What does the Bible say about true wisdom?

In “Who Is Wise,” a sermon from Metro Life Church’s James series A Faith That Works, Pastor Shane Kohout asks a searching question: What does your wisdom produce? James 3:13-18 reveals two sources of wisdom. Earthly wisdom grows from jealousy and selfish ambition, creating disorder. Wisdom from above takes shape in a life marked by purity, peace, gentleness, mercy, good fruit, impartiality, and sincerity.

Biblical wisdom appears in the ordinary Christian life: how we treat family and neighbors, respond to conflict, use our resources, receive correction, and care for people who differ from us. A wise person depends on God, listens well, practices restraint, and makes peace. The goal is faithful obedience, even when it costs us comfort, recognition, or control.

Jesus embodies wisdom from above. Through his death and resurrection, he made peace between sinners and God and began a harvest of righteousness that continues in his church. Because Christ has made us righteous, we can confess jealousy and selfish ambition, trust his wisdom, and sow peace wherever God has placed us.

Key Takeaways

• Wisdom is revealed by conduct and character.
• Jealousy and selfish ambition reveal where worldly wisdom has taken root.
• God’s wisdom produces peace, mercy, humility, and Spirit-shaped fruit.
• Jesus is our wisdom and peace, empowering us to live faithfully.