tower of Babel seemed like a wise enterprise, but it ended in failure and confusion (Gen. 11:1–9). It seemed wise for Abraham to go to Egypt when famine came to Canaan, but the results proved otherwise (Gen. 12:10–20). King Saul thought it was wise to put his own armor on young David for the lad’s battle with Goliath, but God’s plan was otherwise (1 Sam. 17:38ff.). The disciples thought it was wise to dismiss the great crowd and let them find their own food; but Jesus took a few loaves and fishes and fed the multitude. The Roman “experts” in Acts 27 thought it was wise to leave port and set sail for Rome, even though Paul disagreed, and the storm that followed proved that Paul’s wisdom was better than their expert counsel. They lived to regret it, but they lived!
—Be Mature, page 112
4. Underline the characteristics James uses to define heavenly wisdom. Does this look familiar? Some of these same characteristics are used to describe love in 1 Corinthians 13. What role does love play in “heavenly wisdom”?
More to Consider: Look up two or more of the Bible stories mentioned in the above excerpt (Gen. 11:1–9; 12:10–20; 1 Sam. 17:38; and Acts 27; see also Mark 6:30–44). What similarities do you see in how the earthly wisdom is offered in each story? What similarities are there in the heavenly wisdom?
From the Commentary
Whenever I ride a bus or elevated train in the city, I often think of the man in Boston who was entertaining a famous Chinese scholar. He met his Asian friend at the train station and rushed him to the subway. As they ran through the subway station, the host panted to his guest, “If we run and catch this next train, we will save three minutes!” To which the patient Chinese philosopher replied, “And what significant thing shall we do with the three minutes we are saving?”
—Be Mature, page 113
5. James 3:14 states that “envy and selfish ambition” are evidence that certain wisdom is not from heaven. Does either of these apply to the story Wiersbe tells above? Explain. What are some examples of wisdom born of envy and selfish ambition? (Keep in mind that both envy and selfish ambition are inner qualities that can often be hidden under what look like pure motives.) How do hastiness and patience factor into such motives?
More to Consider: Read Proverbs 9:10. What does the author mean by the “fear of the Lord”? Skim through the rest of Proverbs and underline the descriptions of wisdom that capture your attention.
From Today’s World
Scan the “best-sellers” table at any mainstream bookstore and you’re bound to find multiple books proclaiming to offer wisdom for one area of life or another (dieting, finances, relational health). Stop by the self-help section of these bookstores and you’ll soon discover just how prevalent this sort of book is. Each of these titles promises life-changing solutions, and many are written by experts with advanced degrees.
6. What does the prevalence of self-help books tell you about our world’s fascination with “wisdom”? According to James, any wisdom that is not heavenly is “unspiritual” or even “of the devil.” How does your experience with these sorts of books line up with James’ proclamation? Is James being too harsh on well-meaning wisdom? Explain.
From the Commentary
The origin of true spiritual wisdom is God. To get your wisdom from any other source is to ask for trouble. There is no need to get the counterfeit wisdom of the world, the wisdom that caters to the flesh and accomplishes the work of the Devil. Get your wisdom from God!
—Be Mature, page 115
7. How do you get your wisdom from God? List practical ways to increase your heavenly wisdom. (Proverbs will offer lots of clues to this.)
From the Commentary
What a relief it is to turn to the evidences of true spiritual wisdom.
Meekness (James 3:13). Meekness is not weakness; it is power under control.…
Purity (v. 17a). “First pure” indicates the importance of holiness. God is holy; therefore the wisdom from above is pure.…
Peace (v. 17b). Man’s wisdom leads to competition, rivalry, and war (James 4:1–2); but God’s wisdom leads to peace. It is a peace based on holiness, not on compromise.…
Gentleness (v. 17c). [English poet and critic] Matthew Arnold liked to call this “sweet reasonableness.” It carries the meaning of moderation without compromise, gentleness without weakness.…
Compliance (v. 17d). God’s wisdom makes the believer agreeable and easy to live with and work with.…
Mercy (v. 17e). To be “full” of something means to be “controlled by” [it]. The person who follows God’s wisdom is controlled by mercy.…
Good fruits (v. 17f). People who are faithful are fruitful.…
Decisiveness (v. 17g). The word suggests singleness of mind and is the opposite of “wavering” (James 1:6).…
Sincerity (v. 17h). The Greek word translated “hypocrite” in our New Testament means “one who wears a mask, an actor.” When man’s wisdom is at work, there may be insincerity and pretense. When God’s wisdom is at work, there is openness and honesty, “speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15).
—Be Mature, pages 117–19
8. Review the traits listed above. How have you seen these in action in your church life? In your small group? If true wisdom comes from humility and not grandstanding or clever advertising, what then draws people to those who are wise?
From the Commentary
Origin determines outcome. Worldly wisdom will produce worldly results; spiritual wisdom will give spiritual results.
Worldly wisdom produces trouble (3:16): envy, strife, confusion, evil works. It does not appear that God was at work in that assembly. In James 4, James would deal with the “wars and fightings” among the believers. Wrong thinking produces wrong living. One reason the world is in such a mess is because men have refused to accept the wisdom of God.
—Be Mature, page 120
9. Describe some ways the world is in such a mess because men have “refused to accept the wisdom of God.” Now look at each of those circumstances and consider how things might be different if men had accepted God’s wisdom. What influence can Christians have on turning those circumstances around? How do we do that?
More to Consider: Read 2 Corinthians 12:20. This is a description of a church that is clearly in disorder. What sort of “worldly wisdom” could have caused this disorder? How is this church like or unlike your own?
From the Commentary
What we are is what we live, and what we live is what we sow. What we sow determines what we reap. If we live in God’s wisdom, we sow righteousness and peace, and we reap God’s blessing. If we live in man’s worldly wisdom, we sow sin and war, and we reap “confusion and every evil work.”
—Be Mature, page 121
10. In the above excerpt, Wiersbe restates the thread that runs through all of James—by its very nature, a life of faith will sow things that are good. What are some of the things Christians ought to be sowing into the world? How are we doing with that? How can we sow righteousness and peace more effectively?
Looking Inward
Take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve explored thus far in this study of James 3:13–18. Review your notes and answers and think about how each of these things matters in your life today.
Tips for Small Groups: To get the most out of this section, form pairs or trios and have group members take turns answering these questions. Be honest and as open as you can in this discussion, but most of all, be encouraging and supportive of others. Be sensitive to those who are going through particularly difficult times and don’t press for people to speak if they’re uncomfortable doing so.
11. Would you consider yourself wise? Why or why not? What deeds or actions would suggest you’re living out heavenly wisdom? What deeds or actions suggest you’re counting on worldly wisdom?
12. Review the traits listed above question 8 again. Which of these are evident in your life? Which are notably absent?
13. Take a close look at those places in your life where you tend to be selfish or envious. What prompts those feelings or actions? What would those areas of life look like if you sought heavenly wisdom instead? How do you go about doing that?
Going Forward
14. Think of one or two things that you have learned that you’d like to work on in the coming week. Remember that this is all about quality, not quantity. It’s better to work on one specific area of life and do it well than to work on many and do poorly (or to be so overwhelmed that you simply don’t try).
Do you need to study Scripture more to gain a better understanding of wisdom? Do you need to learn humility? Do you feel led to speak godly wisdom into a circumstance where worldly wisdom currently rules? How will you do that? Perhaps you are feeling a specific prompting to live out some truth you’ve discovered in the Bible. Write these thoughts below. Be specific. Go back through James 3:13–18 and put a star next to the verse that is most convicting to you. Consider memorizing this verse so it can challenge you and move you toward positive change.
Real-Life Application Ideas: Go to your local bookstore and skim through a number of books that proclaim to offer wisdom. Compare what you read to what James says about heavenly wisdom. In what ways do these books agree with or disagree with James’ definition of wisdom?
Seeking Help
15. Write a prayer below (or simply pray one in silence), inviting God to work on your mind and heart in those areas you noted above. Be honest about your desires and fears.
Notes for Small Groups:
• Look for ways to put into practice the things you wrote in the “Going Forward” section above. Talk with other group members about your ideas and commit to being accountable to one another.
• During the coming week, ask the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal truth to you from what you’ve read and studied.
• Before you start the next lesson, read James 4:1–17. For more in-depth lesson preparation, read chapters 9 and 10, “How to End Wars” and “Plan Ahead,” in Be Mature.