James 3:13

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 3:13 serves as a pivotal challenge, inviting believers to demonstrate the authenticity of their wisdom not through intellectual boasting or eloquent speech, but through a life characterized by humble, righteous conduct. Following his discourse on the destructive power of the tongue, James shifts focus to the practical outworking of true wisdom, asserting that genuine knowledge of God is evidenced by actions that reflect a gentle, submissive spirit rather than arrogance or contention. This verse lays the groundwork for his subsequent contrast between earthly and heavenly wisdom, emphasizing that divine wisdom is inherently practical and manifests in a life of integrity and meekness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** James 3:13 acts as a crucial transition within the epistle, bridging James's extensive discussion on the power and perils of the tongue (James 3:1-12) and his subsequent exposition on two contrasting types of wisdom: earthly and heavenly (James 3:14-18). Having just warned against the destructive potential of uncontrolled speech, which can defile the whole body and set the course of one's life on fire, James now pivots to define what true, godly wisdom looks like in practical terms. The rhetorical question posed in this verse sets the stage for a direct challenge to the reader to examine their own lives, implying that authentic wisdom is not merely professed but profoundly demonstrated through one's conduct. It serves as an introduction to the characteristics of wisdom from above, which he elaborates on in [James 3:17](/james/3-17 "James 3:17 - Characteristics of Heavenly Wisdom").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, wisdom was often associated with philosophical discourse, rhetorical skill, and intellectual superiority. Jewish tradition, however, particularly in wisdom literature like Proverbs, emphasized wisdom as practical righteousness—the skill of living well in accordance with God's revealed will. James, writing to Jewish Christians dispersed among the nations, draws heavily on this Old Testament understanding. His audience would have been familiar with the concept that true wisdom leads to right living. The challenge to "shew out of a good conversation his works" would resonate with the Jewish emphasis on *halakha* (walking in God's ways) and the practical demonstration of faith. The concept of "meekness" (Greek: *praÿtēs*) was counter-cultural to the prevailing Roman ideals of power and dominance, aligning more closely with the humble and suffering servant motif found in the Old Testament and embodied by Christ.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in James's epistle. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **practical faith**, arguing that genuine belief and spiritual knowledge must be evidenced by tangible actions, echoing his earlier assertion that [faith without works is dead](/james/2-26 "James 2:26 - Faith Without Works is Dead"). Secondly, it introduces the critical theme of **true versus false wisdom**, setting up the detailed contrast explored in [James 3:14-18](/james/3-14-18 "James 3:14-18 - Earthly vs. Heavenly Wisdom"). Thirdly, the emphasis on "meekness of wisdom" highlights the importance of **humility** as an indispensable characteristic of godly living, a virtue often overlooked in favor of more outwardly impressive displays of knowledge or power. This meekness stands in stark contrast to the pride and self-assertion that often accompany worldly wisdom, as described in [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **shew (Greek, _deiknýō_):** This verb means "to show, to make known, to demonstrate." It implies a visible, undeniable manifestation. James is not asking for a claim of wisdom, but for an active, observable display of it through one's life. It's about evidence that can be pointed to.
* **conversation (Greek, _anastrophḗ_):** In the King James Version, "conversation" carries an older meaning, referring not to verbal dialogue but to one's entire "manner of life," "conduct," or "behavior." It encompasses one's habitual way of living and interacting in the world. Thus, "good conversation" signifies a life lived righteously and honorably.
* **meekness (Greek, _praÿtēs_):** This term denotes mildness, gentleness, or humility. It is not weakness or timidity, but rather "power under control." It describes a disposition that is humble and submissive to God's will, yet strong and courageous in conviction. It is the opposite of arrogance, self-assertion, and contentious pride, and is a hallmark of true wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?"**: This is a rhetorical question designed to provoke self-reflection. James challenges his readers to identify those who truly possess wisdom and understanding, implying that such wisdom is not merely intellectual but demonstrable. The phrase "endued with knowledge" (Greek: *epistēmōn*) refers to one who is intelligent or understanding.
* **"let him shew out of a good conversation his works"**: This clause provides the answer to the rhetorical question. The truly wise person will *demonstrate* their wisdom through their "works" (Greek: *érgon*), which are their deeds or actions. These works must emerge "out of a good conversation" (Greek: *ek kalos anastrophḗ*), meaning from a good, honorable, and righteous manner of life or conduct. The source of their actions is their consistently good behavior.
* **"with meekness of wisdom."**: This final phrase qualifies *how* the works are to be shown. The demonstration of wisdom must be accompanied by "meekness" (Greek: *praÿtēs*). This "meekness of wisdom" suggests that true wisdom is characterized by humility, gentleness, and a lack of arrogance. It implies that the wise person exercises their knowledge and influence with restraint, patience, and a spirit of submission to God, rather than through boastful or contentious means.

#### Literary Devices
James employs a **Rhetorical Question** at the outset ("Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?"). This device is not meant to solicit an answer but to engage the audience, prompting them to reflect on the nature of true wisdom and its visible manifestations. He then uses **Contrast** implicitly, setting up the distinction between a claimed or intellectual wisdom and a wisdom that is practically demonstrated through conduct. This contrast becomes explicit in the following verses (James 3:14-18). Furthermore, there is an element of **Causality** or **Source** indicated by the preposition "out of" (Greek: *ek*), suggesting that "good conversation" (righteous conduct) is the wellspring from which truly wise "works" flow. The phrase "meekness of wisdom" functions as a **Qualifying Adjective Phrase**, emphasizing that the *kind* of wisdom James is advocating is inherently humble and gentle, not proud or aggressive.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 3:13 profoundly connects the internal state of wisdom with its external manifestation, underscoring a core biblical principle that true faith and understanding are always evidenced by righteous living. It challenges the notion that wisdom is merely intellectual assent or theological knowledge, insisting instead that it is a practical, transformative force that shapes one's behavior and character. The emphasis on "meekness" highlights that divine wisdom is antithetical to pride, arrogance, and contentious ambition, which James will further expose as characteristics of earthly wisdom. This verse calls believers to a consistent, integrated life where their claims of wisdom are validated by the humility and godliness of their daily conduct, reflecting the very nature of God's wisdom which is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy.

* [Matthew 7:16-20](/matthew/7-16-20 "Matthew 7:16-20 - You Will Know Them By Their Fruits")
* [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")
* [Proverbs 11:2](/proverbs/11-2 "Proverbs 11:2 - Wisdom and Humility")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 3:13 serves as a timeless mirror for believers, challenging us to honestly assess whether our claimed wisdom is genuinely reflected in our daily lives. It calls us beyond mere intellectual understanding or theological articulation to a profound integration of truth into our very being. True wisdom is not about what we know or what we say, but about how we live. It demands that our "works"—our actions, reactions, and relationships—are consistently rooted in a "good conversation," a manner of life that honors God. Crucially, this wisdom is always accompanied by "meekness," a gentle strength that eschews arrogance, contention, and self-promotion. In a world that often values assertiveness and self-aggrandizement, James reminds us that divine wisdom manifests in humility, patience, and a quiet confidence that trusts God rather than relying on human strength or cleverness. This verse compels us to cultivate a character that speaks louder than words, demonstrating the transformative power of God's wisdom through our humble and righteous conduct.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways do my daily actions demonstrate the wisdom I claim to possess?**
* **Do I tend to boast about my knowledge or understanding, or do I exhibit a spirit of meekness and humility in my interactions?**
* **How does my "conversation" (overall conduct) reflect the "goodness" that should characterize a follower of Christ?**
* **What areas of my life might be lacking the "meekness of wisdom," and how can I cultivate more of this quality?**

### FAQ
**What does "conversation" mean in James 3:13?**

Answer: In the King James Version, the word "conversation" (Greek: *anastrophḗ*) does not refer to verbal dialogue as it commonly does in modern English. Instead, it refers to one's entire "manner of life," "conduct," or "behavior." It encompasses how a person habitually lives, acts, and interacts with the world. Therefore, "a good conversation" means a life lived righteously, honorably, and in a way that is pleasing to God. This archaic usage of the word "conversation" is common in the KJV and can be seen in other passages like [1 Peter 1:15](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15 - Holy Conduct") where believers are called to be holy in all their "conversation."

**Does "meekness" imply weakness or a lack of conviction?**

Answer: Absolutely not. The Greek word for "meekness" (*praÿtēs*) in this context signifies "power under control," not weakness or timidity. It describes a gentle strength, humility, and a disposition that is submissive to God's will, yet firm in conviction. It is the ability to exercise power, knowledge, or influence with restraint, patience, and a lack of arrogance. This meekness is a fruit of the Spirit ([Galatians 5:23](/galatians/5-23 "Galatians 5:23 - Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness")) and a characteristic of Christ Himself, who described Himself as "gentle and lowly in heart" ([Matthew 11:29](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Jesus' Gentle Yoke")). True meekness allows wisdom to be expressed constructively and humbly, rather than boastfully or contentiously, which are hallmarks of worldly wisdom described later in [James 3:14-16](/james/3-14-16 "James 3:14-16 - Earthly Wisdom").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 3:13 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and life of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential "wise man and endued with knowledge," not merely intellectually, but in every aspect of His being. Jesus perfectly "shewed out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom." His entire earthly life was a "good conversation" – a flawless demonstration of righteous conduct, marked by perfect obedience to the Father, selfless service, and unwavering integrity. From His humble birth to His sacrificial death, every action of Christ was a work of divine wisdom, performed not with boastful display but with profound humility and gentle strength. He taught with authority, yet He was "gentle and lowly in heart" ([Matthew 11:29](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Jesus' Gentle Yoke")). He had all power, yet He submitted to the will of God, even to the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility")). His miracles, His teachings, His interactions with sinners and saints alike, all bore witness to a wisdom that was pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy, precisely the characteristics James describes as "wisdom from above" in [James 3:17](/james/3-17 "James 3:17 - Characteristics of Heavenly Wisdom"). Jesus embodies the truth that true wisdom is not just knowing God's will, but perfectly living it out in humble, righteous action, making Him the ultimate example and source of the "meekness of wisdom" for all believers.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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;