Faith Grounded in Wisdom From Above

According to the U.S. Treasury, millions of counterfeit bills circulate every year. They look real, feel real, and often go unnoticed. That’s what makes them dangerous. Not because they look fake, but because they look right while something essential is missing.

James says wisdom can work the same way.

As you read James 3:13–18, you'll discover that not everything called wisdom actually comes from God. Some thinking sounds wise, feels effective, and even gains cultural approval, yet it is disconnected from the heart of Christ. Scripture calls us to test the source of the wisdom shaping our lives.

Here's James point: Wisdom does not just solve problems. Godly wisdom flows from a pure heart and produces peace.

James asks a piercing question: “Who is wise and understanding among you?” True wisdom is not proven by opinions, or intellect but by conduct, by a life marked with gentleness, humility, purity and peace. 

Biblical wisdom is not just knowing more. It is seeing life from God’s perspective and living accordingly.

Worldly wisdom grows from self-protection, comparison, and ambition. It traces back to the same lie from Genesis 3: you can decide for yourself what is best. It promises control but produces disorder. Godly wisdom, however, comes from above. James says that what Godly wisdom actually looks like, it's pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy, and sincere. It reflects a heart surrendered to God.

The difference is revealed most clearly when pressure rises. Counterfeit wisdom pushes us to prove ourselves, defend our image, or win the moment. Wisdom from above leads us toward peace, toward reconciliation, toward trust in God’s sovereignty. or as James says towards "a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." (3:18)

Jesus Himself embodies this wisdom. Though He had all authority, He chose surrender. Through the cross and resurrection, He secured a harvest of righteousness and peace for us.

The question James leaves us with is simple but convicting: What kind of wisdom is shaping your life? God invites us to ask for wisdom from above, to cultivate hearts rooted in Christ, and to live with a faith that produces peace.