Book of James - Chapter 3 - Verse 15

When the scripture says "This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish," it is emphasizing the difference between divine wisdom and worldly wisdom. The wisdom that comes from God is pure, peaceful, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. On the other hand, earthly wisdom is driven by selfish desires, instincts, and influenced by the evil one. This verse serves as a reminder to always discern the source of the wisdom we seek and act upon. It warns against following the wisdom of the world which is often self-serving, temporary, and leads us away from God's truth. By recognizing the distinction between heavenly wisdom and worldly wisdom, we can choose to align ourselves with God's will and receive the guidance that leads to righteousness and spiritual growth.

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse "This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish," it is important to understand the context in which it is written. The apostle James is cautioning believers against embracing worldly wisdom that is contrary to the teachings of God. The term "earthly" here refers to wisdom that is focused on worldly desires and concerns rather than spiritual growth and understanding. "Sensual" indicates wisdom driven by human instincts and emotions, rather than by faith and obedience to God. Lastly, "devilish" suggests that this false wisdom originates from Satan, seeking to deceive and draw believers away from God.

Through word studies, we can delve deeper into the meanings of the terms used in this verse. The term "earthly" emphasizes the transient and temporary nature of worldly wisdom, highlighting its limitations and inability to provide true enlightenment. "Sensual" points to wisdom that is driven by the desires of the flesh and the ego, leading believers astray from God's truth. "Devilish" underscores the malicious and deceptive nature of false wisdom, aiming to corrupt and distort the beliefs of the faithful.

Ultimately, James' words serve as a reminder to believers to seek wisdom from above, rooted in God's teachings and guided by the Holy Spirit, rather than being swayed by the deceptive allure of worldly, self-serving, and satanic influences.