Church/Home Theme: Lesson Focus: Lesson Scripture: God’s Unfailing Love Beware! The world’s wisdom leads James 3:13-18; 5:7-12 to envy, disorder, and judgment. LESSON 13Week of August 30

Lesson Overview

1 Life Need: Discuss what the world sees as Two Kinds wise and its dangers. 2 Bible Learning: of Wisdom Study the differences between arthly Wisdom—James warned against following worldly wisdom and God’s wisdom and the wisdom Epointed out its destructive results. The person with worldly wisdom is of the world. violent, critical, and constantly provoking negativity. This person’s spirit is bitter and self-seeking, causes divisions, and is boastful, sensual, and deceptive. Suggested Material: This person’s mind works against the things of God and possesses no true • Adult Teacher’s Resource Kit: wisdom at all. He or she is self-centered and working against God. Poster and reproducible sheet— The Wisdom of James Wisdom from Heaven—Wisdom is an invisible inner quality. However, wisdom’s characteristics manifest themselves in the daily activity of the believer, 3 Bible Application: for all to see. James added the word meekness to the definition of this virtue, Understand how destructive possessing humility and gentleness. following the world’s wisdom Godly wisdom results in pure motives and attitudes. Like the Father, can be. His children should be patient and kind. One scholar called it “sweet Suggested Material: reasonableness,” extending graciousness and treating others the way you would • Adult Teacher’s Resource Kit: want to be addressed. It is a decision to willingly look at people and issues from Reproducible sheet—Don’t Fol- different sides rather than being inflexible. In this wisdom is no sign of harsh, low the World’s Wisdom unfair judging. It has no hidden agendas, avoids conflict, and honestly desires the best for others. 4 Life Response: Hold On: Jesus Will Return—James encouraged his fellow Christian Daily apply heaven’s wisdom brothers and sisters to exercise perseverance, especially in light of their present and not the world’s in your decisions. difficulties. When facing persecution and unjust treatment, he said to keep in mind that Jesus is coming back. He will eventually put everything in order. It is Suggested Material: like a farmer who plants seeds, knows they are coming up, but cannot see any • Index cards, pens or pencils immediate results. We keep meditating on the sure reality—Jesus is coming • Lyrics for or a video of the back to take His children home. In the meantime, we are loving toward each hymn ‘Immortal, Invisible, God other. When we are going through a hard time, it is easy to take out frustrations Only Wise’ on whoever is standing in our way. However, we must be gentle, patient, and friendly. God shows His love and sustains us throughout hard times. Even in our pain, the Lord will accomplish His plans and purposes. We don’t depend on our own reasoning—we know that He will guide us better than we can ourselves.

106 Photo: © Hero Images/Getty Images As Your Students Arrive biblical wisdom and not folly, that wisdom rather than God’s wisdom. we follow His wisdom regardless Write this question on a board or of what the world thinks, and that Link to Last Week: Encourage a sheet of newsprint for your students the tongue can get us in lots of few people to share how they built to answer: “What have you learned trouble if we don’t control it. This up someone this past week with about wisdom since we’ve been talk- week’s lesson wraps up our study their heavenly, positive words. ing about it?” They might answer that of wisdom by showing us again the they have seen how we must follow dangers of following the world’s 1 Life Need Discuss what the world sees as wise and its dangers Lesson 13 • August 30 • Page 89 Often we take the wrong advice and suffer the conse- quences. We could instead take Two Kinds of Wisdom good, godly advice and gain the consequences of that action. A Present-Day Illustration Following the world’s wisdom or heaven’s wisdom has conse- o what did we decide?” asked J.D. quences whichever we choose. “It depends on who you ask,” replied Quentin. Read the anecdote in the S Morris wanted to open the gym for midnight basketball student books, then ask your for youth, free of charge. He said he could gather sponsors to students to form small groups to support it and provide jerseys and shoes for free! discuss Questions 1, 2, and 3. “Morris has those kind of connections?” asked J.D. For Question 1, the world’s “Yes, and Morris has money of his own,” informed Quentin. wisdom is often loud, but at other “He doesn’t advertise it much.” times it’s more subtle, and we “So, what is the problem?” continued J.D. listen to it and absorb it more “Terrance. He’s some kind of manager with an athletic shoe than we think. For example, when company, and he wants his company to make money off the you hear the word “retirement,” project, thereby giving him an economic advantage at work.” do you first picture an overseas cruise, a sunny beach, or a golf “Doesn’t his company give donations and do community course—or do you first see your- work?” asked J.D. self volunteering more at a your “Yes, they do,” said Quentin, “but that’s not the proposal church or the local elementary he’s presented to the board. He wants to make money off this school as an “adopted grandpar- deal and shine to his employer. But Terrance also let it slip that ent”? For many things, what first he is using the company name but plans to profit personally.” comes to mind is often what the “What does that mean exactly?” asked J.D. world has told us is the “wise” “I’m not sure, but it doesn’t sound good,” replied Quentin. thing to do (“Take care of yourself “So, what’s the reasoning behind Morris’s decision? What first,” “You deserve this,” etc.). does he stand to profit from the deal?” asked J.D. Question 2 reminds us that “Morris made his decision based on doing the most good,” living wisely is reflected in who said Quentin. “He just wants to bless the young children.” we are as a person and the kinds of choices we make. Do those 1. How much do you think the world’s wisdom influences choices lead to positive outcomes what you say and do? for ourselves and others, or do they lead to envy and conflict? 2. Why does your character show if you are living a wise For Question 3, answers will life? vary, but the world will tell you, for 3. In your relationships, when have you followed God’s example, to “Speak your mind” wisdom and not the world’s and were better off for doing or “Stand your ground” or “Make that? them pay” when it would be bet- ter to listen to others and see all LESSON FOCUS: Beware! The world’s wisdom leads to envy, disorder, and sides of a situation. Many church judgment. fights could be avoided if we fol- low James’s advice to check our envy and pride at the door and seek humility instead. Lesson Focus: Beware! The world’s wisdom leads to envy, disorder, and judgment. 107 You can find more Bible commentary on the 2 Scripture passage on Learning pp. 870-873 and pp. Study the differences between 882-885 in The Wiersbe God’s wisdom and the wisdom Bible Commentary: of the world New Testament.

Read the last paragraph on the sheet and note the photo on the poster.

Wisdom of the World Week of August 30 • Page 90 Read James 3:13-16 and dis- cuss the following key ideas: • James said a wise person Wisdom of the World reveals his or her wisdom through a life of good deeds and humility. James 3:13-16, KJV James 3:13-16, NIV • Living wisely means you 13 Who is a wise man and 13Who is wise and under- don’t boast about yourself or har- endued with knowledge among standing among you? Let them bor bitter envy and selfish ambi- you? let him shew out of a good show it by their good life, by tion in your heart. conversation his works with deeds done in the humility that • Those things come from meekness of wisdom. comes from wisdom. 14But if you earthly, unspiritual wisdom pro- 14 But if ye have bitter envying harbor bitter envy and selfish moted by the devil. and strife in your hearts, glory ambition in your hearts, do not • Where envy and selfish ambi- not, and lie not against the truth. boast about it or deny the truth. tion are present, you find disorder 15 This wisdom descendeth not 15Such “wisdom” does not come and evil at work. from above, but is earthly, sen- down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16For where Suggested Answer to sual, devilish. Question 4 16 For where envying and strife you have envy and selfish ambi- is, there is confusion and every tion, there you find disorder and God’s people will exhibit His evil work. every evil practice. BIBLE EXTRA James’s description of worldly wisdom is not pretty. First, we see that so-called wisdom harbors bitterness, envy, and selfish Two Kinds of Wisdom ambition in the heart. Envy and selfish ambition are the unholy In our last lesson in James, we companions of bitterness in the heart of the worldly-wise per- saw the importance of controlling son. The Greek word here for “envy” is zelos, from which we what we say, whether it is in care- get our English word “zeal,” and carries with it the idea of ful teaching of others, in avoiding fierce jealousy. When we have zelos toward another, we fiercely boasting, or in shunning hypocrisy. crave what that person has. This, of course, can lead to disorder Teaching God’s Word faithfully, in the promotion of selfish desires and ambitions over the inter- being humble in our speech, and ests of others. Those who harbor such attitudes in their hearts blessing people instead of cursing them are all signs of one who has have nothing to brag about; rather, they actually deny the truth the wisdom of God in his/her heart. about how harmful bitter envy and strife can be. Such a heart James continued his treatise on wis- condition not only negatively impacts relationships with others, dom by stating that wise people with but it also can stymie our fellowship and walk with the Lord, true spiritual insight will demonstrate thereby leaving us to wander in spiritual darkness. that wisdom with a godly lifestyle James then observed that this kind of so-called wisdom does that humbly serves God and others. not come from our Lord in heaven. Rather, this way of think- In so doing, truly wise people display ing is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic in nature, meaning it the very heart of our Lord, who “did comes right from the “prince of this world,” the devil (John not come to be served, but to serve, 12:31). And sadly, before coming to Christ, we too were willing and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matt. 20:28). James then explained that there are two kinds of wisdom: worldly and heavenly.

108 Lesson Focus: Beware! The world’s wisdom leads to envy, disorder, and judgment. wisdom by a lifestyle humbly dedi- characteristics as bitterness, envy, expression of the devil’s influence cated to honoring and serving Him. selfish ambition, boasting, denying and evil ways. Jesus called the devil Deeds that come from heavenly wis- the truth, demonic, disorder, and the “prince of this world” (John dom will glorify God and edify others. evil practices. 12:31), and Paul referred to him as the “prince of the power of the Suggested Answer to Suggested Answer to air” (Eph. 2:2, KJV). For now, the Question 5 Question 6 devil rules this world system, and the world’s so-called wisdom is an Worldly wisdom includes such Worldly wisdom is really the extension of his rule.

Wisdom of Heaven Next read James 3:17-18; 5:7-9 Week of August 30 • Page 91 and discuss these important points: • Heavenly wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, sub- participants of the worldly ways of the devil. missive, merciful, impartial, and The thinking and ways of the devil and his world system are sincere. certainly deserving of God’s wrath because they bring disorder • Those with heavenly wisdom and every possible kind of evil practice. God, who created an are peacemakers who plant seeds orderly universe, is not the cause of all the confusion we see of peace and reap righteousness. in this world (see 1 Cor. 14:33). And neither is He the source • The Lord is coming soon, and of this world’s evil. Apart from Christ, disorder and evil will in the meantime we should be reign. However, in Christ, believers have the power to let order patient and stand firm. • Just as a farmer waits for the and righteousness reign by standing against the devil and his land to yield its crop, we should evil ways. be patient, for the Lord’s return 4. How do we exhibit godly wisdom? could come at any time. 5. What are some characteristics of earthly or worldly wisdom? 6. What is the source of earthly or worldly wisdom? BIBLE EXTRA

Wisdom of Heaven The Works of the Flesh The ways of the devil and his James 3:17-18; 5:7-9, KJV James 3:17-18; 5:7-9, NIV worldly wisdom can be very appeal- 3:17 But the wisdom that is 3:17But the wisdom that comes ing to our sin natures, also known from above is first pure, then from heaven is first of all pure; in Scripture as the flesh. In fact, peaceable, gentle, and easy to be then peace-loving, consider- James’s description of worldly intreated, full of mercy and good ate, submissive, full of mercy wisdom—bitterness, envy, strife, fruits, without partiality, and and good fruit, impartial and selfishness, boasting, denying the without hypocrisy. sincere. 18Peacemakers who truth, confusion, demonic, and evil 18 And the fruit of righteousness sow in peace reap a harvest of works—is quite similar to the works is sown in peace of them that righteousness. of the flesh. Paul told the Galatians make peace. 5:7Be patient, then, brothers that if they lived by the Spirit, they would not fulfill the “works of the 5:7 Be patient therefore, breth- and sisters, until the Lord’s flesh” (KJV). And then he stated ren, unto the coming of the Lord. coming. See how the farmer what they are: “sexual immorality, Behold, the husbandman waiteth waits for the land to yield its impurity and debauchery; idolatry for the precious fruit of the earth, valuable crop, patiently wait- and witchcraft; hatred, discord, and hath long patience for it, ing for the autumn and spring jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambi- until he receive the early and lat- rains. 8You too, be patient and tion, dissensions, factions and ter rain. stand firm, because the Lord’s envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the 8 Be ye also patient; stablish coming is near. 9Don’t grumble like” (Gal. 5:19-21). By comparing your hearts: for the coming of the against one another, brothers James’s worldly wisdom with Paul’s works of the flesh, we gain insight into how to live in the light of heav- enly wisdom, namely by walking in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Lesson Focus: Beware! The world’s wisdom leads to envy, disorder, and judgment. 109 Suggested Answer to submissive, merciful, fruitful, Suggested Answer to Question 7 impartial, and sincere. These Question 8 characteristics stand in stark The wisdom from heaven is contrast to the characteristics of James gave the example of the pure, peace-loving, considerate, earthly wisdom. farmer to illustrate patience. As the farmer plants the crop and patiently BIBLE EXTRA waits for God’s provision of rain until the crop is ready to harvest, so The Coming of the Lord James observed that a great motivation for God’s people to live in accord with His wisdom is the truth that our Lord stands at the Week of August 30 • Page 92 very door of heaven, ready to return and to execute judgment when the KJV NIV time comes. Though the truth of the Lord’s coming judgment is cer- Lord draweth nigh. and sisters, or you will tainly sobering, the promise of His 9 Grudge not one against another, be judged. The Judge is return is also the believer’s blessed brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, standing at the door! hope. As the apostle Paul put it, the the judge standeth before the door. blessing of our salvation “teaches After describing how ugly worldly wisdom is, James then us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and painted a beautiful picture of heavenly wisdom, drawing a worldly passions, and to live self- controlled, upright and godly lives in stark contrast between the two. Instead of the evil of worldly this present age, while we wait for wisdom—which brings bitter envy and selfish ambition,— the blessed hope—the appearing heavenly wisdom is pure and brings peace and mercy. of the glory of our great God and Those who pursue the wisdom from heaven will be blessed. Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:12-13). Because of these blessings, God’s people can be patient with Believers who understand heavenly one another, knowing that the time will come when Jesus will wisdom will live rightly in the light of return and set all things right. James used the patience of a the hope that Jesus will return to set farmer as an example for the patience we should have. When a things right. farmer plants seeds, there is no expectation that the next morn- ing there will be a fully mature crop ready for harvest. Rather, BIBLE EXTRA the farmer understands the need to wait patiently and trusts that God will provide the rains in due season. And after weeks, The Beatitudes and Wisdom even months, the crop comes just as anticipated. It is not a coincidence that heavenly Likewise, believers are to stand patiently and firmly, trusting wisdom produces many of the charac- that the Lord will return. In James’s day and ours, we can know teristics in God’s people that bring the that the Lord could come at any time. Indeed, patience with blessings and joy that Jesus described one another is very important, for our heavenly Judge is at the in what we often refer to as the Beati- very door of heaven, and we will be held accountable for how tudes (Matt. 5:3-11). Heavenly wisdom we treat one another. is pure; Jesus said that the pure in heart are blessed because they will see 7. What are some characteristics of the wisdom from God (vs. 8). God’s wisdom is peace- above? loving; Jesus said that the peacemak- ers are blessed because they are 8. What earthly example of patience did James give? God’s children (vs. 9). Wisdom from 9. Why do we need to be patient with one another? heaven is full of mercy; Jesus said that the merciful are blessed because they Wisdom Exemplified will receive mercy (vs. 7). Heavenly wisdom is considerate and submissive; James 5:10-12, KJV James 5:10-12, NIV Jesus said that the meek are blessed 10 Take, my brethren, the proph- 10Brothers and sisters, as an because they will inherit the earth (vs. ets, who have spoken in the example of patience in the face 5). Godly wisdom is impartial and sin- name of the Lord, for an example of suffering, take the prophets cere and will bear the fruit of righteous- ness; Jesus said that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed because they will be filled (vs. 6).

110 Lesson Focus: Beware! The world’s wisdom leads to envy, disorder, and judgment. should God’s people stand patiently come at any time, and He will hold from the Scripture: and firmly as we wait for Him to us accountable for many things, • The prophets who have spo- return. including how patiently we dealt ken in the name of the Lord are with others. examples to us of patiently suffer- Suggested Answer to Question 9 ing affliction. Wisdom Exemplified • Job and others persevered It is a good display of heavenly wis- and saw God’s compassion and dom to be patient with one another. Finally, read James 5:10-12 and mercy in the end. We understand that our Lord could discuss these summary statements • Those who are living wisely don’t have to make oaths—they just give a simple yes or no so they won’t fall into condemnation Week of August 30 • Page 93 for their words.

KJV NIV Suggested Answer to uestion of suffering affliction, and of who spoke in the name of the Q 10 patience. Lord. 11As you know, we count The prophets of old are good 11 Behold, we count them as blessed those who have per- examples of godly patience happy which endure. Ye have severed. You have heard of Job’s because they steadfastly con- heard of the patience of Job, and perseverance and have seen what tinued to proclaim God’s mes- have seen the end of the Lord; the Lord finally brought about. sage in the face of opposition that the Lord is very pitiful, and The Lord is full of compassion that caused them all manner of of tender mercy. and mercy. hardship, even death, for their faithfulness. 12 But above all things, my 12Above all, my brothers brethren, swear not, neither by and sisters, do not swear—not Suggested Answer to heaven, neither by the earth, by heaven or by earth or by Question 11 neither by any other oath: anything else. All you need but let your yea be yea; and to say is a simple “Yes” or Despite losing everything your nay, nay; lest ye fall into “No.” Otherwise you will be for no apparent reason, Job condemnation. condemned. remained faithful to God and refused to say anything against Knowing that the Lord could return at any time for us is Him. And God blessed Job’s great motivation to live rightly and patiently in the light of faithfulness in the end. heavenly wisdom. Along with knowing the Lord can return at any moment, another great motivator for living rightly and Suggested Answer to patiently in heavenly wisdom is the godly example of others. Question 12 Therefore, James pointed his readers to the patient suffering Heavenly-wise people will not of the Old Testament prophets who spoke in the name of the make an oath by heaven, earth, Lord. or anything else for that matter. James specifically named Job as an example of patience Rather, they will stand on their and perseverance under trial. Job suffered great loss, but he own words, whether yes or no. remained true to the Lord through it all. As a result, God’s And if they have lived rightly in the grace and mercy set everything right in the end for Job. light of the wisdom from heaven, Our lesson’s passage closes with the admonition not to swear then their godly reputations will by heaven, earth, or anything else. The heavenly-wise person elicit trust in the minds of others. recognizes the potential pitfalls and even condemnation of tak- ing an oath in such a manner. BIBLE EXTRA 10. How are the prophets of old good examples of godly patience? Being ‘Happy’ “Happy” (vs. 11, KJV; “blessed,” 11. How is Job a good example of godly patience? NIV) is from the same Greek word James used in 1:12, 25. It means 12. What is the proper way for the heavenly-wise person approved, content, or fortunate. We to make a promise? identify as “happy” those “which endure” (KJV). Here the word means patience stretched out over a pro- tracted period of time.

Lesson Focus: Beware! The world’s wisdom leads to envy, disorder, and judgment. 111 Bible • Handout: ‘Don’t Follow the Application 3 World’s Wisdom’ Read the instructions on the sheet and share Understand how destructive fol- your answers with the class. lowing the world’s wisdom can be

Photocopy this page, cut out the boxes, and give instructions to each group. Make copies of the handout from the Resource Kit to give to the group using it. Week of August 30 • Page 94 GROUP ACTIVITIES • Discussion Group Beware! Read “Beware!” in the student James said to beware of the “get ahead” and “promote your- book and answer Questions 13, 14, and 15. Arguments and con- self” wisdom that the world gives out. He warns us that envy flicts characterize our world today. and selfish ambition come from the devil, not from God. James Sadly, many churches are known also said that when we are focused only on personal advance- more for their splits than their wit- ment, we may not be concerned with the issues of ethics. Moral ness for the Lord. Peacemaking is boundaries become obstacles in the way of our success. becoming a lost art partly because In contrast to devilish, earthly wisdom, heavenly wisdom is we have adopted the world’s ways always morally pure, promotes peace, and produces good fruit. of solving things: promote your- To grow in spiritual maturity, we must have this wisdom self, your opinion counts the most, that comes from heaven. Righteous living is impossible without etc. Patient, humble people think it, and our churches suffer when we don’t have this wisdom. of others first, look to the Lord for Without it, we get envy and selfish ambition as well as disorder guidance, and honestly want to and chaos in any fellowship of believers. Heavenly-wise people hear what other people have to bring peace to situations and help build up the Body of Christ. offer. They refuse to participate in destructive arguments or follow those who do. They ask others about their preferences rather • The Wise Person I Know than always promoting their own. They show respect for oth- Identify someone in your church ers, especially those in authority, and they are always willing to who is wise and understanding listen to both sides of the story. They always tell the truth, even according to James’s list of char- when it is uncomfortable to do so, but they don’t do so with the acteristics in James 3:17. In what ways do the humble works of this intent of hurting others or uplifting themselves. person demonstrate the depth of Those with heavenly wisdom have a high tolerance for the his or her Christian character? How weaknesses of others; they don’t regularly criticize and belittle can you emulate this person in your others. They are known for their patience and perseverance, not own life? for jumping to conclusions. Other people will stand and testify to the positive impact these righteous people have had in their • The World’s Oaths lives, and our churches will thrive as more people decide to fol- James warned against taking low the ways of heaven rather than the ways of the world. frivolous oaths. A genuine yes or no 13. Why is peacemaking so important in everyday life and should be sufficient for the trust- in church life? worthy believer (Jas. 5:12). What are some of the things people say to try 14. When have you seen “get ahead” and “promote your- to make themselves more believ- self” wisdom create problems at work, at home, or at church? able? How can we avoid saying such things? (For example, they might 15. How much heavenly wisdom would you say your say, “As God is my witness . . .” or church has most of the time? “Honest to God . . . ” or even curse using the Lord’s name.)

This page reproducible for classroom use only.

112 Lesson Focus: Beware! The world’s wisdom leads to envy, disorder, and judgment. Ask your students to read, “Look decisions they make that reflect Life Up for Wisdom” and do the exer- their seeking God’s wisdom in 4 cise there. They may write their situations. Some of those deci- Response statement either in the student sions will be things they do such Daily apply heaven’s wisdom and book or on an index card they as work on improving a close not the world’s in your decisions can take with them to post where relationship. Other decisions will they will see it every day. Encour- be things they decide not to do age them each day to write the such as saying their opinion is the only right one and not listening to other people, thus promoting conflict.

Week of August 30 • Page 95 End the lesson in prayer, ask- ing God to help us seek Him for our decisions and not the world’s wisdom that leads to envy, dis- Look Up for Wisdom order, and judgment. You may Every day, minute, and second ungodly things are happen- instead decide to end by singing ing around us. When we look down or around, we only find the hymn, “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise.” envy, disorder, selfish ambition, and conflict. We need the wis- dom of God to direct us and keep us on the right track. If we When the students are dis- don’t seek heaven’s wisdom, we will surely serve the world’s missed, distribute copies of this wisdom. As James says, all good gifts come from God in heav- week’s Power for Living. Send en (1:17); therefore, we must look up to find the wisest way to Lesson Leaflet to people who live. could not be with you today. Ǡ Write here or on an index card, “I look up for wisdom.” As you make decisions this coming week, make that your pledge, and write Next week we begin a new quarter focusing on how to love on the card or here decisions you make that reflect your seeking one another. Before next week, God for the wise choice. read Genesis 37, focusing on verses 2-11 and 24-28. Ask your students to think about how jeal- ousy can ruin relationships.

KEY VERSE But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. —James 3:17, KJV But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. —James 3:17, NIV

DAILY BIBLE READINGS FOR NEXT WEEK’S LESSON Week of August 31 through September 6 (See The Quiet Hour and Cross devotionals on these passages.) Mon. Genesis 30:22-24; 35:16-20—Rachel, Mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Tues. Genesis 37:12-17—Joseph Checks on Brothers at Dothan. Wed. Genesis 37:29-36—Jacob Convinced that Joseph Is Dead. Thurs. Genesis 40:14-27, 33-40—From Slave to Ruler of Egypt. Fri. Acts 7:9-15—Jacob Lives with Joseph in Egypt. Sat. James 4:1-7—Caution, Disputes May Lead to Violence. Sun. Genesis 37:2-11, 23-24, 28—Jealousy Divides Families.

Lesson Focus: Beware! The world’s wisdom leads to envy, disorder, and judgment. 113