How does James 3:15 define wisdom that is "earthly, unspiritual, demonic"? Setting the Passage in View “Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” (James 3:15) What James Means by “Wisdom” Here • In v. 13 James spoke of “wisdom” proven by good conduct and meekness. • In v. 15 he contrasts a counterfeit wisdom—impressive on the surface, but sourced far from God. • The Spirit-inspired language piles up three descriptors to expose its true character: earthly, unspiritual, demonic. Earthly: Rooted in This World Alone • Focused on the visible and temporal, ignoring eternal realities (Colossians 3:2). • Motivated by worldly success, status, and self-advancement (1 John 2:16). • Measures outcomes by immediate results rather than God’s approval (Luke 12:19-21). Takeaway: Wherever goals, methods, and values are determined strictly by what fallen culture esteems, we are dealing with “earthly” wisdom. Unspiritual: Operating Without the Holy Spirit • James uses the Greek psychikos—“natural,” driven by human appetites rather than the Spirit. • Parallels 1 Corinthians 2:14: “The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God… they are foolishness to him.” • Prizes human intuition, emotion, or intellect while sidelining revealed truth (Proverbs 14:12). Takeaway: When counsel arises solely from soul-power, detached from Scripture and the Spirit’s illumination, it is “unspiritual.” Demonic: Under the Influence of the Enemy • Behind the scenes of earthly and unspiritual thinking lurks an active, intelligent opposition (Ephesians 6:12). • Satan’s hallmark strategies: deception (Genesis 3:1-5), selfish ambition (James 3:14), and disorder (James 3:16). • False wisdom may appear sophisticated, yet it aligns with the lies and priorities of demons (1 Timothy 4:1). Takeaway: Any worldview that subtly or overtly contradicts God’s truth bears the fingerprints of the demonic realm. Fruit and Outcome of Counterfeit Wisdom • “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.” (James 3:16) • Relationships fracture, motives harden, peace evaporates (Galatians 5:19-21). • The end train is confusion now and judgment later (Matthew 7:26-27). God’s True Alternative • “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.” (James 3:17) Key contrasts: – Source: from above vs. from below – Motive: meekness vs. selfish ambition – Fruit: peace vs. disorder – End: righteousness vs. ruin Living It Out • Test every idea by Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Seek the Spirit’s illumination through obedience (John 7:17). • Cultivate humility; true wisdom thrives in a surrendered heart (Proverbs 9:10). |
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