Skip to main content

Contrasting Wisdoms | James 3:13-18

5 October 2025

Series: James

Book: James

Scripture: James 3:13-18

The sermon, based on James 3:13-18, explores the concept of two types of wisdom: godly wisdom and worldly wisdom. Godly wisdom is characterized by purity, peace, gentleness, mercy, and humility, producing good fruits and righteousness. In contrast, worldly wisdom is marked by envy, self-seeking, confusion, and evil, ultimately leading to negative outcomes. The sermon draws parallels to Genesis, highlighting how the serpent’s deception led Eve away from true wisdom, emphasizing that the wisdom of obedience to God was exchanged for a false wisdom that brought sin into the world. This false wisdom, described as earthly and demonic, is driven by selfish ambition and leads to chaos and harm. James urges believers to demonstrate true wisdom through good conduct and meekness, warning against self-deception and self-serving motives. Authentic wisdom is seen in actions and attitudes that align with God’s character, while false wisdom leads to division and strife. The application encourages believers to examine their motives, ensuring their actions reflect godly wisdom. It challenges individuals to seek purity of heart, act as peacemakers, and exhibit gentleness and mercy, fostering an environment where righteousness and peace can flourish.