Who is really Wise and Understanding?

 

The Apostle James asked a question,

Are there any among you who are really wise and understanding? (James 3:13 ERV)

Who is really wise and understanding? Most people think they are wise, some think they’re understanding and a lot of persons believe themselves to be both.

In James’ day, the early Christians were undergoing trials as they faced many spiritual failures, so he wrote a letter which, among other things, encourages the use of wisdom amid trials and addresses the dangers of the tongue, quarrels and conflict.

In the first twelve verses of chapter three, James warns against the misuse of the tongue, then, in the remainder of the chapter, expounds the nature of true and false wisdom.

Are there any among you who are really wise and understanding? Then you should show your wisdom by living right. You should do what is good with humility. A wise person does not boast. If you are selfish and have bitter jealousy in your hearts, you have no reason to boast. Your boasting is a lie that hides the truth. That kind of “wisdom” does not come from God. That “wisdom” comes from the world. It is not spiritual. It is from the devil. Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there will be confusion and every kind of evil. But the wisdom that comes from God is like this: First, it is pure. It is also peaceful, gentle, and easy to please. This wisdom is always ready to help people who have trouble and to do good for others. This wisdom is always fair and honest. People who work for peace in a peaceful way get the blessings that come from right living. – James 3:13-18 (ERV)

Even though James’ message appears to have been written for the benefit of Jewish Christians, at that time, it is still applicable to all believers.

We need to understand that God is the source of wisdom which He gives to those who reverentially and worshipfully fear the Lord (see Job 28:28; Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 2:6-7). In Him, wisdom is the infinite, perfect understanding of all that is or might be, according to Paul in his letter to the church in Rome.

How great are God's riches! How deep are his wisdom and knowledge! Who can explain his decisions? Who can understand his ways? – Romans 11:33 (GNT)

The wisdom of man can never have the power to change us, bring us closer to God or to live the life God wants us to live (see Jeremiah 10:23; 1 Corinthians 2).

James describes the wisdom that comes from God as pure, peaceful, gentle, easy to please, fair, honest and always ready to help and do good for others; this is true wisdom. On the contrary, wisdom that is boastful, selfish, hoards bitter jealousy in the heart, is not spiritual, it is of the world, and it is evil.

Godly wisdom is not born of rivalry, envy, or self-interest, but of a deep desire to heal and reconcile. Human wisdom is an eminently practical attitude that’s employed to achieve questionable outcomes.

As previously mentioned, this particular part of James’ wisdom narrative comes directly after his exhortation on taming the tongue as a lesson on treating with quarrels and conflict.

Usually, when we are faced with heated arguments, instinctively we seek to put up a defence, go to lengths to assert our point of view, argue vehemently and even retaliate. However, James offers a completely different perspective on how we ought to respond when we find ourselves in contentious situations: we must be humble, gentle, peaceful, fair, honest and willing to yield.

In other words, as children of God, we are to be the peacemakers (see Matthew 5:9). By getting the desired end by these effective means shows true wisdom and understanding. Recognizing that every conflict carries the potential for change and transformation, is true wisdom.

We are to work for peace, and we are to pursue wisdom and acquire understanding in the process. In Proverbs 4:7 (AMP) it is written,

The beginning of wisdom is: Get [skillful and godly] wisdom [it is preeminent]!
And with all your acquiring, get understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation].

We must be wise but certainly not in our own eyes. Becoming a peacemaker requires much patience and honest self-examination. It involves the work of transformation in us through the power of the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5:22). It calls for us to listen attentively as we seek to understand rather than to be understood. Transformation is about shifting from seeing others as opponents to seeing them as partners in the pursuit of peace.

Beloved, true wisdom creates space for forgiveness, healing, restoration and right living. And living right with others in peace, promotes transformation, not just of yourself but in others.

Be willing to work for peace in a peaceful way, then you will reap a bounty of blessings that will redound to the benefit of all. In so doing, you can confidently answer “I am!” to the question “Who is really Wise and Understanding?”.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Who is really Wise and Understanding?” © 2026 July 17, 2026