James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
James continues the broad theme of putting faith into action but now brings up another topic of wisdom. Wisdom is a reflection of faith. As Psalm 111:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.” Fear or deep and sincere reverence is only a reflection of our faith. Many people seek wisdom. They sometimes confuse wisdom with knowledge. Knowledge is only the collection of data. We need knowledge to pass a test. Wisdom is knowing what to do with this knowledge when a situation arises that needs it. James wants his readers to move from theory to practice. How we live is an indicator of our level of wisdom. Many people are wise in human terms, but in divine terms, wisdom is linked to Jesus Christ who is the Wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). James adds a key thought and word in association with wisdom: “meekness.” The accumulation of knowledge and human wisdom can lead to a sense of superiority over others who do not have this. This was one of the problems of the Corinthian church, which is why Paul wrote 1 Corinthians. True wisdom comes in relationship to the great Servant, Jesus Christ. In His meekness He revealed His great wisdom. Few people at first understood this. But over time and with reflection, the early church came to understand and live out the teachings of the One who gave His life for us. We must ask ourselves, what is the source of our wisdom? Ourselves or Christ? Also, what is the result of our wisdom? Does it lead to Christlike actions or actions that build up ourselves in boastful ways?
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