James 3: 13-18 “Seeking Wisdom from Above

July 26, 2026

1. Seeking Wisdom from Above While Separating from Jealousy and Selfishness
2. Seeking Wisdom from Above and Bearing Good Fruit

James hopes that everyone in the communities he speaks to will take his warnings about having the right kind of wisdom to heart and reflect on their own lives. This kind of wisdom will build up and not tear down.

“Zeal” can either be a good, bad, or “foolish zeal.” In this case, “jealousy” or “envy” is used in the negative connotation. The word “jealousy” is only used positively in Scripture when referencing good jealousy, and it is when referring to God as a jealous God.

If ungodly wisdom (demonic)is left to fester, it will cause all types of division in the church. Human ungodly interests in the church serve satanic interests, sometimes happening unaware. Do you know the fastest way to get to this place as a church? When we put our personal preferences over godly Christ-centered motivations.

In contrast to unfruitful and demonic “wisdom,” which is hardly wisdom, James lays out wisdom that is edifying to the Kingdom of God. Wisdom that is pure, which leads to bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God. This is wisdom from above that brings peace. The mark of a true peacemaker in the church is one who makes peace without compromising truth and does so for the unity of the church.

How do we nurture wisdom from above?

Seek to be like Christ in Peacefulness, Gentleness, Reasonableness, Mercy, and hospitality. (Mat 11:29,Php 4:5,John 4).