13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James 3:13-18
Q & A：
- Who do you consult with to help you deal with the issues that you face daily? Discuss if and why you would draw upon earthly wisdom or demonic wisdom, including seeking opinion of mediums, spirits, fortune teller, geomancy and horoscope to help you deal with the challenges you face, and in doing so what are you really exposing yourself to in the spiritual realm. (Jam 3:14-16; Lev 19:31)
- Explain the 2 kinds of wisdom that are from God, applied knowledge of the Bible from the word of God; spontaneous thoughts that are revealed to us personally through the Holy Spirit within us (practical wisdom) or through godly counsel as the word of wisdom (spiritual gift). Discuss the prerequisite for obtaining and applying the wisdom from God and what are some guidelines to help us know that the wisdom is from God. (Jam 3:17-18; 1 John 2:20,27; Pro 9:10; 2 Chr 1:10; Jam 1:5-8)
- Discuss what is hindering you from receiving God’s wisdom, take into consideration of reasoning, thinking rationally and logically in our mind in contrast to being led by the Holy Spirit when the word is spoken to our heart.