Wisdom

James 3:13-18

Richard S. Dickson

I. Introduction

• A. Who would like to be wise and intelligent
• B. Easy misconceptions
• 1. Wisdom is not common sense
• 2. Intelligence is not book learning
• C. Read Scripture: James 3:13-18

II. The wise and intelligent (v. 13)

• A. Look at context of "the tongue" (v. 1-12)
• B. Leaders: "who is" not "who has" (also ref. v. 1 "masters")
• C. The evidence
• 1. External evidence: works of a good life
• 2. Internal evidence: meekness of wisdom

III. The liar (v. 14)

• A. Wants to look like the wise and intelligent
• B. The truth
• 1. bitter envy (sharp zeal)
• 2. strife - intrigue - factions - contentious

IV. False wisdom (v. 15-16)

• A. The source (v. 15)
• 1. not from above
• 2. earthly, worldly
• 3. sensual - animal nature
• 4. devilish - demon-like
• B. The evidence (v. 16)
• 1. confusion - instability - disorder
• 2. evil work - foul deeds

V. True wisdom (v. 17)

• A. Source: from above
• B. Evidence
• 1. pure - clean, innocent, modest
• 2. peaceable - pacific
• 3. gentle - appropriate
• 4. easy to be persuaded - compliant
• 5. full of mercy - active compassion, tender mercy
• 6. good fruits
• 7. without partiality - actively impartial
• 8. without hypocrisy - not an actor (see v. 14) - sincere

VI. The work of the wise and intelligent (v. 18)

• A. Sow righteousness in peace
• B. Make peace

VII. Conclusion

• A. What does the evidence of your life reveal?
• B. Seek wisdom from above
• C. Work for peace and righteouness

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