His Wisdom Only
James 3:13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Here’s how Jude describes demonic “wisdom”: 16 These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts; they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage.
The important concept here is that no matter what one accomplishes with selfish ambition etc., it WILL be burned up. God seeks an ETERNAL relationship with us, sending His Son as payment for that relationship. James does us a favor by giving us an easy to follow “self check” to make sure that we are walking in eternal wisdom, not something that will soon be burned up.
Father, teach us to look in the mirror. Help us to discern whether our wisdom is rooted in selfish ambition or wisdom from above. Thank you Father for showing us the way!