“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom — the question addresses those who claim wisdom (sophos) and understanding (epistēmōn), challenging them to demonstrate (deixis, show/prove) it through agathos anastrosphē (good/virtuous manner of life) and erga (deeds). Yet the deeds are qualified by 'gentleness/humility' (praytēs), suggesting that true wisdom manifests as a humble lifestyle rather than proud display. Wisdom that does not produce humility and gentleness is false wisdom.
Church Fathers on James 3:13
There is, however, another wisdom, which you must repel from you, and pray against its remaining in you; this the same apostle expressed his detestation of when he said, But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, . . . this is not the wisdom which descends from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For wherever there is envying and strife, there is also confusion, and every evil work. But the wisdom which is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle,…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!