James 3:13-18 draws a sharp contrast between earthly wisdom and godly wisdom. Earthly wisdom is rooted in selfishness, pride, and envy, leading to chaos and disorder. It is demonic in nature, promising fulfillment but delivering only confusion and destruction. Godly wisdom, on the other hand, is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. It is not about how much we know, but about how we live—our conduct, not just our conversation.

We must examine our lives for “side chicks”—those compromises, those small allowances of impurity that spoil the whole. God is calling us to wholehearted devotion, to rid ourselves of anything that contaminates our hearts and homes. True wisdom is seen in humility, in serving others, in being peacemakers and bridge-builders. When we sow in peace, we reap a harvest of righteousness—not just for ourselves, but for the salvation of many.

The invitation is clear: abandon the wisdom of the world, ask God for His wisdom, and let Him transform you from the inside out. The time is urgent. What we do now will echo in eternity. Let us return to our first love, pursue holiness, and walk in the wisdom that comes from above.

- Earthly Wisdom Breeds Chaos; Godly Wisdom Brings Peace
Worldly wisdom is rooted in selfish ambition, pride, and envy, and it inevitably leads to disorder, confusion, and spiritual decay. This kind of wisdom is not neutral—it is unspiritual and even demonic, drawing us away from God and into chaos. In contrast, godly wisdom is marked by purity, humility, and peace, and it produces a harvest of righteousness in our lives and relationships. [01:18:47]

- Holiness Is Not Optional—It’s Essential
God calls His people to be holy, not just happy. Holiness is not about perfection, but about a heart that is continually surrendered and being purified by God. Allowing even small compromises—“side chicks”—into our lives contaminates our devotion and distances us from God’s presence. The pursuit of holiness is the pursuit of God Himself, and without it, we cannot see the Lord. [01:27:09]

- Authentic Wisdom Is Seen in Conduct, Not Just Words
True wisdom is not measured by eloquence or knowledge, but by the fruit of our lives—humility, mercy, consideration, and authenticity. The wise are peacemakers, bridge-builders, and servants, not manipulators or hypocrites. Godly wisdom transforms us so deeply that our actions, attitudes, and relationships reflect the character of Christ, even when no one is watching. [01:41:41]

- The Harvest of Righteousness Comes Through Peacemaking
When we sow in peace—living out godly wisdom in our homes, churches, and communities—we reap a harvest of righteousness. This is not just personal blessing, but the salvation and transformation of others as well. The call is to be peacemakers, healers, and authentic witnesses, knowing that our faithfulness will result in lives reconciled to God and a legacy that endures. [01:43:35]

James 3:13-18 (NIV)
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 
14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 
15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 
16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 
18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

1. According to James 3:13, how does true wisdom show itself in a person’s life?
2. What are the characteristics of earthly wisdom versus godly wisdom, as listed in James 3:14-17?
3. In the sermon, what example from the Old Testament was given to illustrate laying our burdens before the Lord? ([37:34])
4. What does James say is the result of being a peacemaker who sows in peace? (James 3:18)

1. Why does James describe earthly wisdom as “demonic” and what does that mean for how we view the wisdom of the world? ([01:18:47])
2. The sermon talked about “side chicks”—small compromises that contaminate our devotion. Why are even small allowances of impurity so dangerous to our spiritual lives? ([01:27:09])
3. How does the pursuit of holiness differ from simply seeking happiness or comfort, according to the sermon? ([43:57])
4. Why is it important that wisdom is seen in our conduct and not just in our words? ([01:41:41])

2. The pastor warned about “side chicks”—small compromises or impurities that spoil our devotion. Are there any “side chicks” in your life right now—habits, media, relationships, or attitudes—that you sense are contaminating your heart or home? What step could you take to remove or address them? ([01:27:09])
3. The sermon said, “Church is not a social club or a place for entertainment; it is the house of God, where we come to be transformed, convicted, and made holy.” How do you approach church? Is there a change you feel called to make in your attitude or expectations about gathering with God’s people? ([43:57])
4. James says that godly wisdom is “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” Which of these qualities do you find most challenging to live out? Why? ([01:25:32])
5. The sermon emphasized that true wisdom is seen in humility and serving others. Can you think of a practical way to serve someone in your life this week—maybe even someone you find difficult to love? ([01:41:41])
6. The pastor said, “When we sow in peace, we reap a harvest of righteousness—not just for ourselves, but for the salvation of many.” Is there a relationship or situation where you need to be a peacemaker or bridge-builder? What’s one step you could take toward peace? ([01:43:35])
7. The message called us to return to our first love and pursue holiness. What is one specific way you can intentionally pursue your relationship with God this week—through prayer, repentance, worship, or another spiritual practice? ([45:13])