James-A Faith that Works: The Wisdom Test. James 3:13-18
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 formal training—yet carried a substance that textbooks can’t confer. I went the college route; others don’t. In a world flooded with content, you really can learn almost anything online. But James cuts through:
“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show it by his good behavior—his deeds done in the gentleness of wisdom.” (James 3:13)
In other words, wisdom isn’t what you know—it’s how you live. Show me your wisdom in your tone, your choices, your relationships. Wisdom wears gentleness like a robe.
Two Kinds of Wisdom (James 3:14–16 vs. 17)
James draws a bold contrast.
Wisdom from Below (earthly, natural, demonic)
Roots: bitter jealousy, selfish ambition.
Fruit: disorder, confusion, every evil thing.
Feel: quarrelsome, divisive, quick to label, quick to rage, quick to judge.
This “wisdom” sounds savvy but rots relationships. It centers self, envies others, and justifies trampling people to “win.”
Wisdom from Above
“Pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17)
Pure — clean motives, no hidden agenda.
Peaceable & gentle — doesn’t need to shout to be strong.
Reasonable — willing to listen, learn, and—yes—admit when wrong.
Full of mercy & good fruits — quick to extend grace; leaves people better.
Unwavering — convictions anchored; not tossed by trends.
Without hypocrisy — the inside matches the outside.
“And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:18)
Heaven’s wisdom plants peace and harvests righteousness.
How Do I Know Which Wisdom I’m Living By?
Ask three simple questions:
What’s growing around me?
More chaos or more peace? More suspicion or more trust? James says the harvest reveals the seed.How do I carry truth?
Wisdom from above is firm and gentle. If I must steamroll people to “be right,” I’m not walking in heaven’s wisdom.Do I own it when I’m wrong?
Reasonable people can say, “I missed it.” That’s not weakness; that’s wisdom.
Unwavering—But Not Unteachable
Know your non-negotiables (the gospel: Jesus is the only way; salvation through His blood; the authority of Scripture). On secondary matters, be charitable. Wisdom holds the line on truth while holding out a hand to people.
Guard Your Inputs—Renew Your Mind (Romans 12:2)
We’re formed by what we consume. The world disciples 24/7; if we aren’t actively renewing our minds in God’s Word, we drift into the world’s current. Build a rhythm: Scripture in your ears and on your lips, midweek Bible study, honest community. Faith comes by hearing the Word—and wisdom grows the same way.
Put It Into Practice This Week
Slow your speech, soften your tone. Aim for peaceable and gentle.
Check your motive. Is this about God’s glory—or my glory?
Lead with mercy. Give the benefit of the doubt before the verdict.
Be reasonable. Ask a clarifying question before a hot take.
Stand firm on the essentials. Unwavering ≠ unkind.
A Prayer for Heavenly Wisdom
Father, thank You for trials that make us mature. We reject the wisdom from below—jealousy, selfish ambition, and all the disorder they bring.
Fill us with wisdom from above: make us pure in motive, peaceable in posture, gentle in speech, reasonable and ready to learn, full of mercy and good fruit, unwavering in conviction, and without hypocrisy.
Renew our minds by Your Word. Let our lives prove the wisdom we profess, so our homes, church, and city taste the peace of heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This article was AI-generated from the content of the sermon transcript preached by Pastor Matt White at Calvary Worship Center on October 12, 2025.
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