Two Kinds of Wisdom:

            We are looking at a letter even though we are examining it in sections.  This passage is a natural continuation of James’ letter.  We should read all of James in one sitting as a letter to get an overall flavor for the thoughts.  The thought here is divided into three sections:  an exhortation (v. 13); earthly wisdom (vv. 14-16); and wisdom from above (vv. 17-18).

(13) – James is still addressing those who want to be teachers here.  He speaks to one who is “wise,” a term used of a teacher, scribe or rabbi.  James is concerned with how they live rather than what they say.  “Understanding,” addresses those who are trained experts or have special knowledge.  So, anyone who wants to teach and claims to be a trained expert with special understanding must show this by their good life.  He must be skilled in applying God’s truth to practical everyday living.

            This person is to have a “humility that comes from wisdom,” or a quiet resolve in God’s promises.  This term or expression was used of a horse that has been broken to accept and yield to a bit and bridle.  This gentleness is strength under the control of the Holy Spirit (a fruit of the spirit – see. Gal. 5:22-23).  This is not an intellectual wisdom, as the Greeks would have thought, but rather a practical wisdom that enables us to live a godly, holy life (a Hebrew approach).

(14-16) – James’ words indicate that there was some exhibiting “bitter envy and selfish ambition” in their hearts.  “Selfish ambition” is the drive to gain advantage and prestige for oneself or one’s group (self motivated).  Ambition and envy could be either positive or negative.  However, James uses the words “selfish” and “bitter” to denote the negative or sinful aspects of these traits. James warns them not to boast about their “bitter envy” and “selfish ambition” or deny the truth.  By their slanted view of the truth, they may have been denying the very truth they were attempting to defend. 

            The wisdom James is speaking against here is not true Godly wisdom.  The life of these would-be teachers contradicts true wisdom.  They are not teaching truth from a changed life, but rather a form of truth that they can lay claim to as the source.  Everything is evaluated in worldly standards with personal gain as the highest goal.  God is the source of genuine wisdom (Pr.2:6).  The wisdom they teach “does not come down from heaven,” but is “earthly.”

            They have a view of life from a worldly perspective rather that heavenly.  Phil. 3:19b – “Their mind is on earthly things.”  James calls this kind of wisdom – “unspiritual.”  1Cor. 2:14-16 – People without the Lord cannot accept the things of god as wise – but “we have the mind of Christ.”  1Cor. 1:18-20 – God’s wisdom is contrary to the wisdom of the world. And He will destroy this false wisdom.  1Cor.1:26-31 – god has chosen a different way to reveal Himself to us.  He does not want us to use worldly wisdom to know Him . (read: 1Cor. 2:6-16)  If this wisdom does not come down from heaven, then its source must be from the devil, whose dominion is the earth, and therefore called earthly.

            “For,” indicates a result.  “Disorder and every evil practice” result from “bitter envy and selfish ambition.”  Disorder is a turmoil, which James is associating to the church.  The church was engaged in “evil practices” – worthless activity or deeds that are bad, mainly because they are good for nothing and cannot produce any real benefit.  Selfish ambition and envy always tend to destroy spiritual life and work.

(17-18) – Verse 17 is in contrast to v. 15 where he described “wisdom that does not come from heaven.”  Here wisdom is “first of all pure.”  This is without any sinful attitude or motive and has nothing to do with sexual purity.  It is the opposite of the self-seeking attitude mentioned in vv. 14-16.  the remainder of the verse lists outward manifestations of this inner quality of purity.

            This wisdom is “peace-loving,” in contrast to the envy and selfish ambition described in v. 14.  It is also “considerate,” a term which was mostly attributable to God’s position as King.  God has the authority and right to be punitive and stern, but He chooses to be merciful toward us.   Similarly, God’s people have this capability of being lenient when we could demand our legal rights.  Godly wisdom is also “submissive” or a ready to yield rather than self –seeking and obstinate.  It is also “full of mercy and good fruit,” always ready to help those in need, compassionate.  It is “impartial,” showing no favoritism or discrimination.  It is “sincere,” without hypocrisy.  This wisdom is practical, resulting in true piety and godliness.

            He concludes this sections by stating that righteousness can only be sown in peace by peacemakers.  This again is in contrast to envy and selfish ambition of ungodly wisdom.  “Such persons not only love peace and live in peace by also strive to create conditions of peace. “ (NIV Commentary, Zondervan).