The Marks of a Wise Man 

Scripture Reading: James 3:13-18.

Memory Verse: "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him"
(James 1:5).

Introduction: The age we live in today is extremely busy and fast-paced. Supersonic travel, fiber optic communications, lap-top computers, and fax machines are all obvious evidences of people trapped in the hypertensive struggle of 'getting ahead.' Innovations and improvements are being developed so rapidly in some areas, that when you purchase a new item, it nearly becomes obsolete before you get it home. The whole world writhes feverishly with activity, all the while debating critical issues and asking difficult questions which can only be answered by the God whom they will not seek.
  With the current rise in popularity of humanistic philosophies, the term 'human wisdom' has been coined to differentiate humanism from God's wisdom. In reality, there is no real wisdom apart from God. He is the truth! We should understand then, that anything apart from true wisdom is folly.
  President McKinley understood this concept. Upon taking the oath of office as president of the United States, he spoke these words: "Give me now wisdom, Lord, that I may go out and come in before this great people . . . "
  Finding the 'wisdom from above' is vital to our lives. Any man without the truth is lost. There is nothing more important to us than finding wisdom!

Lesson Questions:

1. What qualities always accompany genuine wisdom? James 3:13.

2. Read James 3:1,2 and compare its warning to the qualifications shown in James 3:13. Is it personal character or public eloquence that determines who should become our teachers and/or leaders? Titus 1:6-9.

3. Discuss the admonition James gives about presenting ourselves as followers of Christ when we continue to cause strife. James 3:14; 1 John 1:5-10; Psalm 78:35,36; Ezekiel 33:31; Titus 1:15,16; 2 Timothy 2:14,24.

4. Examine God's attitude toward hypocrisy. Proverbs 26:25; Matthew 23:27,28; Luke 12:1-5; 2 Timothy 4:1,2.

5. What is the source, nature, and inspiration of false wisdom? James 3:15; Jeremiah 4:22; Isaiah 47:10; Romans 1:21-23; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; 4:3,4.

6. What is produced by worldly wisdom? James 3:16; John 7:7; 8:39-44; Galatians 5:19-21; Jude 15,16.

7. Describe the character of wisdom from God. James 3:17; Job 28:28; John 8:31,32; Romans 11:33; 1 Corinthians 1:24,25; Proverbs 8:11; Ecclesiastes 2:13.

8. What is the fruit of true wisdom? James 3:18; Hosea 10:12; Matthew 5:20; Philippians 1:11.