Wisdom From Above

“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.”

James 3:13-18

There is a significant difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge has to do with acquiring information. If a person has an aptitude for learning he can, over time, acquire knowledge formally or informally. An individual may go to college, graduate school, and get a doctorate in a particular field of study. Alternately, he might be a voracious reader devouring books, as well as watching videos, and listening to podcasts and gain a vast amount of knowledge. A person might become incredibly knowledgeable but that does not automatically mean he is wise.
 
Godly wisdom is having the ability to see things as they truly are, understand the dynamics and situations, and know how to navigate them in a way that glorifies God in line with Scripture. A wise person knows how to live life well pleasing God and doing good. Wisdom is first a gift from God and secondly it is obtained over time as one consistently applies Scripture to his life and lives to glorify God. A person may not have a formal education at all but still have godly wisdom.
 
I don’t say this to pit knowledge against wisdom. Both knowledge and wisdom can be good if one pursues them humbly in a way that glorifies God. James reminds us that there is a kind of “wisdom” that does not glorify God. He notes that one can have worldly wisdom that allows him to get ahead, gain an advantage over others, and be a success in life. A person may be shrewd knowing how to manipulate the situation to get what he wants. He might have strong power of persuasion to convince people to do what he wants. James says that this kind of wisdom is “earthly, unspiritual, demonic.”
 
We may not recognize it as unspiritual and demonic, but worldly wisdom is pragmatic, situational, feelings based, and self-centered. It may gain the applause of men, and it may work. However, just because a certain type of wisdom works, that does not mean it is good or God-honoring.
 
Godly wisdom, by contrast, reflects the character of God, is according to his word, is based on unchanging truth, and has a Godward focus. Biblical wisdom seeks first God’s kingdom and righteousness and not personal glory or advancement. Godly wisdom chooses to do what is right, not because it will benefit him or get him ahead, but because it is the right thing to do. Practicing godly wisdom may not get you ahead in life. “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.”