Acareful reading of James’ epistle reveals a shuddering concern for the inward man. Through this epistle, no less than thirty terms which are indicative of the inward man are employed. The prevailing caution toward the inward man might be eye-catching, but it should not be earth-shattering. Have we not been warned by the pen (Pro. 4:23) and the person of inspiration (Matt. 6:21-23) concerning the inward man? Has it not been impressed upon our minds that the inward man affects the outward?
It is with concern toward the inward man that, at the heart of the epistle, we find James addressing the issue of wisdom. A contrast is drawn: wisdom from below (worldly) and wisdom from above (heavenly). Regarding worldly wisdom, James will direct our minds in opposition to such. The text, James 3:14-16, will expose the contrary and damaging nature of such wisdom.
We should remember that the context points us to the cautionary words of James 3:1, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” Those who take up the responsibility of teaching are under greater scrutiny. It is not merely our words that are weighed, but our minds: that is, our attitudes and intentions. Thus, James speaks plainly, “For we all stumble in many ways…” (3:2). The warning that James provides is given for this reason: human frailty. As people, we are fallible and vulnerable, and that does not change when one undertakes the work of teaching God’s people. Therefore, we turn to the discussion of wisdom; after all, who we are in our minds will determine who we are as teachers.
Be wary of worldly wisdom
We are reminded in this section of the progression of the mind to the deeds of the body. The Scriptures emphatically state concerning worldly wisdom: “This is not the wisdom that comes down from above…” A student of God’s word might note the similitude of this statement to that of Ephesians 4:19, “This is not how you learned Christ.”, wherein Paul was contrasting the sinful lifestyle exhibited by those outside of Christ with that which is expected of those who belong to Christ. Similarly, James points to the wisdom of the world as entirely different from that which ought to guide the mind of a teacher of God’s people. He employs a trifecta of synonyms to convey his point: earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. The question then becomes, what is worldly wisdom?
Worldly wisdom, the kind which James is referring to, is self-promotion. James is not suggesting that we cannot learn from the world. Instead, James is declaring that the self-promotion of the world must not be present in the disciple. Remember, the context serves as a warning to those who teach, highlighting a weakness inherent to man. This is why James qualifies worldly wisdom with these terms: jealousy and selfish ambition.
What does worldly wisdom teach me?
Worldly wisdom, as James describes, is rooted in selfishness. James is warning teachers of the danger of making their teaching platform a personal one. In our time, we have seen teachers of the gospel desert the truth for a host of reasons. One might preach and adulterate their preaching for riches; certainly, they did in the first century (2 Cor. 2:17). One might abuse the honor of teaching for the promotion of hostility or rivalry; Paul seemed to know some who did such (Phil 1:15). Others, unfortunately, might preach to build up themselves, not the brethren, and inflate their egos – we know the Pharisees struggled with such (Matt 6:1; John 12:43). Additionally, we might be tempted to the position of teacher because of a compulsion for authority, like that of Diotrephes (3 John 9). We might also find ourselves tempted to use the preaching of the cross as a measuring stick for one another (2 Cor. 10:12). In all, an abuse of teaching surrounds a yearning for inappropriate gain, whether financial or social (Tit. 1:11). Those who teach will be tempted to make their work about self, worldly wisdom charms us into thinking it is.
What is the danger of worldly wisdom?
The danger of worldly wisdom is not suggested; it is declared: “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there WILL (emp. added) be disorder and every vile practice.” (3:16). While worldly wisdom promises us personal security, it leads to spiritual fatality. Paul warned Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:20 of those who made shipwreck their faith: Hymenaeus and Alexander. Their wound was not born merely of cowardice but of corruption – they corrupted the position of teacher. Worldly wisdom would have us persuaded of a hope of salvation despite personal and promoted corruption. Scripture would emphatically cast the stone: “It would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them” (2 Pet. 2:21).
Circling back to the inward man
Worldly wisdom entices us to use our platform for self, a truly damning error. Recognizing the self-imposed damage that comes from following worldly wisdom, we receive caution to guard our hearts. James reminds us of where the issue lies, “…in your hearts…” (3:14). To live for Christ, our hearts must be secure within the walls of His word (Ps. 119:11), our affection must be above (Col 3:2), and He must be our sustenance (Job 23:12; John 6:53-54). The inward man must be protected, and introspective purity must become a priority. Play second fiddle (John 3:30). Exercise the wisdom that leads to pleasing God. “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Gal. 1:10)