WISDOM FROM ABOVE | JULY 26, 2026Pastor Wes Morris

James 3:13-18 (NLT) If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

The source of your wisdom determines the direction of your life.

√ WORLDLY WISDOM TEACHES US TO TRUST OURSELVES.

Proverbs 12:15 (NLT) Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.

II Samuel 11:1 (NLT) In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites...However, David stayed behind in Jerusalem.

√ WORLDLY WISDOM CREATES CHAOS.

James 3:16 (NLT) For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

√ GODLY WISDOM LEADS TO PEACE.

Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

WISDOM FROM ABOVE
I. EXAMINE YOUR HEART.

James 3:17-18 (NIV) But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure.

Psalm 51:10 (NIV) Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

II. CHECK THE FRUIT.

James 3:17-18 (NIV) But the wisdom that comes from heaven is… full of mercy and good fruit.

Is this making me more like Jesus?
Does this produce peace or chaos?
Is this fueled by pride or humility?
Will this bless others or just benefit me?

III. CHOOSE PEACE.

James 3:18 (NIV) Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Romans 12:18 (NIV) If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.