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James 3:13
“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.”
Wisdom is one of the key themes of the book of James. This does not surprise us, given the wisdom that James the Apostle and brother of Jesus showed both at the Jerusalem Council and in giving Paul counsel in how to show his respect for his Jewish heritage (Acts 15:1–35; 21:17–26). James opens his letter with a focus on attaining wisdom to persevere faithfully through trials. We need wisdom in our trials to respond to them in God-honoring ways, to know that in light of eternity they are but temporary, and to learn the lessons that our Lord wants us to learn from them. Thankfully, God will give us wisdom for our trials when we ask for it in faith (James 1:2–8).
In 3:13, James takes up the theme of wisdom and its fruits. It is good to ask for wisdom, but how do we know that we or others have actually received it? James 3:13 indicates that true wisdom and understanding are displayed in our good conduct. As we obey the “royal law” of God, the “law of liberty” (2:8; 1:23–25), we show that we are becoming wise, for God’s revealed law shows us what wisdom looks like and points us to Jesus, who is the very embodiment of divine wisdom (1 Cor. 1:30). No one is truly wise who does not rightly fear the Lord and seek to do what He commands (Deut. 4:5–6; Ps. 111:10). Wisdom shows forth in practical actions, the practical actions revealed in God’s law. Matthew Henry comments,“True wisdom does not lie in good notions or speculations so much as in good and useful actions.”
James develops the idea that our good works prove that we have wisdom by explaining that these works are to be done “in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13). Truly good works are done with humility, as we do not consider ourselves more highly than we ought (Rom. 12:3). James’ words here are reminiscent of Jesus’ teaching that wisdom is justified, or proved, by her works (Matt. 11:19) and that we are to live in meekness (5:5). Humility and wisdom go hand in hand, the truly wise person meekly recognizing that we deserve none of the good gifts that God has bestowed. Meekness keeps us from thinking that we are entitled to a life free of trouble and from the passion that such thinking can lead to when we are wronged, passion that clouds our thinking. Henry writes: “When we are mild and calm, we are best able to hear reason, and best able to speak it. Wisdom produces meekness, and meekness increases wisdom.”
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Meekness is not weakness. On the contrary, humble people who recognize their limitations and see that, in light of their sin, they do not deserve the good they have received are able to respond calmly and appropriately to the troubles they face. It takes great strength not to be disproportionately angry at our difficulties, and that in turn is wisdom. None of that is possible without meekness.
For further study
- Numbers 12:3
- Colossians 3:12–13
The bible in a year
- Isaiah 13–15
- Galatians 6
- Isaiah 16–20
- Ephesians 1–2