What’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever done?
We all have a story. The internet even has the Darwin Awards, celebrating people who’ve managed to take themselves out of the gene pool by doing something unbelievably foolish. (If you want a jaw-dropper, check this one).
Most of us probably won’t feature in those lists, but we can still waste years climbing the wrong mountains, or keep going down paths we know don’t work – hoping somehow they’ll suddenly turn into the right ones.
That’s why the Bible talks not just about good vs. bad, but wise vs. foolish. And today, I read in the book of James, the Wisdom Test.
What Wisdom Isn’t
When James asks, “Who is wise among you?” he’s not handing out an IQ test. Wisdom isn’t how many crosswords you ace or whether you smash the pub quizzes.
Ever met someone who’s brilliant—but has no common sense? Or worse, no kindness?
That’s not wisdom. In fact, James warns us that what often passes for wisdom is actually “earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” (James 3:15). Harsh words, but here’s why:
- Earthly = rooted in my own selfish perspective.
- Unspiritual = running on human thinking alone.
- Demonic = flat-out destructive.
That kind of “wisdom” shows itself in pride, jealousy, selfish ambition, and division. We’ve all seen it, maybe lived it? Proverbs puts it bluntly: “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes.” (Isaiah 5:21)
Remember what Jesus once had to say to Peter – “Get behind me, Satan!” why? Peter thought he was sharing wise counsel but was actually resisting God’s plan. (Matthew 16).
Bottom line: there are two kinds of wisdom. One comes from below and trips us up. The other comes from above and brings life.
What True Wisdom Looks Like
James doesn’t leave us guessing. He gives us a checklist for wisdom that comes from above:
- Pure – motives set apart for God.
- Peace-loving – not just avoiding fights but promoting peace.
- Considerate – gentle, not “me first.”
- Submissive – approachable, open to correction, teachable.
- Full of mercy – compassionate, feeling what others feel.
- Good fruit – visible evidence that God is shaping my life.
- Impartial – fair, not showing favouritism.
- Sincere – no masks, no hypocrisy.
That’s a tough test to fake. Try scoring yourself 1–10 on each of those. Or braver still- ask someone close to you how you’re doing.
Scripture says knowledge can tend to puff us up. Achievements can make us proud. But James says the proof of wisdom isn’t in words or ideas but a life well lived.
As Jesus put it: “Wisdom is proved right by her actions.” (Matthew 11:19).
A Different Question
Our culture often asks: “Is it legal? Is it necessary? Is it responsible?”
But James gives us a sharper question: “Is it wise?”
Imagine if we slowed down before more of our decisions and prayed:
“Lord, is this really wise? Give me your wisdom.”
The good news? He promises to give it generously (James 1:5).
The Harvest of Wisdom
James wraps this section with a picture:
“Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:18)
That’s the long-term fruit of God’s wisdom—peace, righteousness, and a life that lasts.
So here’s the test: not on paper, but in real life. What am I sowing today? What am I living for? Whose wisdom am I relying on—mine, or God’s?
Worldly wisdom won’t last. But wisdom from above brings peace, goodness, and life that echoes into eternity.
Prayer:
Lord, I need your wisdom. Strip away pride and selfish ambition. Fill me with your Spirit, and let true wisdom show in my life—not just in words, but in action. In Jesus’ name, Amen.