Wisdom from Heaven

What does wisdom from heaven look like?

Is it different from the wisdom of the world?

How is it different?


James 3:13-17 says:

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you habour bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For when you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."

James is contrasting the wisdom of the world with wisdom from heaven. They look different from each other. They're complete opposites.

In verses 14-16, James describes the wisdom of the world. The words he uses to describe it are not at all flattering - earthly, unspiritual, demonic, full of envy and selfish ambition. Really the wisdom of the world is all about what's best for you,about getting ahead.

Contrast that with the wisdom from heaven. James writes that it is pure, peace-loving, submissive, considerate, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. That's what I want. It sound much better than the other.

I think the key difference is that wisdom that comes from heaven is for the good of all. Even if it's hard, it is about relationship and building each other up. Whereas the wisdom of the world is all about me - what works for me, what makes me feel good, no matter the cost to anyone else.

This leaves us with a few questions:

Am I pursuing the wisdom of the world, or the wisdom that comes from heaven?

Is there anything in my life interfering with my desire to pursue wisdom from heaven?

What would my life look like if I was pursuing wisdom from heaven?