True Wisdom (Part 3)
In James 3, Scripture not only contrasts true wisdom with false wisdom, but now presses us to consider where false wisdom actually comes from. After defining true wisdom as that which flows from reverential fear of the Lord and exposing false wisdom as that which is driven by jealousy, selfish ambition, and pride, James directs our attention to the origin and nature of such wisdom.
In this third part of the message, we are warned that false wisdom is never neutral. Though it may appear thoughtful, discerning, compassionate, or even biblical on the surface, Scripture tells us plainly that wisdom which does not come from above is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. It is a misrepresentation of truth, often containing enough resemblance to deceive, yet ultimately leading away from faithful obedience to God’s Word.
This exhortation calls us to sober discernment. True wisdom is not the result of human intellect, emotional sensitivity, or cultural relevance, but a gift from God, granted by grace and shaped through His Word by the work of the Holy Spirit. Any wisdom that begins with self, elevates human judgment, or treats Scripture as optional reveals a heart that has drifted from reverential fear of the Lord.
May the Word of God guard us from compromise, renew our minds by His truth, and continually lead us to seek wisdom from above, wisdom that honors Christ, submits fully to Scripture, and produces lives marked by holiness and obedience to the glory of God alone.
Capitol Commons Reformed Church, Sermon Recording for February 1, 2026
About the Speaker
Ray Caguin
Pastor at Capitol Commons Reformed Church
Ray Caguin serves as a pastor at Capitol Commons Reformed Church and works in business leadership and consultancy as part of his bivocational calling. His work in the marketplace is shaped by a commitment to integrity, stewardship, and faithful service.
He holds a BA in Integrated Marketing Communications from the University of Asia & The Pacific, pursued a Master of Divinity at Grace School of Theology, and is currently completing a Master of Arts in Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, with further studies in Biblical Studies and Advanced Biblical Counseling at The Expositors Academy.
Ray serves the Lord alongside his wife, Celina, and their two Shih Tzus, Memo and Nava.
For Biblical Counseling or other matters, you may reach Ray here:
About This Series
The Book of James
The book of James will look piercingly into our lives and how we behave and conduct ourselves, and will force us to see where we are not being who we ought to be in Christ. Are we truly living out in our lives Christ Jesus, who is truly living in us. My prayer is that as we go through this series—and according to the Lord’s will, I estimate this series to go on for about 23 Sundays at the minimum—that the Holy Spirit, as nobody else can, will do surgery on every one of our hearts and minds, so that Sunday after Sunday after Sunday, we are surrendering more and more of our hypocrisies and weaknesses in repentance to Him, but also maturing and being transformed more and more into Christlikeness.
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