James - The Heavenly and the Demonic

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 peacable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:13-18)

The contrast between the two wisdoms is quite interesting.

Heavenly Wisdom:

Peacable - not seeking strife, willing to overlook differences.
Pure - without wax, not false, not corrupt.
Impartial - not distinguishing one from another on the basis of outward looks (James talks about this when he references the poor and the rich man. To the rich, we say "sit here in a good place!", while to the poor we say "stand over there, or sit at my feet like the dog you are." We look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.)
Sincere - not dishonest, whether in words or actions. Simply letting your yes be yes and your no be no.
Full of mercy and good fruits - "neither do I condemn you; go your way and sin no more", "I forgive you of the incredible debt you owe against me, which you could never repay in a thousand lifetimes", "restore him in a spirit of gentleness". Wisdom also has a practical outworking - it is not bare knowledge, but it is lived out.
Open to reason - not stubbornly refusing to listen to another side, but receiving what is spoken or written with all sincerity. Willing to hash out different ideas.
Gentle - not harsh, not quick to condemn, not breaking the bruised weed, not crushing the dust of men under your feet. Knowing their frame. Being cautious with what you say, or what you do.

Demonic Wisdom:

Bitter jealousy - envying someone else's talent or possessions instead of glorifying God for who they are. Hating another, resenting their ability, resenting their position, instead of celebrating that God has blessed them.
Every vile practice - literally, this means "every worthless work". Not beneficial. Detrimental.
Selfish ambition - going hand in hand with bitter jealousy, this would be seeking to be the best among the rest. Wanting the glory for yourself instead of seeing it given to others. Essentially, this forgets God, that He has given to each according to His will.
Disorder - God is not the God of chaos, but of peace. Confusion. Perhaps instability, such as one who is a wave driven and tossed by the wind.
False to the truth - denying what is right for the sake of pride and self, knowing the truth but refusing to accept it. Earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
Boasting - vainglory, building yourself up even when you know that you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition.


When I read that, I grieve and I marvel.

I grieve, because I probably have more of the worldly than the heavenly within my heart throughout the day.

I marvel, because Christ Jesus has saved me fully, completely, absolutely. I have done nothing to deserve His love and everything to deserve His condemnation.

"...you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful..." (James 5:11)