How can we discern between godly wisdom and "worthless" advice today?

◄ Godly wisdom vs. worthless advice? ►

Scene-Setting Verse

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere.” (James 3:17)

Defining Godly Wisdom

• Pure – free from moral compromise

• Peaceable – promotes harmony, not strife

• Gentle – strength under control

• Accommodating – willing to yield when truth is not at risk

• Full of mercy and good fruits – compassion that produces tangible help

• Impartial – unaffected by favoritism or trends

• Sincere – free of hidden agendas

Spotting Worthless Advice

• Appeals to ego or pride (1 John 2:16)

• Ignores or twists clear Scripture (Genesis 3:1-4)

• Creates confusion or unrest (1 Corinthians 14:33)

• Demands immediate action with no time for prayer (Proverbs 19:2)

• Lacks accountability or godly fruit (Matthew 7:16-20)

Practical Discernment Checklist

1. Compare every suggestion with clear biblical teaching. God never contradicts Himself (Psalm 119:160).

2. Examine the character of the person giving counsel. Do their lives display James 3:17 qualities? (Proverbs 13:20)

3. Look for the fruit. Does following this advice historically produce righteousness, peace, and joy? (Romans 14:17)

4. Seek multiple godly voices, not just one echo. “In an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14)

5. Pray for illumination by the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). He authored Scripture; He will never mislead.

6. Allow time. Godly wisdom withstands patient scrutiny; worthless ideas often rely on pressure and hype.

Real-Life Scenarios

• Career move: does it enhance your ability to serve God and family, or only inflate status?

• Relationship advice: does it honor purity and covenant, or excuse selfish desires?

• Financial counsel: is generosity encouraged, or is greed baptized with spiritual language?

• Social issues: does the position align with the plain meaning of Scripture, or reinterpret it to fit culture?

Cultivating a Listening Heart

• Daily intake of Scripture sharpens recognition of counterfeit voices (Hebrews 5:14).

• Regular fellowship keeps us transparent and teachable (Hebrews 10:24-25).

• Obedience to what we already know invites further insight (John 7:17).

Key Takeaways

• Godly wisdom mirrors James 3:17; worthless advice contradicts it.

• Scripture is the fixed standard; feelings and trends shift.

• Discernment grows through prayer, community, and consistent obedience.