The Wisdom Test: Living From Above in a World From Below (James 3:13–18) We need more than good ideas—we need  the power and wisdom of God  in the real places of life. Degrees are fine. Strategies help. But James asks a deeper question:  What is the wisdom that actually transforms us and brings heaven’s fruit to earth? Trials First, Wisdom Next (James 1:2–4) Before James defines wisdom, he reminds us why we need it:  trials . “Consider it all joy… when you encounter various trials… knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance… so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”  (James 1:2–4) Joy in hardship isn’t natural—it’s supernatural. God uses pressure to  purify faith , strengthen endurance, and mature us. That’s why wisdom matters: without it, pain just makes us bitter; with it, pain makes us  better . Wisdom Isn’t a Diploma—It’s a Demonstration (James 3:13) I grew up small-town, rural roots. My dad pastored with little form...