James not instructs us on the two different systems of wisdom. One is from below (worldly and possibly demonic). The other is from above (God approved).
My translation and notes on James 3:13-18
Different Types of Wisdom
13 Let him who is wise and experienced among youp prove it by his actions of good behavior with humbleness [that comes] from wisdom.
[Wisdom entering our heart by the Word of God (Scriptures) grows the fruit of humility and good behavior, which is the lifestyle that God approves].
14 But if youp have bitter envying and self-ambition in yourp heart, do not boast and lie against the truth.
[The beginning of theology is truth and should be studied before other sciences. Yahweh is the standard of truth, fact, and reality. This can be found in Proverbs 12:17 NLT An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. The Greek word for ‘envying’ is (G2205) ζῆλος zelos. It means in a good sense ‘zeal’ with dedication (BDAG) as in John 2:17, and in the evil sense, it means intense negative feelings over another’s achievements or success, jealousy, envy (BDAG) as in Acts 5:17. Bitter envying/jealousy relates to wishing to have something that belongs to another whether job, social status, riches, spouse, ability, etc. By not having that and wanting that makes this person bitter, which can lead to all sorts of evil. It has nothing to do with truth. We have to face what we are, have honestly, and be content with it. The Greek word for ‘self-ambition’ is (G2052) ἐριθεία eritheía. It means ambition to have something, particularly to have authority. Christians are to serve one another, not lord it over others (Galatians 5:13). We are to seek to minister to others, not for them to serve us (Mark 10:42-45). Boasting and lying against the truth would be lies of diminishing another’s character and person on one hand and not being content but abusing to gain authority over the other].
15 This [kind of] wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, sensual, [and] devilish.
[The wisdom of seeking the evil things mentioned is the normal, sinful wisdom. It is based on selfishness and self-happiness, not concern and will-being of others. Compare earthy (John 3:12 and Philippians 3:19), sensual (1 Corinthians 2:14), and devilish (Acts 13:10). Everything this wisdom is characterized by is based on lies for one’s selfish ambitions].
16 For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there [is] disorder and every evil work.
[This is the fruit of the earthly, sensual, and devilish wisdom. We have a choice. We should seek the wisdom from above. Compare Acts 17:5, Acts 19:29, and 1 Corinthians 14:33. Sowing evil results in the evil (Job 4:8). We need to sow righteousness (Hosea 10:12). We must be aware for the devil sows tares in the congregation (Matthew 13:24-30). Devilish wisdom leads to disorder; God’s wisdom leads to order. If we notice society, education, congregation, government, etc. having envy and selfish ambition, we know there will be disorder and every evil deed. The Greek word for ‘evil’ is different from most other Greek words. It is (G5337) φαῦλος phaulos, which means substandard (doesn’t meet the standard—God’s standard) and inferior quality (2 Corinthians 5:10). Vincent (WORD STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT) adds:
Evil [φαυλον]. An inadequate rendering, because it fails to bring out the particular phase of evil which is dominant in the word: worthlessness, good—for—nothingness. In classical Greek it has the meanings slight, trivial, paltry, which run into bad. In the New Testament it appears in this latest stage, and is set over against good. See John 3:20; John 5:29; Titus 2:8. Rev., vile, which, according to its etymology, Lat., vilis, follows the same process of development from cheap, or paltry, to bad.
The word for ‘deed’ is (G4229) πρᾶγμα pragma, which means something that one is engaged in (BDAG). It refers to actions and behavior.
The goal of satan is to destroy God’s worldview, lifestyle, character, rules, and anything that God approves. A common method he uses is to counterfeit God’s worldview, lifestyle, character, and rules into his own (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).
Barclay (beware) writes (DAILY BIBLE STUDY):
James then describes this arrogant and bitter wisdom in its effects. The most notable thing about it is that it issues in disorder. That is to say, instead of bringing people together, it drives them apart. Instead of producing peace, it produces strife. There is a kind of person who is undoubtedly clever, with acute brain and skillful tongue; but his effect, nevertheless, in any committee, in any church, in any group, is to cause trouble and to disturb personal relationships. It is a sobering thing to remember that the wisdom he possesses is devilish rather than divine].
Godly Wisdom Defined
17 But the wisdom that is from above is foremost pure, then peaceable, gentle, approachable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and without hypocrisy.
[Short comments: pure, without any defilement (Psalm 12:6 and Proverbs 3:5-6), peaceable, both for us and society (Philippians 4:7), gentle, not harsh, demanding, abusive (2 Timothy 2:24-26), approachable, Jesus is our example (of Gentiles—Matthew 8:5-13 and also children—Matthew 19:13-14), full of mercy (Luke 10:30-37), good fruits (Luke 6:43-45 and Proverbs 11:18), impartial—the Greek word has two ideas. The first being that of no judgment based on appearances or status (Proverbs 24:23 and Philippians 2:19-22) and unwavering and without uncertainty (Hebrews 10:23 and James 4:8), and without hypocrisy (Romans 12:9). Thus, this is God’s wisdom, and the wisdom we seek to live out our lives by].
18 Moreover, the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.
[The NLT translates this: James 3:18 NLT And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. This righteousness only comes from the work of God (Romans 8:3-4). God chastens believers when they err for correction (Hebrews 12:11). A life of righteousness differentiates a believer from a nonbeliever (1 John 3:10)].