Who Is Wise and Understanding?

You and I spend a lot of time interacting with others. In conversations and meetings, texts and emails, and social media posts, we communicate a lot of words and ideas. And in our actions we communicate a lot too, especially about what’s important to us. But do we, in all of these interactions, stop and evaluate our words and actions, specifically whether we are wise and understanding?

               In his epistle James paints a striking contrast between two kinds of wisdom—earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom (Jas. 3:13-18). James argues that one of the marks of genuine faith is godly wisdom. Prior to arguing wisdom is a mark of genuine faith, he argues that taming our tongues is a mark of true faith (vv. 1-12). When we tame our tongues we are displaying wisdom from above, but when we fail to tame our tongues we are displaying worldly wisdom.  

               James’s question, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” (Jas. 3:13) requires a humble response. If we’re honest, we often think we are wise and understanding, but our words and actions reveal a different story. James reminds us that saving faith results in good conduct. Such conduct should be adorned with the meekness of wisdom. In other words, we’re not to boast in moralism, but humbly recognize God saved us while we were still sinners.

               Before answering the question James has posed, it’s important to reflect on what he says must not be in our hearts if we’re to be characterized as wise and understanding. First, we must not have bitter jealousy in our heart (Jas. 3:14). Second, we must not have selfish ambition in our heart. Now, look back on your past year. Was there someone who got what you wanted, and you were jealous? Did that jealousy grow as you watched that person enjoy what you dreamed would be yours, to the point of becoming bitterness? Or, did you go after a position, prestige, or a promotion in selfish ways, stepping on another’s toes, pushing another out of the way, boasting in your giftedness, exaggerating the truth, or making yourself look better than you really were? Be honest.

               We can always know that we are dealing with bitter jealousy and selfish ambition when some kind of disorder, or sinful practice results (Jas. 3:16). At root, we have a worship disorder. We have traded godly wisdom for worldly wisdom, which James calls “earthly, unspiritual, demonic” (v. 15). How does this happen in the life of a believer? Paul teaches us that “the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do” (Gal. 5:17). Apart from God’s grace all of us would be “dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked” (Eph. 2:1). No  counselor, twelve-step program, or pleading from family and friends will deliver you. Only God, “being rich in mercy” can make “us alive together with Christ” and save us (vv. 4-9). He alone can make us truly wise and understanding.

               How can we know we’re growing in “wisdom from above” (Jas. 3:17)? Ask yourself the following questions: (1) Am I growing in purity? (2) In relationships, am I a peacemaker? (3) Am I gentle with others, especially those who are weary of battling sin and suffering? (4) Am I open to reason when others approach me about a matter? (5) In the presence of family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers, am I full of mercy? (6) Does my labor in the home, church, workplace, and beyond, produce good fruits? (7) Am I impartial and sincere when dealing with those around me, treating them as fellow image-bearers of God? (8) When I look back at what I have sown in my family, ministry, career, and relationships, has it produced a harvest of righteousness?

               While no one can answer yes to all of these questions all of the time, if we are walking in wisdom from above we will grow in these areas. That doesn’t mean we achieve perfection, but by God’s grace, we can be truly wise and understanding. And when we do sin, James tells us what to do. We must humble ourselves before the Lord, recognizing that more grace is available to us (Jas. 4:6).

               James reflects Jesus’s words in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5-7). Jesus, who is perfectly wise and understanding, teaches us that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world (5:13-14). As such, we are to “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (v. 16). Believers are to be like the wise man who built his house on the rock (7:24-27). In other words, those who are wise and understanding will worship God, work for His glory, and witness about His great name.

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You will likely exchange words with someone today, whether by conversation or a written form of communication. You will also exhibit certain behaviors. Make sure you speak and write wise and understanding words, and act in wise and understanding ways. Ask yourself before you speak or act, “Is this wise and understanding? If you can’t answer Yes, wait until you can. You will never regret refraining from unwise words and actions.

Sarah Ivill (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) is a Reformed author, wife, homeschooling mom, Bible study teacher, and conference speaker who lives in Matthews, North Carolina, and is a member of Christ Covenant Church (PCA). To learn more, please visit www.sarahivill.com.