Commentary on James 3:13
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.”
This verse serves as the climax of James 3’s[i] teaching on the tongue and true wisdom. It calls believers not merely to profess wisdom but to embody it in Christ-like behaviour, shaped by humility and guided by the fear of the Lord.
Historical and Literary Context
James, the half-brother of Jesus and a leader of the Jerusalem church, addressed Jewish believers scattered by persecution. He wrote to bridge head-knowledge and life-practice, warning against the destruction wrought by an untamed tongue (James 3:1–12) before turning to wisdom’s source and fruit in verses 13–18. True wisdom, he insists, flows not from human pride but from the divine character of God, who is first “pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17).
Exegesis of James 3:13
- “Who is wise and understanding among you?”
James opens with a question that cuts to the heart. Wisdom (Greek sophos) in Scripture is practical skill in living before God and neighbour. Understanding (Greek phronimos) emphasises sound judgement. This rhetorical enquiry invites self-examination rather than public boasting. - “Let him show by good conduct”
The Greek word rendered “conduct” is peripatēsis, literally “walking about,” here meaning lifestyle or daily behaviour. True wisdom is not measured by eloquence or written formulas but by the pattern of life one walks out before others. - “That his works are done in the meekness of wisdom”
“Meekness” (Greek praotes) denotes strength under control, not weakness. It characterises Christ Himself—Humble in power yet mighty in service. Wisdom-driven deeds flow from a subdued spirit, one that honours God and esteems others above self.
Theological Themes
- Wisdom as Holistic
True wisdom integrates knowledge of God with daily life. It is “complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:4). - Humility Rooted in the Fear of the Lord
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Our ultimate Teacher is Christ, whose meekness and submission to the Father model every wise act. - Ethical Demonstration over Intellectual Display
James echoes Christ’s warning: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Professed faith sans transformed behaviour is hollow.
Application to Modern Christian Living
- Self-Examination
Regularly ask, “Does my lifestyle reflect Christ-like wisdom and humility?” Rather than seek platforms for opinionated speech, strive for actions that build up. - Community Accountability
In small groups or church gatherings, pursue mutual encouragement in meekness. Invite honest feedback on how your conduct aligns with biblical wisdom. - Meek Leadership
For those in teaching or leadership roles, embrace James’s warning: greater influence incurs stricter judgment. Cultivate a spirit of servanthood, valuing others’ welfare over personal acclaim. - Practical Disciplines
− Silence before speaking: practice listening more than asserting.
− Scripture meditation: memorise passages on humility (e.g., Philippians 2:1–11[ii]).
− Confession and repentance: regularly confess prideful words or actions to God and to a trusted brother or sister.
Conclusion
James 3:13 anchors wisdom in lived experience. It underscores that true wisdom originates in God, is nurtured by a humble heart, and is evidenced by deeds of gentleness and grace. Christians today are called to let their conduct bear witness to the wisdom that comes “from above,” pointing the watching world to the One who is “full of mercy and good fruits” (James 3:17).
[i] James 3
New King James Version
The Untamable Tongue
3 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a [a]perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 [b]Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.
See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of [c]iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of [d]nature; and it is set on fire by [e]hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the [f]similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? [g]Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.
Heavenly Versus Demonic Wisdom
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and [h]self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Footnotes
James 3:2 mature
James 3:3 NU Now if
James 3:6 unrighteousness
James 3:6 existence
James 3:6 Gr. Gehenna
James 3:9 likeness
James 3:12 NU Neither can a salty spring produce fresh water.
James 3:14 selfish ambition
[ii] Philippians 2:1-11
New King James Version
Unity Through Humility
2 Therefore if there is any [a]consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
The Humbled and Exalted Christ
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it [b]robbery to be equal with God, 7 but [c]made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Footnotes
Philippians 2:1 Or encouragement
Philippians 2:6 Or something to be held onto to be equal
Philippians 2:7 emptied Himself of His privileges
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