Reject “Hell-Up” Wisdom – Avoiding Self-Centred Ambition (James 3:14-16)
James’s teaching doesn’t just encourage godly wisdom; it warns against what he calls “earthly, unspiritual, demonic” wisdom—a wisdom we might call “hell-up” wisdom. This kind of wisdom isn’t sourced from God but from human pride, envy, and selfish ambition. It’s easy to recognise in our world, where people often make choices driven by self-interest, quick fixes, or popularity rather than genuine moral conviction.
Hell-up wisdom is evident when people allow human feelings and desires to dictate their decisions, often leading to harm rather than harmony. James points out that wisdom rooted in selfish ambition results in disorder and every kind of evil practice. Society’s “wisdom” on issues like same-sex marriage, assisted dying, and even economic policies often stems from human feelings and reasoning rather than moral foundations grounded in God’s Word.
Such decisions might seem wise from a human perspective, but they lead to societal breakdown. When our motivations are tainted by envy and self-interest, we allow pride and division to take root. We see this in the breakdown of family structures, rising crime rates, and cultural disunity—symptoms of prioritising hell-up wisdom over divine guidance.
To be supreme in a godly sense, we need to reject wisdom that’s influenced by personal ambition or cultural popularity. Instead, we are called to make choices that reflect God’s love, purpose, and desire for a unified, thriving community. Choosing heavenly wisdom over hell-up wisdom means prioritising humility, peace, and kindness, building a foundation that truly honours God and transforms our communities.
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