James 3:13 "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct ...."

Those claiming to have the wisdom and understanding to teach (James 3:1 ) need to prove their possession of true wisdom by producing a life of godliness. There must be more than acquired knowledge, the true wisdom must be in evidence by a character that produces good conduct. The primary thing is how skilful is the teacher in "fleshing out" that wisdom and understanding in practical, daily living. There should be recognition that wisdom with understanding is the supreme acquisition (Proverbs 4:7 ). But remember, it is not really apprehended unless there is a walking in the Lord's ways.

Hosea 14:9 "Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein."

The alternatives are obvious, either the teacher is walking in the ways of the Lord so that others can follow in his steps, or he is stumbling and has wickedly departed from the ways of the Lord (Psalm 18:21 ). Right living qualified early church elders to lead and teach. First and foremost they were examples to emulate (1 Peter 5:3; 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:10-12 ). Teaching is only one item among the many character requirements (1 Timothy 3:1-15; Titus 2:10-15 ). Before the church, family, and the world, it is living like Jesus that counts. Wisdom, understanding and knowledge of the truth leads to godliness (Titus 1:1 ). Knowing the realities of truth and godliness is a commitment to having them expressed in our lifestyle.

James 3:13 "... his works are done in the meekness of wisdom."

James is using 'ergon' - "works" as actions that prove the genuineness of being in possession of true wisdom, and practical know-how. He is using 'prautes' - "meekness" in the active sense of strength in gentleness, which evidences true wisdom. Earlier, James has shown meekness to be a teachable spirit able to receive wisdom (James 1:21 ). In this instance meekness is shown to be the spirit of acceptance and submission to the will of God, so that God's wisdom, plan, purposes are actually fulfilled in daily experience through humble dependence on divine direction and help.

Everyone who manifests the works done in "the meekness of wisdom" is a miracle of God's grace in Christ. Formerly they were rebels living in haughtiness and wilful pride opposed to God. Now the meekness of wisdom is revealed in them more and more as they humbly yield to the control of the Spirit of God.

James 3:13 "... his works are done in the meekness of wisdom."

Christ Jesus is wisdom personified, who by His incarnation lived among us (1 Corinthians 1:30 ). A wise person, in the meaning of James, is one in whom the life of Christ is demonstrably seen "through his works," accomplished by His meekness through that person.

	Meekness is a trait of those born again, who have become citizens of heaven (Matthew 5:5 ).
	Meekness is the gentle lowliness of Jesus, offered to every believer for soul-satisfying service (Matthew 11:29; 21:5 ).
	Meekness, through being yoked with Christ, has the guarantee of sufficient grace for every need (Matthew 11:29; Hebrews 4:16 ).
	Meekness is the gentleness of Holy Spirit fruit, evidently developed, revealing our new nature (Galatians 5:23 ).
	Meekness is the qualification of spiritual ones who can restore those overtaken in a fault (Galatians 6:1; 2 Corinthians 10:1 ).
	Meekness that is of wisdom is to be demonstrated in our relationship in Christ (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12-13 ).
	Meekness and humility are the wise attitudes in dealing with those who are in opposition (2 Timothy 2:25 ), and should be shown to all persons (Titus 3:2 ).
	Meekness adorns "with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit" that is "precious in the sight of God" (1 Peter 3:4 NKJV).
	Meekness and reverence for the Lord should be in evidence in our responding to those who question our faith.
	Meekness makes us acceptable and effective spokespersons for the Lord (1 Peter 3:15 ).

By practicing "the meekness of wisdom" Jesus shines through us, making Him known to those among whom we live.

James 3:14 "But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth."

The searching "but if" confronts those who presume they have true wisdom, when in reality they have not.. James would have them look at their hearts infected with worldliness, so part of them that they think it to be wisdom. By looking at the symptoms their diseased hearts are exposed. Far from being indwelt by true wisdom that is an inspiration to a holy lifestyle, their hearts are ignited with worldly passions of "bitter envy" and "self-seeking."

James uses the word 'zolos' - literally "zeal" in the bad sense of "envy" which can be expressed in the passion of jealousy and malice. He clinches this intentional usage with the adjective "bitter" - 'pikros' which carries the idea of piercing - sharp, and bitter. How tragic that the worldly, pride-filled heart so deceives its possessor, that the bitter, harsh, even violent jealous envy, is maintained to be godly zeal for the right, and intended only for the glory of God. In actuality those impassioned with jealous anger are aroused because of the hindrances they encounter that stand in the way of their consuming selfish ambition. This wrong kind of zeal is translated "indignation" ('zolos') in the case of the high priest and the Saducees. It was really jealous envy over the miracle ministry of the apostles (Acts 5:14-17 ). The action of their passionate indignation is stated in the next verse.

Acts 5:18 "And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison."

Paul describes this envy as carnal "and behaving like mere men" (1 Corinthians 3:3 NKJV), and evidencing the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:20 ). Anyone with this terrible heart condition is in great peril should they wilfully remain in sin:

Hebrews 10:26,27 "For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, ²⁷ But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation ('zolos'), which shall devour the adversaries. "

Romans 2:8 "But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,"

Those who are worldly-wise pride themselves on their ruthless, jealous zeal, in which they pursue their self-interests, convincing themselves and boasting to others that they are wise and good. But in so doing, telling the worst kind of lie, because their perversion of wisdom is betrayed by the destructive effects of their unrighteous conduct. James warns about lying against the truth he is speaking to them.

James 3:14 "... do not boast and lie against the truth."

By lying about the true condition of their heart, and making a deceitful claim to be motivated by the good Spirit of God, they will be accountable for the false picture they present of the kingdom of God, stumbling some and being the cause of blindness to others. As for themselves, lying against the truth further adds to their own darkness. When leaders in the church are caught up in this deceitful, carnal, envious zeal, it has destructive consequences. Diotrephes as a church leader was driven by a love to be first. John said:

3 John 1:9 "I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us."

His zeal in his self-interest made him refuse the ministry of others including the apostle. He spoke nonsense against travelling ministry, including John, with "malicious words." He acted dictatorially, forbidding anyone to receive other ministry or give authority, personally excommunicating any who dared to disobey his will (3 John 10 ). The apostle was set on dealing with the problem Diotrephes was causing the local church who were experiencing dictatorship, disharmony, division and dismembership, and a dismal dimming of the light of Christ from among them.

Christ warned against this kind of carnal religion in (Matthew 23:4-8 ). The contrary message is condemned as not consenting to the words of Jesus, and the false messenger exposes himself by worldly pride, disputing, envy, strife, reviling and evil suspicions, as one destitute of the truth. Such use godliness as a means of financial gain (1 Timothy 6:3-5 ). They can have such damaging effect that the apostle says:

1 Timothy 6:5 "... From such withdraw yourself."

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

As a believer you have become wise and understanding. How are you expected to show it? (James 3:13 ).