In the book of Proverbs, we are instructed to seek wisdom (Pr. 3:13-18; 4:7-9). Likewise, in the New Testament we are encouraged to walk in wisdom (Eph. 5:15-17). We must not embrace every sermon, book, podcast, or idea that comes along. We must use discernment to “test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 Jn. 4:1).

To those who love meditating on Scripture, and discussing how the church might grow stronger by following its inspired wisdom, thank you. These conversations are vitally important. Guarding the truth and exposing error is essential for the well-being of the church.

But we must remember that not all “wisdom” is beneficial. James warns of two kinds of wisdom: wisdom from above, and wisdom that is earthly, unspiritual, and even demonic.

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James 3:13-18

While discussing these two types of wisdom, James offers three warning signs that indicate when someone has crossed the line from heavenly wisdom, to the type of wisdom that hurts the church. As we seek to share our wisdom with the church, we must be on the lookout for these warning signs.

Warning Sign #1: Selfish Ambition

It can be incredibly satisfying correcting someone’s errors. In fact, it can be addicting. Correcting the mistakes of others can easily turn into a hobby.

You know your wisdom is sound, and based on airtight Scriptural logic. You know you have the skill to convincingly refute their misguided ideas. Yes, they might try to argue back, but you are prepared for any objection they may raise. If they do argue back, it will be to their shame (and your glory, though you may not be quick to admit it).

If this describes you, watch out.  Your wisdom may indeed be “sound” and “Scriptural.” Your argument may be “right” and “true.” But if you are motivated by the personal satisfaction and benefit it brings, that is called “selfish ambition.” It is a serious warning sign that your wisdom is not godly.

“But my motivation is love for Christ, for the church, and for truth.” If that is genuinely the case, it is commendable. Just be honest with yourself and make sure that is your true motivation.

Warning Sign #2: Bitterness

James warns against “bitter jealousy,” that attitude of continual complaining and finding fault in others, even in trivial matters. If you try hard enough, you can find a lack of wisdom under every rock. But when your attitude turns bitter, you don’t even have to try hard. Every preacher you hear has problems. Every elder you know does a poor job leading the church. Every work of the church is a waste of time and money. Every imperfect phrase or idea grates on you like nails on a chalkboard. Rather than looking for the good in others, and looking for what you can learn from others, you become a continual critic.

Church critics seldom seek clarification; they wait for one misspoken word, cling onto it, and use it as an opportunity to point out other’s mistakes.

Church critics are not joyful, and they struggle to feel brotherly compassion. They say “you should know better” instead of “I love you, and want to encourage you.”

I get it. Sometimes Christians will disappoint you. Often, criticisms are entirely justified. But if you start to sense bitterness taking root in your heart, and feel compelled to continually complain about others, this is a warning sign.

You may possess a wealth of Biblical knowledge and valuable insights, and others might indeed benefit from listening to you. Nevertheless, James describes “bitter” wisdom as “earthly,” “unspiritual,” and “demonic.”

Warning Sign #3: Disorder

In 1 Timothy 6:3-5, false teachers are described as having “an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissention, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people.” James says something similar when he describes earthly wisdom as generating “disorder and every vile practice.”

You know it’s time to reassess your approach when your attempts to share wisdom with the church morph into an “unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrel about words.” This is the very craving that fuels the false teachers your claim to oppose. Yes, we must confront error in the church, but there is a difference between guarding the truth and incessantly nitpicking others merely because you enjoy controversy.

If you aren’t careful, you’ll end up becoming your own worst enemy, producing the same results as false teachers: “envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people.”

The Cure

The challenge is how to stand for the truth, wisely warning others of the consequences of disregarding Scripture’s teachings, without turning into a source of continuous bitterness, grumbling, and fault-finding. After all, there is an incredible amount of joy, beauty, friendship, generosity, and goodness in the church, even as it stands. Those who follow Jesus are commanded to “rejoice always” (1 Thess. 5:16). There is goodness in the church, and this is worth celebrating.

So what’s the solution? What should we do if we see ourselves approaching one of these warning signs? In the middle of James’s warnings, he offers a compact yet powerful description of the “wisdom that comes down from above.” His description doesn’t focus on knowledge of scripture, years of experience, academic credentials, or knowing how to manage large groups of people. It is much deeper than any of these.

The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James 3:17-18

Ironically, these are the kind of attributes that are often dismissed as “unwise,” especially by those who are already filled with jealousy and selfish ambition. Those who love controversy often view those who are peaceable, gentle, merciful, and open to reason as “soft” or “weak.” They might accuse them of “coddling” others or being a “people-pleaser” who is afraid to boldly stand for the truth.

Heavenly wisdom is anything but “weak.” These characteristics are hard to develop and challenging to maintain. “Soft” men cannot develop these qualities; they only emerge through continual prayer and rigorous self-discipline. Even then, they may take years to develop.

Take time to reflect on these attributes. Do they describe you? Can you honestly say “I am pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, merciful, full of good fruits, impartial, and sincere”? Think about the times and places when you find these attributes challenging. Think about the people who bring out the worst in you.

Above all, pray for wisdom – true wisdom (James 1:5). The next time the challenge arises, hold firm to the wisdom that comes from above.