FRIDAY July 24, 2026
Earthly Demonic Wisdom
But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
James 3:14-16
James pointed out that if there are bitter envy and self-seeking in the lives of Christians, evil lurks there. What does it mean to be self-seeking? When a person is very ambitious, they try to build their own kingdom, because they have their own agenda. A Christian cannot be like that. Listen, as we are given the opportunity to use our gifts and talents, it is all for God’s glory––not our own.
What is the root cause of self-seeking? Pride! What was Satan’s sin? Pride! The sin of pride was Satan’s downfall:
Ezekiel 28:15, 17: “You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you. ... Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, that they might gaze at you.”
Isaiah 14:12: “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations!”
The Scriptures reveal to us that God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints (1 Corinthians 14:33). If God is not the author of confusion, who is? It is often attributed to Satan, who works through people who are envious and self-seeking––this wisdom is earthly, sensual, demonic. As children of God, we are to walk in God’s wisdom having His truth and light (Ephesians 5:15; 3 John 4).
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth).
~Ephesians 5:8-9~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
