James Week One — Wisdom That Works
Scripture Highlights:
“Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
— James 3:13 (NIV)
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
— James 1:22 (NIV)
Introduction:
Everyone wants to be wise. But Scripture tells us wisdom isn’t measured by knowledge or information. It’s not about how many books you can read or stats you can memorize—it’s shown in your life. James tells us that real wisdom is humble, peace-loving, full of mercy, and active. It doesn’t show off; it shows up in how we speak, how we treat people, and how we live when no one is watching.
In James 1:19–27, wisdom looks like self-control. It’s being quick to listen and slow to speak. The goal is to understand people instead of winning a debate. It’s about being slow to anger not because we’re passive, but because we’re pursuing peace. Wisdom also means living the Word, not just hearing it. A wise person doesn’t just say, “I believe in grace,” but actually extends grace to others.
James 3:13–18 digs deeper. There are two kinds of wisdom: one that’s earthly, self-centered, and chaotic—and one that comes from above. The wisdom from heaven is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, fruitful, impartial, and sincere. These aren’t personality traits. They’re spiritual habits. They show up in how we handle conflict, how we receive correction, and how we lead others.
Wisdom is not automatic with age. In fact, age without humility can make us more stubborn, not wiser. Wisdom is not something we receive accidentally or without effort. Real wisdom starts with asking God (James 1:5), evaluating our experiences, and seeking counsel from those who walk closely with Him. Wisdom isn’t taught—it’s transferred. That means we grow wise by walking with the wise, listening with open hearts, and aligning our lives with God's truth.
Read The Full Text:
James 1:19-27 (NIV)
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
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. 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.
Questions to Ask Yourself:
What area in your life do you need to slow down and listen before speaking?
Is there an area in your life that you know what the Word says, but you aren’t walking it out?
Who are the wise voices around you that you need to lean into more?
How are you letting God’s Word shape your daily choices?
Pray This:
Lord, I receive Your wisdom today. Help me to live wisely. Help me slow down, listen well, and respond in humility. Show me the areas where I’ve relied on earthly thinking, and give me the courage to walk in Your wisdom instead. Give me discernment in the midst of a big decision. Make my life a reflection of Your truth—full of peace, mercy, and good fruit. Let Your Word not just fill my mind, but transform my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
