James 3:13

Memory Verse

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show out from proper conduct his works in objectivity of wisdom (James 3:13).

A wise man displays his wisdom through his conduct, not his words. Wisdom is the proper use of knowledge. The one who is wise understands how to govern his life properly, displaying who he is in Christ through his conduct. 

Earthly wisdom that is soulish and demonic comes from bitter zeal and self-seeking in the heart (James 3:14–15). This is a man who seeks to display his wisdom through words to gain a reputation. 

The wisdom from above is pure—not mixed with zeal or self-interest, does not ruffle the mind, produces a temperate disposition, is willing to yield to truth, full of mercy and good fruit. It does not discriminate and is unhypocritical (James 3:17). Thus, those who are wise among us show their wisdom through proper conduct, not through their words.