Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

James addresses the person who is “wise [GK 5055] and understanding [GK 2184].” The former word was a technical term among the Jews for the teacher, the scribe, and the rabbi. James is still speaking to those who would be teachers (cf. 3:1); here it is not what they say that he is concerned with, but rather how they live. “Understanding” describes one who is an expert, who has special knowledge or training. Thus anyone who would be a teacher, who claims to be an expert with special understanding, is under obligation to “show it by his good life.” He should possess “know how” and be skilled in applying God’s truth to practical, everyday living.

The particular characteristic stressed in this verse is “humility that comes from wisdom.” “Humility” (GK 4559) is perhaps better translated “gentleness,” but even this does not adequately render the Greek word .

It is not a passive gentleness growing out of weakness or resignation; rather, it is an active attitude of deliberate acceptance. The word was used to describe a horse that had been broken and trained to submit to the bridle. So this gentleness is strength under control, the control of the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:22–23). It is a gentleness that is characteristic of “wisdom” (GK 5053). James does not have in mind the Greek concept of speculative or theoretical wisdom but the Hebrew idea of practical wisdom that enables one to live a life of godliness.