James 3:13-18 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

Commentary:

We often find people who believe in the “New Wave” of power, self-power. Books, groups, entertainers, etc. often expound the virtues of believing that we alone have the power to accomplish anything. Unfortunately, many of these people are very successful (on a worldly scale) and influence our society greatly. In James, however, we see that wisdom has two definitions, one worldly and one godly. Each of us should pursue wisdom but in Christ-like humility.