(15) This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. (16) For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. (17) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. (18) And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Let the Reader look into the circumstances of common life, and behold the multitude of instances which everywhere abound, in what may truly, and properly be called, worldly wisdom. See how the followers of it rise early, late take rest, and eat the bread of carefulness. Destitute of the Spirit of God, there is but one object such characters are everlastingly in pursuit of, however diversified by the variety of their affections; namely, to make provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. On the other hand, behold the child of God! Awakened by the descent, of the Holy Ghost in regeneration, the heart becomes interested, to seek the glorious objects which are heavenly; and to be more intent on things which are not seen, than on those which are. And, where grace hath wrought this saving change upon the heart towards God; all the blessed fruits, and effects of it will follow, in the believer's conversation with men. For the wisdom which is from above? is first pure, the heart and conscience being purified by the blood of Christ. And where grace reigns, to lead the heart to God; there grace will then shew itself, in all the blessed consequences of peace on earth, and good will towards men. And all the graces of the Spirit will manifest themselves by their fruits, in the general tenor of the life and conversation. So certain and sure must be, in every instance, the blessed result of the renewed life, differing from the wisdom that is earthly, and sensual, and even devilish; because, an unawakened, unregenerate heart, is still in the Adam-nature of sin, and is in the snare of the devil, and led captive by him at his will.