James 3:13

¶ Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

Who {G5101} is a wise man {G4680} and {G2532} endued with knowledge {G1990} among {G1722} you {G5213}? let him shew {G1166} out of {G1537} a good {G2570} conversation {G391} his {G846} works {G2041} with {G1722} meekness {G4240} of wisdom {G4678}.

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him demonstrate it by his good way of life, by actions done in the humility that grows out of wisdom.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom.

Context of James 3:13

James 3:13 serves as a pivotal verse in the Epistle of James, bridging his earlier discussion on the profound power and danger of the tongue (James 3:1-12) and his subsequent contrast between worldly wisdom and heavenly wisdom (James 3:14-18). Having just warned against the destructive potential of uncontrolled speech, James now shifts to defining what true, godly wisdom looks like in practice. He challenges believers to demonstrate their wisdom not through boastful words or intellectual superiority, but through a life of humble actions and righteous conduct, aligning with his consistent theme that faith without works is dead.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Nature of True Wisdom: James poses a rhetorical question, "Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?" implying that genuine wisdom is not merely theoretical knowledge or intellectual prowess. Instead, it is a practical, applied understanding of God's truth that transforms one's behavior.
  • Demonstration Through Conduct: The core message is that true wisdom is evident in one's actions. It is not enough to claim wisdom; it must be "shewed out of a good conversation his works." This emphasizes the visible, tangible fruit of a Spirit-led life.
  • "Good Conversation": In the King James Version, "conversation" (Greek: anastrophē) does not refer to verbal dialogue but to one's entire manner of life, conduct, or behavior. Thus, a "good conversation" signifies a life lived righteously, characterized by integrity and godliness.
  • "Meekness of Wisdom": This phrase is crucial. True wisdom is always accompanied by meekness (Greek: praütēs). This is not weakness or timidity, but rather a gentle strength, humility, and submission to God's will. It is the ability to exercise power and knowledge with restraint, patience, and a lack of arrogance, often associated with Christ's own character (Matthew 11:29). This contrasts sharply with the earthly, sensual, devilish wisdom that is characterized by envy and strife, which James describes next.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "conversation" in an older sense, which can be misleading to modern readers. The Greek word anastrophē (ἀναστροφή) literally means a 'turning back and forth,' referring to one's habitual conduct or way of life. Therefore, "good conversation" truly means 'good conduct' or 'righteous living.'

The term "meekness" (Greek: praütēs - πραΰτης) is profound. It describes a disposition that is humble, gentle, and submissive to God, yet strong and courageous in its conviction. It is power under control, not a lack of power. This quality is foundational to true wisdom, as it prevents pride and contention.

Practical Application

For believers today, James 3:13 serves as a powerful reminder that our faith and wisdom are not merely intellectual exercises but are demonstrated through our daily lives. To truly be wise, we must:

  1. Live Authentically: Let our actions align with our words. Our conduct should be a clear testimony to the wisdom we claim to possess.
  2. Embrace Humility: Recognize that genuine wisdom is always accompanied by humility. Boasting, arrogance, or contentious behavior are signs of worldly wisdom, not divine.
  3. Exhibit Gentleness: Even when we possess great knowledge or insight, we are called to express it with gentleness and patience, especially in disagreements or when confronting error. This gentle approach is a hallmark of wisdom from above.

This verse challenges us to ask ourselves: Is our wisdom evident in our humble, righteous conduct, or merely in our intellectual claims?

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Galatians 5:23

    Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

  • James 3:17

    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.

  • Matthew 5:5

    Blessed [are] the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

  • Colossians 3:12

    ¶ Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

  • 1 Peter 2:12

    Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

  • Titus 3:2

    To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, [but] gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

  • 2 Timothy 2:25

    In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
← Back