IBS Application for James 3:13-17

“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”

It seems to me that this letter was written to address some issues that James had noticed with whichever particular church he had been associated with. Perhaps a different church, but either way, it’s all one Body of Christ. He calls for the church to look to those who exhibit the traits of “wisdom from above,” which I believe is to say, wisdom that is gifted by the spirit, as examples to strive towards. He lists the attributes of spiritual wisdom as such: purity, peace, gentleness, reasonableness, mercifulness, impartiality, sincerity, and that it is demonstrated by good fruits, which is to say, good works.

He also warns against being wise in your own mind. He states that these sorts of people tend to demonstrate tendencies towards embittered jealousy, selfish ambition, boasting, and living in a manner that is false to the truth. In this sort of behavior, there is no wisdom. People who act in a manner that is concerned with self sow discord, not peace.

We’re called to have wisdom when ministering to others, whether they be Believers or not. Not just wisdom, but wisdom tempered by love. It doesn’t matter how smart or wise you are; if you don’t have pure, loving intentions, anything you do or say will be in vain. To be driven by selfishness, jealousy, and what I can get out of it is to be displeasing to God and ineffective in ministry.

I want to do well in my walk with God, but my pride gets in the way. I tell myself that it’s my responsibility, that I have to do things on my own, using my own wisdom, or else I will be a disappointment. I forget or fear all to often to seek out God for wisdom and discernment. I figure that with all the knowledge I’ve been taught, and all that could be considered “wisdom” that I’ve gained, is enough to make the right decision. But I selfishly do it apart from God and I fail miserably.


I need to change. I cannot glorify God if I only rely on my own knowledge and wisdom. Even if I do it with good intentions, doing things and making my own decisions apart from reliance on God is folly, and false to the truth that He is able and wise, while my wisdom is foolish. To start moving towards the change I need, I’ll commit some time at the start of each day asking God for direction and wisdom, and ask for help more throughout the day if I am in need. I also will not neglect to ask my brothers for advice should I need it, because I know that God has placed these men in my life right now to work through them to support me in my walk.

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