James 3:13-18 "Who is wise?" Wisdom is Skillful Living Two different kinds of Wisdom: 1 - Humanly - generic knowledge 2 - Diving - what Proverbs and James are talking of. Comes through fear of the Lord first. James is concerned that his followers be wise. There were some claiming to be wise but their lives did not reflect this in their conduct. This prompted the question "Who is wise?" 1 - A question about Wisdom (v. 13) Real wisdom is more a function of the will than of the mind or intellect. Similarity to 2:15 Wisdom manifests itself in good conduct and meekness. 2 - Worldly wisdom and its fruit (v. 15-16) Looks like bitterness and envy. Worldly wisdom is "earthly, unspiritual, natural (not able to be spiritually discerned, devoid of the Spirit) and demonic." 3 - Heavenly Wisdom (v. 17) Wisdom from above is peaceable, gentle, considerate towards others, open to reason, submissive, full of mercy and good fruits, and impartial and sincere. 4 - ...and its fruit...the results of the genuinely wise (v. 18) The theme of peace keeps reoccurring as an attribute of heavenly wisdom. James begins with "who is wise among you?" and ends with a peacemaker. The truly wise is not just a recipient of peace but also a sower of peace.