James 3:13

NASB	NLT	VOICE
13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.	13 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.	13 Who in your community is understanding and wise? Let his example, which is marked by wisdom and gentleness, blaze a trail for others.

Foundation of Wisdom

Scripturally, wisdom is not just about intelligence, but a practical application of God’s truths found in Scripture. James is challenging his audience to think about their own spiritual maturity and discernment. The Bible consistently connects true wisdom with right living. James is suggesting that we should live out our beliefs by faith, for “faith without works is dead.” (James 2:17) Exercising God’s wisdom is a sign of humility, which was counter-cultural in this time. In the Greco-Roman world, humility was seen as a sign of weakness. Biblically, it’s a virtue to live by. Jesus humbled Himself to the point of death on the cross. It’s not self-deprecation. It’s a recognition of our dependence on God. 

Living Out This Wisdom by Faith

The Christian life is marked by good conduct. Christians are to act in reverence to God, loving him with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Christians are called to love each other in the same way that God has loved us. None of that is possible without a semblance of faith in God. We have to have a foundation of God somewhere in our belief structure to make that happen. When we invest more into our relationship with God, we understand more about the life he calls us to live. We start to recognize that God is not an angry God, full of violence, death, and war. God is a compassionate god, full of love, grace, and mercy. God wants the best for his chosen, and has extended his incredible mercy towards His people after our constant mess-ups. The same love, mercy, and grace needs to be extended to those in our community as well. Through what we say and do, we must show who God is to others. We must check in often. We need to think on the basics of our understanding. This ensures that we truly show who God calls us to be. We will find true wisdom in our relationship with God. We gain the strength to either continue on the path He has called us to walk. Alternatively, we change the path to align with what He calls us to walk. 

Reflection Questions

1. I’ve heard different churches use James 2:17 in polarizing fashion. Do you agree with James 2:17? Why or Why not?
2. What are three ways you live out God’s greatest commandments?
3. Has there been any changes to your foundation of beliefs recently? What were they and how did you change them?

Call to Action

Think about your core beliefs about God. See if any of them feel uncomfortable to you. Spend time with God in that discomfort and see what ways you can go about and make a change. 

Next slice of manna: Manna for the Mind #274