Ministry of Grace Church

This is not the wisdom descending from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

Truth to Learn

The wisdom possessed by some teachers in our churches today is earthly wisdom. Unlike godly wisdom, it has no heavenly source.

Behind the Words

The word translated “descending” is katerchomai, which is made up of kata, meaning “down” and erchomai, meaning “to come” or “to go.” It is expressed here as a participle, so the opening of this verse is translated as, “This is not the wisdom descending from above.”

There are three other words that we need to look at as well: earthly, sensual, and demonic. The first, “earthly,” is from the Greek word epigeios, which literally means “upon the ground.” Hence, it refers to things which are earthly rather than heavenly.

“Sensual” is translated from the Greek word psuchicos, which comes from the Greek psuche, or psyche, and refers to “the soul.” In other words, it is that part of us which is neither body nor spirit. Therefore it is often used as a reference to the sensual part of our being.

Lastly, the word “demonic” is from the Greek word daimoniōdēs, which is derived from daimonion, the Greek word for “a demon” or “a fallen angel.” Hence daimoniōdēs means “it has the characteristics of a demon, It is demonic.

Meaning Explained

Keep in mind that James is talking about teachers in the church. In verse thirteen he implied that teachers need to be the wise ones in the church. But it is a heavenly wisdom which he is talking about, not an earthly wisdom. It is a wisdom that is demonstrated by meekness and works; the kind of works that James talked about in chapter two. These are works which come from a heart that is blind to riches and is honoring to all.

But, James says if you are bitter and argumentative, you don’t have the wisdom you need to be a teacher. Instead, he says your so-called wisdom is contrary to heavenly wisdom (it is earthly), contrary to spiritual wisdom (it is soulish and sensual), and contrary to Holy wisdom (it is demonic). This type of wisdom does not come down from God, rather it is a wisdom steeped in the present world system. Boy, talk about in-your-face!

This type of wisdom produces behavior which is envious and which causes strife. It is earthly and self-seeking, rather than heavenly and God-honoring. Here’s how Paul described this behavior in his first letter to the Corinthians:

for you are still fleshly. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not fleshly and behaving like men? (1 Corinthians 3:3)

Application

It is a good thing to want to be used by God. Our highest calling is to be His most humble servants. But, that means serving God in the manner, and in the position, which He chooses for us. It doesn’t matter how hard you are working in God’s kingdom if you are doing what you want and doing it for yourself instead of doing what He has called you to and doing it for His glory!