Our culture places great value on education. We expect teachers with degrees, preferably with PhDs. These degrees are supposed to represent the level of education attained and the wisdom gained by the holder of the degree. We should expect a greater level of learning and a greater degree of understanding from the more highly degreed and educated among us.

The Bible presents a different test to determine the level of wisdom and understanding a person possesses. James tells us that the person who is wise and understanding will show it by “his good life, by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom.” Humility and education are two words that coexist too rarely in the real world. However, we are exhorted to “practice what we preach” and to live what we believe. That kind of wisdom is sorely needed in our world. We don’t need more experts who tell us what we should do. We need better examples who show us how to live successfully and profitably.

Two types of wisdom are presented and contrasted, so that we might apply the appropriate value to each. Earthly wisdom is full of selfish ambition, harboring bitter envy. We either gloat and brag about these or we will seek to hide and deny them. Either way, this wisdom will reveal itself.

Three words are used to describe this worldly wisdom. It is earthly, meaning that its source is from the natural thoughts, reactions, and motives that originate from our flawed human nature. It is unspiritual, contrasting its origin with that which comes from the Holy Spirit. It is demonic, meaning that it has been influenced by the devil or originates from him.

Notice that envy and selfish ambition yield the fruit of disorder and every evil practice. God is not the author of confusion. “God is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Where you find dissension, confusion, chaos, disorder, and destruction, you will probably find that, underlying these, there will be strife caused by selfishness and pride.

Godly wisdom is different. The qualities listed here are very similar to the ones Jesus used to describe the “blessed ones” in His Sermon on the Mount. These qualities undercut earthly wisdom, disarming and disabling its ill effects. Peacemaking may not bring a lasting peace, but it does promote an environment where people are encouraged to pursue what is right and act in right ways. Of course, this wisdom is not natural and can only be produced as we are energized by the power of God. We should never underestimate the power of a godly life to influence a fallen world.

James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.