Wisdom
[By Phillip Chatot]

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13, NKJV). Do we have wisdom and understanding? People merely think that they have wisdom. Wisdom must be shown in action. The evidence of humble meek wisdom is shown in good conduct by the way we live our lives toward God.

James finishes off verse 13 with, “Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom” (NKJV). “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2, ESV). Our relationship with God is revealed by the life we live.

James tells us what the wrong wisdom is. Verses 14-15 “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic” (NKJV). Acting with jealousy and envy shows that we do not have godly wisdom. Certainly, these attributes are not done in meekness, for there is disorder and every evil thing because of jealousy and selfish ambition, as verse 16 says.  People who do such are only looking out for their own interests.

Worldly wisdom says, “I will take care of myself, I deserve this, I demand respect, I deserve attention.”  James says, this wisdom is not from God. Verse 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” (NKJV).

We need to ask ourselves, which wisdom are we following? Are we following the wisdom from above or our own wisdom? To know is to look at your life conduct. Look at your character and attributes in your life.  Those who follow God, show it by their good conduct that is full of purity, gentleness and mercy. This is the righteous life that God commands from you and me.