In James 3:13–18, Pastor Kevin Long reminded us that just as we prepare for physical storms, we must also prepare for spiritual ones. True wisdom is not found in selfish ambition or earthly desires, but in the wisdom that comes from above—pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy.
The Contrast of Wisdom
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Origin
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Earthly wisdom comes from below. It is selfish, sensual, and devilish. It focuses on the here and now, ignores eternity, and feeds pride and fleshly desires.
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Heavenly wisdom comes from above. It begins with salvation in Christ, grows through the study of God’s Word, and is strengthened in prayer.
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Operation
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Earthly wisdom shows itself in jealousy, selfish ambition, strife, and disorder. It divides homes, destroys relationships, and creates chaos.
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Heavenly wisdom produces purity, peace, gentleness, mercy, sincerity, and good fruits. It builds households and communities marked by love and stability.
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Outcome
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Earthly wisdom leads to confusion, sin, and brokenness.
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Heavenly wisdom produces a harvest of righteousness and peace. What we sow in our relationships and homes, we will also reap.
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Closing Application
The greatest foolishness is to prepare only for this life and ignore eternity. True wisdom begins with salvation through Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again. Just as we prepare for hurricanes, we must also prepare for eternity by trusting in Christ today.
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