Who Is Wise? Reflections on James 3:13-18

13Who is wise and understanding among you? c. 14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. - James 3:13-18


Who is wise?

13Who is wise and understanding among you?

1. James states that godly wisdom (v.17) is shown and known through one's good conduct (v. 13).

By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

2. People have ungodly wisdom if they have jealous and selfish hearts (v.14)

14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth (wisdom).

3. Ungodly wisdom is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. (v.15)

15This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

4. Ungodly wisdom produces chaotic and evil effects (v.16)

16For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

5. Godly wisdom is and produces peace, kindness, open-mindedness, and love (v.17)

17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

6. Godly wisdom, which is and produces peace, cultivates righteousness (v.18)

18And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace


From these verses, I think there are at least two principles that determine if we have godly wisdom. The first principle to determine if we have godly wisdom is our motivation. (See v.13-14). Are we seeking to show our wisdom mainly to prove someone is wrong or to increase our pride, or are we using our wisdom for the other person’s well being and for God’s glory. Secondly, to know if we have godly wisdom, we need to examine the effects of our wisdom (See v. 16-18), that is, does it produce peace, kindness, and love, or does it produce disorder and hatred for people.

May God give us godly wisdom,

Dan