Wisdom from Above

Overview

• Testament: New
• Book: James
• Chapters: James 3:13-18
• Summary: James contrasts earthly wisdom marked by envy with heavenly wisdom marked by purity, peace, mercy, and good fruit.

Details

True wisdom is visible in conduct. James rejects bitter envy and selfish ambition as earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. Wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere.

Key People Involved

• James (Brother of Lord) - Author

Cross-References

• Proverbs - Old Testament wisdom tradition
• Lady Wisdom - Wisdom personified and calling for life
• Fruit of the Spirit - New Testament fruit that resembles heavenly wisdom

Notes

James’s wisdom test is communal: the wise person sows peace rather than disorder.