The Bible encourages us to seek after wisdom (Prov. 3:13-18; 4:7-9; Eph. 5:15-17), but also informs us that there is more than one kind of wisdom (James 3:13-18).  There is “heavenly” wisdom, and there is “earthly” wisdom.  Which kind do you have?  Which kind should you have?

“Earthly” wisdom is not from above (James 3:15).  It is worldly wisdom that has the world’s standards as its parameters.  To God it is foolishness (1 Cor. 1:20).  “Earthly” wisdom appeals to our senses, emotions, and passions.  As long as it “feels” right, it’s okay…even though in reality how one “feels” has nothing to do with legitimacy.  This is the kind of wisdom possessed by Satan, and the kind which he wishes to pass on to you!  “Heavenly” wisdom is different, in that it is from above, from God (James 3:17).  We get this kind of wisdom through prayer (James 1:5-8), fear of the Lord (Prov. 1:7; 9:10), and study of God’s Word while applying it to our lives (Ps. 119:97-104).  Which wisdom would you rather have…the kind that comes from God or the kind that comes from Satan?

“Earthly” wisdom is full of bitter envy and jealousy; it is selfishness which desires nothing more than power and prestige.  It was this kind of wisdom that prompted Satan and his followers to rebel against God, and it was this kind of wisdom that prompted Jesus’ disciples to argue over who would be greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  “Heavenly” wisdom, on the other hand, is described as being completely different (James 3:17).  Above all else, it is true to God’s Word, never compromising the will of God for anything.  It makes every effort to be at peace other than falling away from God (Rom. 12:18; Eph. 4:15).  It is kind to people even when dealing with those who believe in error (2 Tim. 2:24-25).  It is willing to yield in matters of opinion (Rom. 14:1, 19-21) but not in doctrine (Eph. 4:15).  It is also full of mercy when others repent (Luke 17:3-4), because the one with “heavenly” wisdom realizes that they themselves need mercy from God (James 2:13).  Because of this, the one with “heavenly” wisdom will show his wisdom by his righteous conduct (James 3:13; 1:22; 2:26), showing no partiality (James 2:1-13) or hypocrisy.

Certainly we can see the benefits of “heavenly” wisdom over “earthly” wisdom.  After all, “earthly” wisdom produces nothing but confusion, disorder, and every evil thing and vile practice (James 3:16).  However, “heavenly” wisdom produces peace instead of confusion while bearing the fruit and harvest of righteousness instead of every evil and vile thing (James 3:18).  So what kind of wisdom do you have?  Do you boast about your “earthly” wisdom (James 3:14), or show your “heavenly” wisdom through your humble, righteous conduct?  (James 3:13)

If you desire “earthly” wisdom, you don’t need to do anything.  Just do what the world tells you to do.  Just do what feels right.  Make no response to the gospel, or decide to respond only to the commands of the gospel that you agree with.  But if you desire “heavenly” wisdom, be diligent to seek that kind of wisdom from God through prayer, fear of him, and daily study and obedience to the entirety of his Word, all while demonstrating it through your conduct.  Receive the commands of the gospel joyfully and obediently (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 1:22-23; 1 John 1:7-9; Acts 8:22).

What kind of wisdom do you have?