Wisdom From Above - The Wesleyan Church

Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. (James 3:15)

Expanded Passage: James 3:13-18

Christians have a source of wisdom available to us that is beyond the world and ourselves. Today, the self-help market is a multibillion-dollar industry, featuring everything from books, to conferences, to podcasts, and more. Millions of people are drawn to learn from others’ wisdom and advice, hoping to experience their own growth and to reach their full potential. While some of this may be helpful, it also can cause us to drift from God’s wisdom and way of thinking. James 3:13–18 points us to the great contrast between the world’s way of thinking and God’s way. In fact, we are reminded in verses 14–15 that “bitter envy and selfish ambition” result in a wisdom that is “earthly, unspiritual,” and of the devil. This kind of wisdom is readily available to us every day.

I was recently waiting to board a plane in an airport and could not help but overhear the very loud phone conversation of the woman next to me. It began with what can only be described as bitter envy and selfish ambition that led to four-letter words and a very uncomfortable atmosphere for those of us around her. I was witnessing in her approach earthly wisdom that was not from above and did not seem to get the results she was hoping for, as her emotions continued to escalate. Much better to seek God’s wisdom.

Let go of earthly “wisdom” and embrace God’s wisdom from above.

Brian D. Bennett is an ordained minister in The Wesleyan Church and currently serves as lead pastor in Vero Beach, Florida. He has published with Wesleyan Publishing House.