Wisdom in Action

James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

• What is wisdom? Why does it produce a good life and humility?

14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.

• What is selfish ambition and why is it wrong?
• In what area of your life are you most tempted to have selfish ambition?
• Do you harbor envy toward anyone?

15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.

• Why could something that is of the devil ever be mistaken for wisdom?
• The two kinds of wisdom; true wisdom and a false wisdom of the devil, come from two different ways of looking at life. How can you nurture a godly wisdom and a life that reflects it?

16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

• What are some examples of disorder and evil that come from envy and selfish ambition?

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

• Why does heaven’s wisdom produce healthy attitudes toward others?
• Who does God want us to be submissive toward?
• What does it mean to be impartial? Why is this important?

18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

• What do you have to do to be a peacemaker? Are you?