Biblical Conflict 101: James 3 and 4

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Conflict rarely starts where we think it does.

As we continue walking through James 3, we begin to see James move from the power of our words to the deeper issue underneath so many of our conflicts: the kind of wisdom we’re actually living by. And James draws a stark contrast between two very different kinds of wisdom.

One kind looks impressive on the surface but is driven by bitter envy and selfish ambition. James doesn’t soften the language—he calls that kind of wisdom earthly, unspiritual, and even demonic. It’s the kind of thinking that justifies our anger, defends our pride, and convinces us we’re right in the middle of our conflicts.

But James shows us a very different picture of what real wisdom looks like.

Together we explore how Scripture redefines wisdom—not as clever words, sharp arguments, or intellectual strength, but as a life marked by purity, gentleness, humility, mercy, and a willingness to yield. True wisdom shows up in our character and our relationships, not just in what we say.

We also wrestle with how easy it is to feel justified in our frustrations, why selfish ambition creates disorder in our lives and communities, and how the wisdom that comes from above leads to peace instead of rivalry.

If you’ve ever wondered why conflict seems to erupt so easily, or how the gospel reshapes the way we respond to tension with others, this passage gives us a powerful recalibration of what it actually means to be wise.

Grab your Bible and walk through James with us as we keep digging into one of the most practical books in Scripture.