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
At the beginning of James chapter three, he addresses teachers, and those who desire to be teachers among the brethren. He reminds them that teaching is not merely a position of honor, but a position of accountability. Those who teach will be judged more strictly, because words carry great weight.
In the middle of the chapter, James turns to the subject of the tongue, showing that no man is able to fully tame it, nor has anyone completely learned how to hold his mouth. This is especially serious for teachers, whose words shape and influence others. Careless speech can cause great harm, particularly when it contradicts the life being lived. As it is written, In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise. (Proverbs 10:19)
James had already warned us in the previous chapter that we are not to be hearers of the word only, but doers of the word. Therefore, those who teach must first live the very things they teach. A life that does not match the message undermines the truth being spoken. Yet this call is not limited to teachers alone. While teachers bear greater responsibility, every believer is called to walk in the discipline of restraining the tongue. As it is written, For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned (Matthew 12:37). What we speak will either bear witness in our favor or stand as evidence against us.
When James asks, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” he is confronting a common problem among believers. Many Christians claim to be wise and full of understanding, yet their words often do not agree with the way they live. Scripture teaches us that wisdom is not proven by confession alone, but by conduct.
Godly wisdom is not defined the way the world defines being “smart.” The world equates wisdom with intelligence, education, and eloquence. A person may be academically gifted, yet fail to apply what they have learned when it truly matters. Many graduate with honors, yet the decisions they make with their lives do not honor God. Even among Christians, some possess successful careers and impressive achievements, yet live burdened by debt or neglect their health because they lack wisdom in managing what God has entrusted to them. No wonder James urges all of us to ask God for wisdom. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him (James 1:5) Because Intelligence helps us gain knowledge, but wisdom helps us know how to use that knowledge in a way that honors God. Intelligence informs the mind, but wisdom directs the life.
To be wise is revealed in how one makes decisions. Wisdom is a way of living. It governs our choices, our responses, and our priorities because it is a life shaped by reverence for God. As it is written, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Godly wisdom begins with submission to God’s authority and a heart that deeply honors the Word of God. Wisdom is never defined merely as intelligence or the ability to speak well. It is not measured by how much we know about God, but by how much we honor and love Him. When godly fear governs our lives, it directs our decisions, shapes our responses, and orders our priorities in ways that please God. As it is written, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” (John 14:15)
Understanding is not gained quickly. Understanding is formed through experience, and experience comes through time. Just as skill in any profession or craft takes years to develop, spiritual understanding is gained through walking with God over time. Wisdom teaches us how to walk with God in humility, and that understanding grows as we read, meditate on, and apply His Word to our lives. Knowledge alone does not produce understanding, it is obedience to what we know that forms it. As it is written, “The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” To know God is not simply to read a few chapters of the Bible and claim that we know Him. Rather, it is to take what we read and begin to live it out as we walk with Him daily. This is the beginning of true understanding in our lives. As it is written, Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1 John 2:3–4) To know God is proven by obedience, not by words alone. True understanding is revealed in a life that submits to God’s commands and walks in love.
Therefore, those who are truly wise and understanding in the LORD Jesus are not identified by how well they speak, how much they teach, or how impressive their words sound. They are known by how they live, how they speak to others, and how they treat those around them. True wisdom is seen not in many words, but in a life that reflects the fear of the Lord. As it written, By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:35).
This helps us understand what James means when he says, “Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.” True wisdom does not need to announce itself. It is revealed through a life of obedience, humility, and love. I once attended a math tutoring class while pursuing my goal of becoming an educator. Math was a real struggle for me, and during the session, a tutor mocked me and said, “How can you be a teacher if you struggle with math?” I was offended by his words, yet I chose not to retaliate. Instead, I responded with meekness and said, “With your help, I will be able to reach my goal of becoming a teacher.” That moment taught me something important. Having expertise in a certain area does not give us the right to put others down. This is exactly what James is addressing when he speaks of works being done in the meekness of wisdom. We are all gifted differently, and knowledge or achievement should never produce pride but to humble us before God and make us servants to those around us.
Good conduct is the evidence of wisdom, and meekness is the manner in which that wisdom is displayed. What we live speaks louder than what we say, and a life shaped by reverence for God quietly proves who is truly wise and understanding.
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