James 3:13-18 (NASB)

13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

To foster harmonious relationships in life, put on true godly wisdom and put off false earthly wisdom.

1) You must behave with godly wisdom for peaceful relationships (3:13, 17)

2) If you act with worldly “wisdom”, conflict will be the result (3:14-16)

3) Peaceful relationships require hard/heart work (3:18)

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James 1:5-8 (NASB)

5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Theme: Christians should seek spiritual maturity by asking God for wisdom and praying with a believing heart.

Some “How-tos” of gaining wisdom and making petitions to God

1) Acknowledge your need for wisdom (1:5)

2) Ask God for wisdom (1:5)

3) Ask God in faith, for everything (1:6-8)

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Titus 2:6 (NASB)

6 Likewise urge the young men to be sensible;

Titus 2:12 (NASB)

12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age,

1 Peter 4:7 (NASB)

7 The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.

1 Timothy 3:2 (NASB)

2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching,

1 Timothy 4:7 (NASB)

7 But stay away from worthless stories that are typical of old women. Rather, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;

Proverbs 14:17 (NASB)

17 A quick-tempered person acts foolishly, And a person of evil devices is hated.

Proverbs 16:32 (NASB)

32 One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and one who rules his spirit, than one who captures a city.

Proverbs 19:11 (NASB)

11 A person’s discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

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