James spoke about wisdom that comes from above and he clearly said, “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13 ESV). Let him show his works in the humility (meekness) of wisdom. That’s a powerful statement. Wisdom is humble. It’s mild. Wisdom doesn’t get in people’s faces or tear others down.
In fact, James calls earthly “wisdom” unspiritual and demonic. Earthly wisdom is when people have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition. And, “where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice” (vs. 16). Jealousy and selfish ambition are clearly condemned. They lead to disorder and vile practices. There is zero room for jealousy and self gain at the cost of others. Zero.
James counters this with what Godly wisdom is: “But the wisdom above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (vs. 17). This is quite the opposite of jealousy and selfish ambition. Godly wisdom puts others first. It has the fruit of the Spirit. When we use wisdom from above, the results are tremendous: “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (vs. 18). Let us be peacemakers who rely on our wisdom from above!