How Do You Find Wisdom?

“How Do You Find Wisdom?” (James 3:13-18)

Dr. W. Jamie Kim

 I. Unqualified Boasting (3:13a)
There were people who were boasting
Perhaps the same people who had a hard time bridling their tongue

 II. Issues a Challenge (3:13b)
Show it by deeds
Show it by humility

III. Apparent Problem with Boasting
“A man claims to have faith” (2:14)
“You have faith, I have deeds” (2:18)
“You believe that there is one God” (2:19)
Eventually led to quarrels and fights (4:1)
“God opposes the proud” (4:6)

IV. Two Kinds of Wisdom
Of the devil:  earthly, unspiritual (3:15-16)
From heaven: pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, good fruit, impartial, sincere, peace-loving, righteous (3:17-18)

V. How do you get it?
Stop boasting (3:14)
Ask God (1:5)
Show it by good deeds done in humility (3:13)
Resist envy or selfish ambition, or deny the truth (3:14)

 VI. Application
There are people who in a subtle way display their boasting. People who are insecure in themselves usually fall into this trap. They need people to recognize their “success” or “accomplishment.” So, if people don’t complement them, they often say it themselves. What can you learn from such people?
The flip side of “boasting” is “false humility,” or even “self-debasing.” Often people confuse “inferiority” with “humility.” This too is very silly. They act humble but they are in reality not satisfied with who they are.  What can you learn from them?
 When you consider the differences between wisdom that comes from God and the wisdom that comes from the world, what do you find? How do you become wise in the things of God?