Sermon Notes: The Attributes of Biblical Wisdom

Wisdom questions to ask:

  • What are my motives (13–18)? 
  • Is there bitterness in your heart or envy? 
  • Are you speaking from God’s wisdom or the wisdom of the world? 
  • Are you a peacemaker or a troublemaker? 

If your heart is right before God (Heb. 4:12), He will use your words to produce the right kind of fruit. 

  • James 1:5 NIV If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 3:13‭-‬18 NIV

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.

  • James 1:22 NIV Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
  • James 1:19‭-‬20 NIV My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice

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

  • Galatians 5:22‭-‬23 NIV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
  • Matthew 5:9 NIV Blessed are the peacemakers,  for they will be called children of God.