James 3: 13 -18

Wisdom is amoral. Wisdom is neither good nor evil; it is the application of wisdom that determines if it good or evil. Wisdom is the ability to reason and learn from observing others in the world around us. Godly men can use wisdom, and wicked men can be wise. Some of the most successful criminals succeed because they are wise enough to learn from the mistakes that led to others capture.

James distinguishes between the two ways people use wisdom. They can use wisdom in a godly purpose, and they can use wisdom in an earthly, unspiritual, and sometimes even demonic manner. You can discern which manner a person is using wisdom in two ways, the first is motivation, and the second is results.

When envy, greed, jealousy, selfish ambition, and other unspiritual desires motivate a person any wisdom they may possessed will be earthly wisdom. James says no one motivated by worldly ambitions should boast of being wise. They should not deny the truth about their motivations. We cannot expect god to help us overcome our unspiritual motivations until we are honest with him and ourselves about them.

If we want godly wisdom, we must have godly motivation. Godly motivation is pure, and centered on righteousness. A desire for righteousness causes us to seek wisdom that allows us to maintain healthy relationships. Godly wisdom shows us how to live in peace, to be impartial and sincere, and how to be merciful and considerate.

Earthly wisdom results in chaos and disorder. It leads to every manner of evil practice. If every criminal and wicked person were foolish, the world would be much better off. Unfortunately, quite often the ungodly are wise.

Godly wisdom reveals itself with a harvest of righteousness. James says it reveals itself in a good life, and good deeds. Godly wisdom bears good fruit and builds strong relationships. It is good to desire to live a godly life. It is better to be wise enough to do so well.