The Virtues Series: The Virtue of Wisdom  

James 1:5; James 3:13 

July 23, 2023 

Dr. Brad Hoffmann, pastor  

James 1:5-8 ESV 

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.  

James 3:13-18 ESV 

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.  

Matthew 7:24-27 ESV 

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”  

Wisdom is both a process and a state of being. Wisdom begins with awe, involves acknowledging God's authority and sovereignty, seeks to know and understand His ways, and aligns one's life with His principles and purpose. (Proverbs 3:7, 4:7, 9:10; James 3:17) 

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT WISDOM? 

God is the source of wisdom. 

Jesus is the embodiment of wisdom. 

Wisdom leads to discernment. 

Wisdom involves obedience to God's Word. 

Wisdom comes from experience and reflection.