Wisdom from Above
Wisdom from Above James 3:13-18
There are two sources of wisdom, that which is from above and that which is from below. Godly wisdom is from heaven. Worldly wisdom is from the earth; it can be sourced from the demonic, which has dire consequences.
A jovial young man climbed over a fence at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. The Siberian tiger inside, the largest of tigers, was startled and fixed eyes on the intruder. It was the young man’s last day on earth.
The Bible and the Spirit of God help us to discern where our ‘wisdom’ is coming from:
1. Good deeds with humility reflect wisdom from above. v13 Show [your wisdom] …by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
Wisdom from above is seen in a person’s life and good deeds done in humility. Wisdom is not to be assumed or claimed and boasted about. Getting wisdom requires effort. We have to discern life’s situations and trials through prayer and the essential ingredient of humility. In summary, good deeds with humility reflect wisdom from above.
Proverbs 4:7-9 The beginning of wisdom is this: get wisdom… Cherish her, and …embrace her, and she will honour you. She will …present you with a glorious crown.
One piece of godly wisdom is to prioritise on and value the message rather than the messenger. What is your life saying to the world. What is its message? Is it valuable for those who see it, or are you focussed on trying to get a benefit out of every conversation, deed and interaction? The love we have in Christ is the most important message on earth; let your life shine. Put your life on the altar. Humbly and confidently ask for God’s help.
Before we can discover wisdom from above, we do need to dig a little deeper:
2. Envy & selfish ambition reflect wisdom from below.
v14-16 If you harbour bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. … There you find disorder and every evil practice.
Bitter envy and selfish ambition cloud judgement. They make you do foolish things, like entertaining Siberian tigers. When you feel envy rising in your heart, put a zip on your mouth and don’t boast or deny the truth. Face the reality and seek God’s perspective.
Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
After clearing the way, consider these characteristics that reflect wisdom from above:
3. Wisdom from above results in harmonious relationships.
v17 The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Thankfully, heaven is open. We can gain access through Jesus. In contrast to worldly wisdom, wisdom from above equips you to be a peacemaker. v18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
© 18 October 2026, John Rhodes