(Jas 3:13) Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
(Jas 3:14) But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
(Jas 3:15) This is not the wisdom that comes down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
(Jas 3:16) For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
(Jas 3:17) But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
(Jas 3:18) And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
The ways of the wise are always praised and that of the foolish are rebuked. However, when it comes to wisdom, it is of two distinct types: Earthly wisdom and Godly wisdom. The book of James gives us an idea of the contrasting features of the two kinds of wisdom. Word of caution needs to be heeded regarding the former while the latter needs to be celebrated.
Wisdom is a gift of the Holy Spirit. That specifically refers to godly wisdom. Godly wisdom acknowledges our meekness and our helplessness. It recognizes the true source of wisdom as God.
(1Co 12:8) For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit,
True wisdom is recognizing the power of God and recognizing His love. That kind of wisdom cannot be separated from the knowledge of God.
(Pro 1:7) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
James makes a clear distinction between earthly wisdom and godly wisdom through the outcomes. While earthly wisdom leads to jealousy, boasting, selfish ambitions and lies godly wisdom is peaceable, gentle, open to reason, merciful, impartial and sincere. Thus we see a difference in the two types of wisdom. Godly wisdom works in meekness while earthly wisdom brings pride and thus disgrace.
(Pro 11:2) When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.
When challenged by earthly wisdom godly wisdom tries to open a path of reason rather than argument. Wisdom is not proving the other person wrong but trying to see from their point of view where they differ and bring them to the same viewing plane as you. That takes patience and sincerity.
(Pro 2:6) For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
God is the source of wisdom. We cannot gain wisdom separate from the source. God is not one of the sources of wisdom. He is the only one.
(Dan 2:20) Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might.
God does not abide by the wisdom of the world. You can be clever in your own eyes but not gain the approval of God in the process. God has a different definition of wisdom.
(1Co 3:19) For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,”
Our lives should be aimed to attain the wisdom of God which He has revealed to us in Christ Jesus. Gaining that wisdom requires walking with God, in His light and mercy.
(Jas 1:5) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
And that light and mercy are revealed in Jesus Christ.
(1Co 1:30) And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,
Thus Jesus is to us our Godly wisdom. This wisdom is revealed to us through His commandment.
(Joh 13:34) A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
Keeping this commandment ensures our wisdom and path of righteousness. This is not the wisdom that is displeasing to God but is rather from God. Obeying that commandment defines the purpose of human lives, the life of a believer.
(Ecc 12:13) The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.