A.T. Robertson Commentary James 3:13

"Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom." — James 3:13 (ASV)

Who (Τις). Rhetorical interrogative like Lu 11:11. Common in Paul and characteristic of the diatribe. James here returns to the standpoint of verse 1 about many teachers. Speech and wisdom are both liable to abuse (1 Corinthians 1:5,17; 2:1-3:20).

Wise and understanding (σοφος κα επιστημων). Σοφος is used for the practical teacher (verse 1), επιστημων (old word from επισταμα, here only in N.T.) for an expert, a skilled and scientific person with a tone of superiority. In De 1:13,15; 4:6, the two terms are practically synonyms.

Let him shew (δειξατω). First aorist active imperative of δεικνυμ, old verb to show. As about faith in 2:18. Emphatic position of this verb.

By his good life (εκ της καλης αναστροφης). For this literary Koine word from αναστρεφομα (walk, conduct) see Ga 1:13. Actions speak louder than words even in the case of the professional wise man. Cf. 1 Peter 1:15.

In meekness of wisdom (εν πραυτητ σοφιας). As in 1:21 of the listener, so here of the teacher. Cf. Matthew 5:5; 11:29 and of King Messiah quoted in Mt 21:5. Startling combination.