<aside> đź’ˇ BIG IDEA: A life well lived displays the wisdom from above.
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Who is someone you know whom you would describe them as wise? Why would you describe them as wise?
READ James 3:13-18
ASK: According to verse 13, how should true wisdom show up in how a person lives? Why do you think James defines wisdom in terms of gentleness or humility and not just in terms of how much a person knows?
In verses 14-16, how does James characterize false, ungodly wisdom? What is the fruit of false wisdom?
In verses 17-18, how does James characterize true, godly wisdom? What is the fruit of true wisdom?
<aside> 📌 Note: In James’ context, the prevailing Greek culture (whose intellectuals and philosophers claimed to teach wisdom) would have looked down on humility and gentleness as being a sign of weakness. However, in Matthew 5:5 and 11:29, Jesus flips this idea on its head by elevation humility and gentleness as characteristics of godliness.
The idea of humility being a characteristic of wisdom is also found throughout the book of Proverbs in the Old Testament (see Proverbs 18:12; 22:4). In Proverbs 9:10, Solomon writes that the fear of the Lord (i.e. humble submission and dependence on God) is the beginning of wisdom.
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If godly wisdom is marked by gentleness, humility, and peaceableness, and not by selfish ambition or envy, what does this tell us about how wisdom should shape our relationships with God and with other people?
<aside> ✝️ Gospel Connection: READ 1 Corinthians 1:24-31. How does Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection ultimately display the wisdom of God? How should remembering how Jesus saved us lead us toward desiring godly wisdom and not the wisdom of the world?
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ASK: When do you find yourself feeling jealous of others? In what areas of life do you find that you root your identity and security in your accomplishments, status, or how other people think about you?
How are jealousy and selfish ambition keeping you from living a life of glorifying God and serving other people?
How should God’s gentleness towards you motivate you to turn from jealousy and selfish ambition to instead pursue gentleness and peace towards others?
ASK: What would it look like for you to cultivate peace in your relationships with others this week? (Family members, coworkers, neighbors, fellow church members?)