True Wisdom: Meekness and Good Conduct in Christ

Summary

James 3:13-18 challenges us to consider the true nature of wisdom and its source. Wisdom is not simply a matter of intellect or knowledge, nor is it proven by eloquent words or impressive credentials. Instead, wisdom is revealed in the way we live—through good conduct and, most importantly, through the meekness that comes from surrendering our power to God’s direction. Meekness, far from being weakness, is the strength to let God guide our actions, even when we have the ability to assert ourselves. This is the litmus test of heavenly wisdom: a life marked by good works and a spirit that is teachable and yielded to God.

James draws a sharp contrast between heavenly wisdom and earthly wisdom. Earthly wisdom is characterized by bitter jealousy and selfish ambition. These are not hypothetical issues; James writes as if these problems are present among his readers, and we must admit they are present in our own hearts and communities as well. Earthly wisdom is described as unspiritual, earthly, and even demonic—coming from ourselves, from the collective wisdom of the world, or from spiritual opposition. The fruit of such wisdom is disorder and every vile practice. It is a sobering reminder that the pursuit of power, status, or self-advancement, even in religious communities, can lead us far from the heart of God.

In contrast, wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere. These qualities echo the Beatitudes and the character of Christ Himself. True wisdom is not just about being right; it is about being transformed into a peacemaker, someone who sows peace and reaps a harvest of righteousness. This kind of wisdom is not natural to us; it is the result of God’s Spirit at work in us, shaping us to reflect His character in a world that often values the opposite.

We are called to examine ourselves honestly: Are we exuding heavenly wisdom or earthly wisdom? Who are we allowing to influence us—voices of godly wisdom or voices that promote selfish ambition and division? As we grow in Christ, our lives and our community should increasingly radiate the qualities of heavenly wisdom, so that others see in us the peace, purity, and mercy of God.

Key Takeaways

- True wisdom is demonstrated not by knowledge or eloquence, but by a life of good conduct and meekness. Meekness is not weakness; it is the strength to yield our power and desires to God’s direction, allowing Him to guide our actions even when we could assert ourselves. This is the mark of a life shaped by God’s wisdom. [12:27]

- Earthly wisdom is rooted in bitter jealousy and selfish ambition, which are not just theoretical dangers but real temptations within the church and our own hearts. This kind of wisdom is described as earthly, unspiritual, and demonic, and it inevitably leads to disorder and destructive behavior. Recognizing and repenting of these tendencies is essential for spiritual health. [16:00]

- The Greek word for “selfish ambition” (erotheia) points to a self-seeking spirit that pursues advancement at the expense of others, echoing the favoritism and power struggles that plagued the early church—and still plague us today. God’s wisdom calls us to reject these worldly measures of success and instead value others as He does. [19:33]

- Heavenly wisdom is marked by purity, peace, gentleness, openness to reason, mercy, good fruits, impartiality, and sincerity. These are not just abstract virtues but practical qualities that shape how we relate to others, especially in conflict. To be gentle in the biblical sense is to choose mercy over strict justice, reflecting the heart of Christ. [25:13]

- The outcome of living by heavenly wisdom is a harvest of righteousness, sown in peace by those who make peace. This is not passive avoidance of conflict, but active peacemaking—standing against a culture that glamorizes violence and division, and instead cultivating communities where God’s character is visible. Our influence is shaped by the voices we follow; we must intentionally seek out and embody godly wisdom. [27:48]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:58] - Reading James 3:13-18
[02:47] - Opening Prayer
[03:33] - Pop Culture and the Test of Wisdom
[06:38] - Who Is Truly Wise?
[07:26] - Wisdom as the Central Theme in James
[08:44] - Context and Genre of James
[10:40] - Wisdom Shown by Actions
[12:27] - The Meekness of Wisdom
[14:13] - Warning Against False Wisdom
[16:00] - Earthly Wisdom: Jealousy and Selfish Ambition
[17:47] - The Meaning of “Selfish Ambition”
[19:33] - Earthly, Unspiritual, and Demonic Wisdom
[21:19] - Sources of False Wisdom
[23:19] - The Qualities of Heavenly Wisdom
[25:13] - Gentleness and Mercy in Wisdom
[26:27] - Sincerity and the Beatitudes
[27:48] - The Harvest of Righteousness
[29:19] - Application: Examining Our Wisdom
[30:30] - Who Are We Following?
[32:26] - Becoming a Community of Heavenly Wisdom
[33:41] - Closing Prayer and Offering

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: James 3:13-18 – The Test of True Wisdom

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### Bible Reading

James 3:13-18 (ESV)
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to James 3:13, how does someone show that they are truly wise and understanding? What does James say is the “litmus test” of heavenly wisdom? [12:27]
2. What are the main characteristics James lists for “earthly wisdom” and “wisdom from above”? How do these two types of wisdom show up differently in people’s lives? [23:19]
3. In the sermon, what does the word “meekness” mean in the context of wisdom? How is it different from weakness? [12:27]
4. What does James say is the result or “fruit” of following earthly wisdom versus heavenly wisdom? [27:48]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think James is so direct about the presence of jealousy and selfish ambition among believers? What does this tell us about the early church—and about us today? [16:00]
2. The sermon explains that “meekness” is the strength to let God guide our actions, even when we could assert ourselves. Why is this kind of meekness so important for true wisdom? [12:27]
3. The Greek word for “selfish ambition” (erotheia) points to a self-seeking spirit that pursues advancement at the expense of others. How does this attitude show up in churches or Christian communities today? [19:33]
4. James says that heavenly wisdom is “open to reason” and “full of mercy.” What does it look like to be open to reason and full of mercy in real-life conflicts or disagreements? [25:13]

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### Application Questions

1. Think about a recent situation where you had the power or right to assert yourself. Did you choose meekness and let God guide your response, or did you act out of your own strength? What would it look like to practice the “meekness of wisdom” next time? [12:27]
2. James warns that jealousy and selfish ambition are not just theoretical but real temptations in our hearts and communities. Where do you see these attitudes in your own life or in our church? What steps can you take to recognize and repent of them? [16:00]
3. The sermon challenges us to consider who we are allowing to influence us—are we following voices of godly wisdom or voices that promote selfish ambition and division? Take a look at your social media, news sources, or even friendships. Are there influences you need to limit or replace? [30:30]
4. The qualities of heavenly wisdom—purity, peace, gentleness, openness to reason, mercy, good fruits, impartiality, and sincerity—are practical, not just abstract. Pick one of these qualities. What is one specific way you can practice it this week, especially in a difficult relationship or situation? [25:13]
5. The sermon says that being a peacemaker is not just avoiding conflict but actively sowing peace. Is there a conflict or tense situation in your life where you could take a step toward peacemaking? What would that step look like? [27:48]
6. When you think about the people you admire as wise, do they reflect the qualities James describes? What would you want others to say about your wisdom at the end of your life? [32:26]
7. As a community, how can we help each other grow in heavenly wisdom? Are there habits, practices, or changes we could make together to better reflect the peace, purity, and mercy of God? [33:41]

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Devotional

Day 1: True Wisdom Is Shown by Good Conduct and Meekness
Heavenly wisdom is not just about what we know or say, but is revealed in the way we live—through good conduct and a spirit of meekness that allows God to direct our actions. This kind of wisdom is not loud or self-promoting, but is marked by humility and a willingness to let God guide us, even when we have the power to act otherwise. As you consider your own life, reflect on whether your actions and attitudes are shaped by a gentle strength that comes from surrendering control to God, rather than asserting your own way. [14:13]

James 3:13 (ESV)
"Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom."

Reflection: In what situation this week can you intentionally choose to let God direct your actions, practicing meekness instead of insisting on your own way?


Day 2: Earthly Wisdom Is Marked by Jealousy and Selfish Ambition
Earthly wisdom is characterized by bitter jealousy and selfish ambition, leading to disorder and harmful practices. This kind of wisdom is not theoretical; it is a real and present danger in our hearts and communities, often manifesting as a drive to promote ourselves at the expense of others. When we allow jealousy or self-seeking motives to guide us, we open the door to chaos and division, rather than the peace God desires for us. [17:47]

James 3:14-16 (ESV)
"But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."

Reflection: Where do you notice jealousy or selfish ambition creeping into your thoughts or actions, and how can you bring these before God for transformation today?


Day 3: Heavenly Wisdom Is Pure, Peaceable, Gentle, and Sincere
Wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere. These qualities are not just ideals but practical markers of a life shaped by God’s Spirit, leading to harmony, compassion, and authenticity. When we pursue this kind of wisdom, we become peacemakers and reflect the character of Christ to those around us, sowing seeds that lead to a harvest of righteousness. [26:27]

James 3:17-18 (ESV)
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

Reflection: Which one trait of heavenly wisdom do you most need to cultivate this week, and what is one concrete step you can take to practice it?


Day 4: The Voices We Follow Shape the Wisdom We Live By
The people and voices we allow to influence us—whether in real life, on social media, or through the news—shape the kind of wisdom we absorb and display. Most of the world’s loudest voices promote earthly wisdom, so we must be intentional about seeking out and following those who exude godly wisdom, knowing that our influences will impact our beliefs and actions. [30:30]

Proverbs 13:20 (ESV)
"Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm."

Reflection: Take a look at your social media feed, favorite news sources, or close relationships—are they helping you grow in heavenly wisdom, or pulling you toward earthly wisdom? What change can you make today?


Day 5: A Community Marked by Heavenly Wisdom
A church or community that radiates heavenly wisdom becomes a place where people encounter the character of Christ—marked by peace, humility, and righteousness. As each person seeks to grow in godly wisdom, the whole community is transformed, becoming a beacon of God’s love and truth to the world around them. This is not just an individual pursuit, but a shared calling to reflect Christ together. [33:41]

Matthew 5:9 (ESV)
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

Reflection: What is one way you can contribute to making your church or community a place that radiates heavenly wisdom and peace this week?

Quotes

It's this thought that no matter how strong we might feel, no matter how much we might feel like we have power, power, it's giving that control to God to direct our actions. So whether the power is actually there or not, it's that just ability to be guided by God. [00:13:40] (21 seconds)  #WisdomLitmusTest Edit Clip

So just to recap, heavenly wisdom, the litmus test is by good conduct, showing works in the meekness of wisdom. So by our good works as an outpouring of our faith, and then also letting God direct our actions. [00:14:13] (17 seconds)  #WorldlyVsGodlyWisdom Edit Clip

And unfortunately, I think in today's culture, we still have not traded our worldly views of power and importance for how God views others. James says that that kind of wisdom is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. [00:20:35] (18 seconds)  #WisdomLeadsToDisorder Edit Clip

So the word gentleness in this context is that idea that you might have every right to kind of throw the book at the person, but instead choosing to respond with mercy. Kind of sounds like a God I know. [00:25:47] (17 seconds)  #FruitOfTheSpiritLife Edit Clip

And so James says, you know, that living that life of heavenly wisdom, living that life of being a peacemaker, we will reap the fruits of righteousness. In other words, you know, that wisdom that comes from God will lead to a life of righteousness. [00:28:07] (16 seconds)  #CloserToChristAlways Edit Clip

I think it's really important that every time we come to this place, every time that we come together in fellowship, that we leave differently than we came in. We should always be, every time we're singing together, engaging in scripture together, hearing a message that comes out of God's word, we should be leaving closer to Christ than when we came in. [00:28:26] (23 seconds)  #HeavenlyVsEarthlyWisdom Edit Clip

Are the people I'm following showing qualities of earthly wisdom or godly wisdom? Believe it or not, most of the voices that promises make it big in your life are not exuding heavenly wisdom. If you want, just as a fun little exercise, if you're the type of person that gets social media, you could probably scroll through your social media and just go, you know, is this person exuding earthly wisdom or heavenly wisdom? Is this person exuding earthly wisdom or heavenly wisdom? And unless you're the type of person that purposefully sought out to make sure that your feed is full of people exuding heavenly wisdom, I can tell you naturally the algorithms are not going to lead you in that direction. It's just not the way they're set up. [00:29:58] (44 seconds)  #WisdomReflectsCommunity Edit Clip

And I don't know about you, but I hope and pray that after a life filled as a follower of Christ, that people would look at my life and that they would, you know, say that I was exuding heavenly wisdom. Still a work in progress as we've talked about, but, you know, that's the hope that I have. And it's also my hope that as a community, as a church, people would look at arrows and would say that arrows is full of people who exude heavenly wisdom. [00:32:55] (28 seconds) Edit Clip