Understanding the Cause and Effect of Worldly Wisdom Versus Godly Wisdom
The Meaning Behind James 3:16
James 3:16 states, “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” Another translation reads, “where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.” The verse draws a clear line between two negative traits—envy (jealousy) and selfish ambition—and the destructive outcomes they produce: chaos and wrongdoing. The original Greek word for “envy” here is zelos, which refers to a fierce, self-promoting desire that pushes one’s own ideas and convictions, often disregarding or excluding everyone else. This is not benign competition; it is a consuming, divisive disposition.
The Cause and Effect Relationship
James presents a powerful cause-and-effect principle: when envy and selfish ambition are present, disorder and evil inevitably follow. This is not an abstract spiritual concept—it’s a practical observation. Where people compete to push their own interests, unity is lost, plans unravel, trust evaporates, and the foundation of a group or community becomes unstable. Whether in families, neighborhoods, or churches, a spirit of strife breeds confusion and undermines every effort toward good. Love and harmony are replaced by division and turmoil, and the peaceful virtues that should characterize a community are supplanted by selfish passions.
Contrasting Wisdom: Earthly Versus Heavenly
James 3 as a whole contrasts two kinds of wisdom. Earthly wisdom, rooted in selfish ambition and envy, produces chaos and evil. It springs from worldly motives and serves worldly purposes, often disguised as cleverness or craftiness. This “wisdom” may appear effective by worldly standards, but it is deceptive, inconsistent, and ultimately destructive.
Heavenly wisdom, in contrast, is “first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17). It is marked by meekness, openness, and consistency. True wisdom is not just about thinking or speaking well; it is demonstrated in actions and character. When God’s wisdom is present, it brings peace, purity, and righteousness into every situation.
Practical Implications for Our Lives
This passage challenges us to examine the source of our wisdom and the motives behind our actions. When we pursue our own interests at the expense of others, we create an environment where confusion and evil thrive. Instead, we are called to seek wisdom from God—marked by humility, gentleness, and a desire for peace. The fruits of this wisdom are evident in a life that abounds with righteousness, mercy, and unity.
The difference is clear: pretending to be wise, or merely talking about wisdom, is not enough. True wisdom is proven by the meekness of spirit and the purity of our motives. It is not crafty or deceitful, but sincere and steadfast. The apostle James’ description of “earthly wisdom” is a warning against the divisive tactics that may be admired by the world but are contrary to the spirit of Christ-like love, as also described by the apostle Paul.
Reflection and Prayer
May the purity, peace, gentleness, teachability, and mercy shown in all our actions, and the fruits of righteousness abounding in our lives, prove that God has bestowed upon us this excellent gift of heavenly wisdom. Let us strive to be people who foster harmony and cooperation, rather than confusion and strife. As the old hymn reminds us:
“The Spirit, like a peaceful dove,
Flies from the realms of noise and strife.”
Let us invite the Spirit of God to dwell in our hearts and communities by rejecting envy and selfish ambition and embracing the peace and purity that come from above.
Minister A Francine Green
October 2025
afrancinegreen.com 