James 3:13-18
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good life let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity. And the harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Homily:

The above passage sets markers for us on the way to assess our journey towards God’s wisdom.

A selfless long term journey.

“The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity.”

It also shares ways in which we can assess when we are on a journey towards worldly wisdom.

A selfish short term journey.

“Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”

It is hard to always think and act long term, but it is the only way to live a long life.

With every short term thought and action, we plant the seeds for a short life.