Let's open our Bibles, please, to the book of James, chapter 3. We want to read together verses 13-16. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good manner of life his works with meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." We live in a world today that is filled with confusion as to what we should believe, how we should act, what direction we should go. And it is also filled with conflicting advice about what we should do about that confusion that is so prevalent. Well, there are a multitude of voices declaring that they have the answers to this confusion. More than ever before, we have a variety of people who claim to have the answers. Those who proclaim that they are the voice of wisdom arise on every hand. We have the psychologists, we have the humanists, we have the politicians, we have the talk show hosts. And we have the educators, all who claim to be the source of answers to the problems that we face, and a repository of wisdom with reference to their resolution. Now the question we want to ask ourselves is, whose voice should we listen to? How can we discern sound wisdom from mere faulty opinion? Now, this business as to the need for wisdom is not only a problem in society at large, it is also a problem in the church as well. In doctrinal disputes, in church conflicts, in seeking out personal counsel, whose voice possesses the wisdom of God, and whose is representative of ungodly advice? Well, James helps us to answer those questions by setting before us the characteristics of true wisdom and godly wisdom, and in specific, he sets before us the characteristics of a wise man versus one who is not wise. And so, by examining these characteristics, we will be enabled to discern between a wise person and one who is not wise. So this evening we want to consider together the characteristics of a wise man. When you are thinking about trying to find some answers to your questions or seeking out biblical counsel, what kind of a person do you want to go to to seek for advice? The Bible tells us in a multitude of counselors there is safety. But the implication in that verse is that these multitude of counselors are competent. They are wise. They give sound advice. It will not do to go to a multitude of counselors that those counselors have their wisdom that is earthly, sensual, or devilish. Rather, we want to go to those who have the wisdom of God. Now notice, if you will, the question that James proposes in verse 13. He says, Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? In other words, how can such a man be discerned? What will his characteristics be? How will he act? How may I know what kind of a person to select as a source of wisdom? Well, James answers this question both positively and negatively. He tells us, first of all, what this wise man is like, and then he tells us, secondly, what he is not like. So in the first place, then, this evening, let us consider together what a wise man is like. what a wise man is like. Now notice, if you will, the connection between wisdom and knowledge in the question that is asked. James asks, who is a wise man and endued with knowledge? And so he makes this connection between wisdom and knowledge. Well, a wise man is, first of all, a knowledgeable man. In fact, our text says he is one that is endued with knowledge. And what James is telling us is that no one can be wise in a context of ignorance. Knowledge is an essential prerequisite to wisdom. And before one can ever be known as a wise man, he must become a knowledgeable man about a great many things. Now, the reason for this is that wisdom is the right application of knowledge to particular situations and circumstances. And if one has very little knowledge, then one can only have very little wisdom. Because if wisdom is the application of knowledge to situations and he doesn't have much knowledge, he certainly can't have much wisdom. And this is the reason why Proverbs 10 and verse 13 says in the lips of him that has understanding is wisdom found. And so the first thing you would look for in attempting to find a wise man is, what is his level of understanding? Because if he has little knowledge, he can only have little wisdom. And without understanding or knowledge, wisdom will not and cannot be found. Therefore, he who would be wise, needs to labor to understand as much as he can about as many things as he can. But make no mistake, understanding does not equal wisdom. Wisdom is the right employment and application of understanding to particular circumstances and situations. A man may have a great deal of knowledge and understanding, but not have the foggiest notion about how to rightly apply that knowledge and understanding to various situations. And so wisdom is the right use of knowledge, and so there must be knowledge. But this ability to use knowledge rightly is what constitutes wisdom. Now, how are we going to know if someone is using their knowledge rightly? and thus demonstrating themselves to be a wise person. Well, the ability to use knowledge rightly demonstrates itself in two ways, James tells us. First of all, it demonstrates itself in good conduct. And secondly, it demonstrates itself in humble attitudes. Notice, first of all, that this ability to use knowledge rightly demonstrates itself in good conduct. Now, our text says, Who was a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conduct his works. One who was wiser than others, James is telling us, will live better than others. He will employ his knowledge to achieve godly choices and thus will show a good conduct in his personal behavior and works. A wise person will excel in good conduct, and they will show their wisdom by their good conduct and godly works. because wisdom is discovered and proven by actions. The wise are not those who can necessarily talk well. They are those who do well. They are those who live well. Notice, it does not say, let him show out of a good ability to converse. but rather let him show out of a good manner of life. Now, in the King James here, we have the word conversation. Let him show out of a good conversation. And people might think, well, that's talking about talking. But the word here conversation is an archaic word, and it simply is a synonym for our word conduct or manner of life, pattern of behavior. And so a good pattern of behavior will mark those who are those who are endued with knowledge and who possess wisdom. You see, the reason why the way someone talks is not necessarily an indication of wisdom is that wise talk can easily be imitated by wide reading and careful listening, and one by his mere speech may easily give the impression that he is wise. But the true test as to whether one is, in fact, wise is this. How is his conduct? What are his works? What kind of choices does he make? In assessing wisdom in a man, it is far more important to listen to what he does than to what he says. One may know a great deal and be able to discuss that knowledge endlessly, But if he does not show true love to people by serving them with selflessness and kindness, and true love to God by obedience and worship, then his knowledge is but a sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal, as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13 and verse 1. So a wise man is one who does well. He is one who excels in good conduct and in godly works. A wise man is one who not only knows God's law, but who keeps it. God says in Deuteronomy 4 and verse 6, keep these statutes, for this is your wisdom. And so God says it is those who keep statutes, Not those who talk about them, not those who can expound them, not those who can explain them, not those who can remember them, but those who keep them. Those are the people who are truly wise. And in Jeremiah eight and verse nine, he says, since they have rejected the word of the Lord, what wisdom is in them? And so, the ability to discern a wise person is based upon this fact that this man certainly knows a lot, but also that he rightly applies what he knows, so that in his conduct you can see good works, godly behavior, obedience to the Word of God in his everyday ongoing manner of life. That person manifests that they know how to use their knowledge properly by the choices that they make. And so the ability to use knowledge rightly demonstrates itself in good conduct. But secondly, notice, the ability to use knowledge rightly also demonstrates itself in humble attitudes. It demonstrates itself in humble attitudes. Now, the wise man is not arrogant or proud in his superior level of understanding. Notice verse 13. Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him not only show out of a good manner of life his works, but let him do it with meekness of wisdom. And so true wisdom is always connected together with meekness. It is always connected with humility. A wise person is not arrogant and he is not proud in his superior level of understanding. You see, for the novice, the immature and the unwise man, knowledge puffs him up because it causes him to feel superior. and he uses his superior knowledge to lord it over other people, to put them down, and to exalt himself. But for the wise man, the mature man, the knowledge he has humbles him. because it places him under a burden of accountability and responsibility. He knows that to whom much is given, much is required, and the more he knows, the more humble he is. The wise man is marked by meekness. He is mild, he is calm, he is humble, because he deals in the realm of scriptural principle, proven facts, and sound reason. He does not act or attempt to persuade others on the basis of passion, but rather on the basis of prudence. And so an angry voice and a demanding attitude are not the tools he uses And one who does use them has neither knowledge nor wisdom. And so the more wise a man is, the more he holds in check his passions. Indeed, Proverbs 19 and verse 11 says, the wisdom of a man defers his anger. And that's why if you want to find a wise man, don't go looking for angry people. They're not wise. On the other hand, humility and wisdom are inseparable companions in the scripture. Proverbs 11 and verse two says with the lowly is wisdom. That is, with the humble, with the meek. That's where wisdom resides. Humility is a necessary companion to wisdom for two reasons. First of all, it is the means to obtain wisdom. One who is humble is one who receives grace from God. The Bible tells us God gives grace to the humble. And one of those manifestations of grace is the impartation of wisdom as a gift from God. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 2 and verse 6, the Lord gives wisdom and out of his mouth proceeds knowledge and understanding. And so if we're going to possess those things, we have to get them from God. And who does God give them to? Those who are humble. But humility is a necessary companion to wisdom, not only because it is the means to obtain it, but also it is the means. Well, pardon me. I didn't finish my point here. One who is humble is also one who not only receives grace from God, but one who is humble is also one who is teachable, and therefore he can gain wisdom over time. He is more interested in discovering the truth than he is in defending his position. So humility is a necessary companion to wisdom because it is the means to obtain wisdom. One who is humble receives grace from God, and one who is humble is teachable. But secondly, humility is a necessary companion to wisdom not only because it's the mean to obtain wisdom, because it is also the proper means to utilize wisdom. Now, a man who is wise not only will be wise for himself, but he will also utilize that wisdom in his everyday relationships with other people. And it is for this reason that Paul tells Timothy that the servant of the Lord must not strive. That is, he must not be contentious and argumentative. But rather, you must be gentle to all men, apt to teach patience in meekness, here's our word, instructing those who oppose themselves, if God, peradventure, would give them repentance." And so, humility is a necessary companion to wisdom, because it is the means whereby wisdom is utilized. People are going to be far more willing to receive wisdom and act on wisdom from another when it is conveyed with humility. You remember when Abigail came before David when he was going to go slaughter Nabal and she prostrated herself before David and she was very humble in the way in which she imparted her wisdom to David and David commended her for her wisdom. But notice, it was able to be received by him because of the way in which it was delivered. And so, Galatians 6.1 says, if we see a brother overtaken in a fault, we are to restore such one in a spirit of meekness. And so, the mark of a wise man is not only will he use his knowledge to bring about good conduct, but he will also use his knowledge to manifest humble attitudes. And he will manifest that humility in the way in which he deals with other people. So this, then, is the characteristic of a wise man. This is what a wise man is like. He is knowledgeable. He uses that knowledge to make proper choices with reference to his own personal behavior. and that knowledge is coupled with an attitude of humility. So when you think about going and getting some counsel and seeking out some wisdom and a wise person, ask yourself, how much does this person know? And how has that knowledge affected this person's behavior and his choices in life and the kind of conduct that he engages in? And is this person a person who is marked by meekness, by humility? And if they are, then you can be sure you've got a hold of a wise person. But James not only tells us what a wise man is like, In the second place, we want to consider together what a wise man is not like what he is not like. Now, you will never see these following characteristics in a wise person. Notice, if you will, versus 14 and 15, but if and this is a word of contrast, but if in contrast to what he has just gotten done speaking about, but if you have bitter envying and strife in your heart, Glory not and lie not against the truth. If someone possesses these attributes that he now mentions, he is lying if he claims to be a wise man. And for him to glory in being a wise man when he possesses these attributes is something that is totally inappropriate. And James says with reference to him, he ought not to glory. as though he were a wise man. One who glories in his supposed wisdom and boasts of his superior knowledge and insight, and yet uses their tongue to abuse and blaspheme people is certainly not a wise man. You remember verse nine. in chapter three that we were considering together. He says there with speaking of the tongue there with bless we God, even the father and there with curse we men which are made after the similitude of God. And so here's a person using his mouth to bless God seems to have some wisdom. But then we hear this person using his mouth to blaspheme people. And so, this statement in verse 14 about bitter envying and strife certainly has relationship back to verse 9. It also alludes to that behavior that is spoken of in chapter 4, verse 1 and 2, when it says, And whence come wars and fighting among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? You lust and have not, you kill and desire to have, and cannot obtain, you fight in war. What is that but a description of someone who has bitter envy and strife in their hearts? And so such a person does not possess wisdom. A mark of one who is not wise is that they engage in wars and fighting with their brethren, and they verbally abuse other people. Now, the reason why this behavior exists is twofold. First of all, notice they have bitter envying in their hearts. They have bitter envying in their hearts. Now, envy is a result of comparing oneself with others, number one, and number two, being in competition with them. for importance, or privilege, or possessions, or position. In other words, an envious person is one who is comparing himself with others and seeing what they have and what other people have, and then being in competition with them, so that this person does not rejoice in the blessings that others have, but instead resents what they have because he himself does not have it. An envious person is one who is selfish in the extreme. He thinks only of his own advantage and begrudges anyone else having a better condition than he does. If someone does excel him, he is bitter about it and he is jealous over it. And so, the mark of an envious person is an attitude of comparison and an attitude of resentment towards anyone who has that which is superior to him in any area. Now, resentment and envy often attempt to justify themselves by appealing to some supposed injustice. Sometimes, imagined offenses or very small offenses inflated to enormous proportions are erected to justify one's resentment towards another person. And we say, well, I resent this person because they did this or they did that, when in fact, the real reason for the resentment is that there is simply envy over what that person has achieved or what they possess or the position that they hold. Or sometimes, one thinks oneself more worthy of the advantage that another has, rather than the one who has it. And they say, why should he have this advantage when I deserve it more than they do? Look how they live, look how they act, and look what they have. I deserve it more than they do, and so they begin to be bitter and envious, really cloaking it with an attitude of offended justice. And so a spurious appeal to some supposed breach of justice is very often times used as a cloak for bitter envy and becomes the rationale for entering into strife with this person. Someone comes along and picks a fight with you, and you go, Why are they on my case? Why are they trying to say that I've done wrong here or done wrong there? What's their problem? Well, usually, very oftentimes, it is a cloak for simple envy. And so sin is very oftentimes clothed in the garments of some supposed virtue. And no sin clothes itself in this fashion more often than does envy. And so you see people tearing other people down because supposedly they have some problem in their life, but really it is because of jealousy towards them. But not only do these people engage in bitter envy in their hearts, but secondly, they also engage in strife. They engage in strife. Now, jealousy and envy quickly move into strife with the object of their envy. There is the attitude that if I cannot have the importance, the position, the privileges, or the possessions that another has, I will do everything I can to take it away from him, so that he can't have it, and tear him down, and as a result, strife breaks out. I remember Les Allison telling me about a church that he pastored with another man down in Eugene, and how that as the people begin to show some degree of appreciation for Les, his fellow pastor became very envious and jealous of that and began to bring all kinds of accusations against him because he was fearful and in competition with him with reference to this situation. And so there broke out a strife because there was this attitude of envy. Envy towards another person always brings conflict with that person. This is precisely the behavior of Jacob's sons towards their brother Joseph. In Acts chapter 7 and verse 9, it says, And the patriarchs, speaking of Joseph's eleven brothers, moved with envy sold Joseph into Egypt. Why did they have this conflict with Joseph? And why were they mad at him? And why did they treat him so cruelly? Because they were envious. And you see, wherever bitter envy is, strife always breaks out. We see this with Cain and Abel. Cain was envious over Abel's acceptance with God with reference to his sacrifice, and so he killed him. We see this with Saul and King David. David slew the giant, and he was the people's hero. And it says in 1 Samuel 18 and verse 9, from that day forward, Saul eyed him. Because the people were singing, Saul has slain his thousands, but David his ten thousands. We see this with the Pharisees and our Lord Jesus Christ. Even Pontius Pilate recognized it in Matthew 27 and in verse 18. It says Pilate knew that for envy they had delivered him. What were they envious about? The crowds were following Jesus. They said, behold, how you prevail nothing. The whole world is going after him. And they were afraid of losing their place and their nation. And so they were in competition with Jesus for the affections of the people. But do you remember what John the Baptist response to Jesus was when his disciples came to him and they said, hey, Jesus is baptizing more people than you are. John said he must increase. I must decrease. What a contrast. And so there was no strife between Jesus and John, because John was an envious of Jesus. Husbands do this to their wives all the time where envy. Will produce strife and wives do this to their husbands. You see, Joseph's family was torn apart because of envy among the members of the family. Bitter envy produced strife and a family that should have stood together was torn apart. Husbands say to their wives, well, you get to stay home all day while I go out and slave. And wives say to their husband, you get to go out and be with people all day while I'm boxed up in this little coop of a house. And so they're envious of each other's position and they argue with each other. But Philippians 2 and verse 3 says, let nothing be done through strife and vainglory. because it will tear both the personal family as well as the church family to shreds. In Proverbs 14 and verse 30 it says, Envy is as the rottenness of the bones. And just like rot will eat up a log and destroy it, so envy eats up the inner man and it destroys it. And it eats up relationships and it destroys them. It destroys the very structure upon which relationships are built. That's what the bones are, right? They're the structure upon which the whole body hangs. And Envy, it says, is as rottenness to the bones. And so the very foundations and structures of relationship are destroyed through Envy. And so, if you want to know who to steer clear of when it comes to asking advice and seeking counsel, Stay away from people who are envious, and stay away from people who are constantly in strife with other people. Those people are never wise. Those who are always fomenting a party, spirit, and conflict, and strife, are not wise people. Now, notice the source and the result of this false wisdom. Notice the source and result of this false wisdom. Verse 15 tells us the source. It says this wisdom that involves envy and strife does not descend from above. You remember, we read in James one in verse 17, every good gift and every perfect gift comes down from above from the father of lights. in whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. In other words, what he's saying is that use of knowledge and that application of knowledge that brings out bitter in being and strife between people and among people doesn't come from God. God would not have you use your knowledge in that fashion and apply it in that manner. This kind of wisdom that flows out of bitter envy and counsels a course of strife and contention is not from God. Rather, it arises out of the world, the flesh and the devil. The word here for sensual is the same word that is translated natural in 2nd Corinthians 2 and verse 14 when it says the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God, and it's kind of the equivalent idea to the fleshly man, and so he's speaking here of that which is earthly, that is, that which is worldly, that which is natural or that which comes from unredeemed flesh. and that which is devilish, which is self-explanatory. And so, wicked people, wicked desires, and a wicked devil are the inspiration of envy, strife, self-glorification, and deceit. Because you see, the mark of one who is not wise, you see, is that they do glory in themselves, and they do lie. with reference to the truth. The truth is, is that they're not wise, they're not mature, and they lie against that and say they are. They glory in their supposed discernment, but in fact, that discernment arises out of envy, and it produces division and strife. You see people in churches, and they're all so discerning about Mr. So-and-so's problems here, or Mrs. So-and-so's problems there, and they talk it all around, and they give out that they are so insightful and discerning about, you know, how this person is failing to meet the mark here or there. And they would have you see them as some kind of a bastion of great insight and understanding, when in fact all they're doing is promoting their envy and fomenting strife. I'm not saying there is not a place for recognizing legitimate problems in people's lives, but what is the goal and the purpose of the recognition of those things, and what is the end and result of them? Is it restoration? Is it healing? Is it wholesomeness? Or is it that of strife and division and destructiveness? Notice not only the source, but also the result. Verse 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. Envy and strife produce the fruit of confusion and the fruit of evil works. Notice that there is confusion. Ungodly wisdom does not clear the mind, but instead it confuses it. It does not clarify the issues. It complicates and clouds them. It does not produce certainty, but rather indecision. In short, when ungodly wisdom is used, things become more difficult to understand, not less. They become more complicated and tangled. not less. Decisions become harder to make, not easier. Doubts increase. Darkness grows. Deception abounds. These are the fruits of envy and of strife. In 1 Corinthians 14 and verse 33, it says, God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. And envy and strife never produce peace. And so they are never from God. Not only is there confusion, there is every evil work. Ungodly wisdom produces ungodly actions and ungodly choices. When ungodly wisdom produces confusion about what is right and good, then bad choices and bad behavior is the inevitable result. Now, endless examples could be supplied as to how ungodly wisdom produces every kind of evil work, but I will only give you one example. And that is the example of when Rehoboam followed the ungodly wisdom of the young men when he sought counsel about how to deal with the nation of Israel. You remember the people came to Rehoboam and they said, Rehoboam, back off on the taxes a little and we'll serve you forever. Your father Solomon oppressed us mightily in the area of taxes. And so, Rehoboam goes to the old men who had true godly wisdom and they said, lighten up. And he turns to the young men and they said, bear down. Rehoboam didn't know how to figure out who was a wise man among them and endued with knowledge. But rather, he chose to follow the counsel of those who counseled envy and strife. And the result was the evil work that the kingdom was divided and Israel never recovered from that. And all the evils that flowed out of the divided kingdom and ultimately the captivity And the loss of Israel and her position and relationship with God in the Old Covenant, all of that was the result of a man who couldn't discern who was a wise man and who wasn't. Now, as you go through life, you're going to make decisions. And every time you make a decision, it's going to have a profound, ongoing effect through the rest of your life. in terms of its ongoing consequences. You come to a fork in the road and you can make decision A or B. And if you make decision A, it will have all kinds of consequences that will resonate throughout the rest of your life. And if you make the other decision, that will have a completely different set of consequences that will resonate throughout the rest of your life. And so therefore, it is imperative when you're making decisions like that, That you figure out who is a wise man and endued with knowledge. And that you get counsel from those kind of people. And that you stay away from folks who are filled with envy and strife. Don't want to listen to them. Israel was destroyed by that. May the people of God have better sense. Shall we pray together? Our Father, we thank you that you give wisdom, and you give it liberally to those who ask, and you do not upbraid them or scoff at them. And Lord, we confess that we do need wisdom, and we recognize the conduit through which you impart that wisdom is not only your word, but also through wise counselors. Father, help us to be able to discern those who have large understanding, and those who use that understanding to make wise and godly choices in their lives and in their conduct, and who manifest a spirit of humility and meekness in the execution of that wisdom. Lord, I pray that we would not listen to people who have an illusion of wisdom because they can talk good, but who in fact are motivated by ungodly attitudes of envy and strife. Lord, I pray that you would save us from the confusion and from the evil outcomes that earthly sensual and devilish wisdom produces. Lord, help us to discern between the two. And we ask that the decisions we make might resonate well down through the years of happy and blessed consequences because of wise choices through wise counsel. Lord, raise up an army of men and women who are endued with knowledge and who have an ability to use that knowledge rightly and demonstrate that by good conduct and by humble attitudes. Lord, may the tribe of such increase mightily. Save us, Father, from people who would destroy the church through envy or strife. May we never employ those attitudes in our own homes. But Father, may the wisdom that is from above, which is pure and peaceable and gentle and easy to be entreated and full of mercy and good fruits, may that be manifested in our lives and in our assembly. Father, we ask it in Jesus' name. Amen.