Ice Breaker: Who’s somebody that (at least in your eyes!) has figured out how to navigate life?
- Why? What are they like, what have they accomplished, and/or what about them makes you see them as wise?
- Are there ways you want to imitate them?
Read v.16-17. Despite James desire for us to all be “doers,” why does he say we shouldn’t be proud of getting things done (boasting)… even if we say it’s for Jesus?
- How can James look at people who get things done, accomplish goals, make things happen, etc., and say they’re actually being disorderly and demonic?
  - Does anyone have examples of that?
On the flip side, what can gentleness actually get done in the world? What can’t it accomplish? What can only gentleness accomplish?
- How does James say peace is cultivated? (v.18)
- Why is this basic principle (that you reap what you sow) so hard to actually live by?
Whether or not you consider yourself an “ambitious” person, what do you try to make happen? What little things can make you jealous, bitter, or discontent on a normal day that lead you to not be gentle, merciful, etc.?
- Look at the chart below. What does this bring to mind for you? How does it convict you and/or challenge you in specific, tangible ways in your life? Do you see any bitter envy or selfish ambition in your life - even (or maybe especially!) in small, subtle ways?

Consider Jesus, who’s the embodiment of wisdom from above. Even in our jealousy, harshness, and self-centeredness, how is he pure, gentle, peace-loving, fruitful, merciful, etc. for you?
- What has his gentle pursuit of you produced in you? What did he accomplish that only his way could?
- How can you let Jesus re-order your life, to help you accept his order of things: that you get to bear fruit and be a blessing to others, because he’s been that way with you first?

What voices of wisdom are you listening to that you need to suppress?
> Where/how are you ignoring God’s voice of wisdom?
How is pride manifesting in you? In what ways are you living as your own god?
> What are practical ways you could start being more humble?
> How can you love others better through humility and putting them first?
Where have you let desire lead to evil? Where are you being divisive?
> What fruit is missing from your life? How can you better sow peace?

James 3:13-18