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Introduction
Last week we finished up paragraph 1. Tonight, we start with the second paragraph of chapter 3. It should not take us long since there are only six verses.
Let’s begin by reading the entire section.
Verse 13 is the verse in consideration this evening.
You already have the worksheet that I produced in my studies.
Let me highlight a few things from the grammar study.
GRAMMAR HIGHLIGHTS
One of the first things that grabbed my attention was this.
This verse is full of adjectives and nouns.
There is only one verb listed.
The verb “let him shew” means to present in full view so others may see.
Of the nouns, we have five that were significant.
conversation [conduct, way of life.
Refers to a person’s way of life.[1]]
works [work, duty, task, workmanship.
Refers to a task, or set of tasks, that is accomplished by someone[2]]
meekness [gentleness, mildness, meekness:[3]]
wisdom [wisdom.
Refers to the quality of having knowledge, skill, and experience in the sense of mastery over a particular subject or trade through practice and learning[4]]
Our adjectives are:
wise [wise, skillful.
Describes experienced or practiced in a particular skill or possesses knowledge or education.
]
endued with knowledge [intelligent, experienced, [esp.
one having the knowledge of an expert ]
good [beautiful, good, desirable.
Indicates an object that is intrinsically sound in a moral or ethical sense.
]
Now let’s take some time to think about the spiritual implications of this verse.
SPIRITUAL APPLICATION
As we have learned, we begin with this question.
What is the Holy Spirit talking about?
You will note that the Holy Spirit’s topic changes from words (the tongue) to wisdom in this verse.
We have the words “wise” describing a person of wisdom and the word “wisdom.”
Examining the rest of the paragraph, we find the word “wisdom” again in verses 15 and 16.
Thus, without a doubt, the Holy Spirit’s focus is now on wisdom versus words.
What is the Holy Spirit saying about wisdom in this verse?
That information is what we desire to know this evening.
Let’s begin with the first clause of this sentence.
James 3:13 (KJV 1900)
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?
let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
Here the Holy Spirit asks for a particular person.
A person who is wise and endued with knowledge.
Both of these words give us an ample description of the person the Holy Spirit is seeking.
The word “wise,” as we already noted, means skillful.
It essentially refers to someone with moral insight and skill in deciding practical conduct issues.
This skill is essential, considering everything we just learned in the first paragraph.
Remember, the tongue is uncontrollable and has a knack for destroying things.
Thus, the wise man understands its dangers and realizes he needs God’s help in using the tongue for something other than destruction.
The phrase “endued with knowledge” means a person with intelligence.
It pictures someone who has the knowledge of an expert.
An expert is someone who, through much practice and experience, learned all the tricks of the trade, making them quite successful in their area of expertise.
Here the Holy Spirit is looking for the person who is an expert in communication.
They are the person who repeatedly has used the tongue both successfully and unsuccessfully.
Thus, through their daily practice have gained experience in how to use their tongues by daily surrender to the Holy Spirit.
Now, they are “endued with knowledge” concerning the tongue, its dangers, as well as its potential.
By the way, here is a side note.
True wisdom only comes from God.
Wisdom is always based on truth.
Truth only comes from God and His Word.
If then you follow Scriptural logic, the only truth in this world is God’s Word.
Those who listen to God’s Word and obey it are wise people.
This verse gives us an essential point.
If we genuinely seek to be wise, we must be hearers and doers of God’s Word.
There is no other way.
Our wisdom, wisdom of this world, is foolishness.
Therefore, we must seek to be in God’s Word with a determination to obey His Word.
As you obey day in and day out, you grow in His wisdom.
An added benefit is we place ourselves under the Holy Spirit’s power.
He, then, can use us in a powerful way.
Now, here is one other thought to consider.
The Holy Spirit’s question concerning a wise man does not indicate that no one is wise.
Instead, His questions seek to arrest those who egotistically thought they were smart enough to teach others.
We often allow our pride to convince us that we are wise.
However, Scripture is clear that we must be careful about pride and relying on our wisdom.
Interestingly, the Holy Spirit used definite adjectives in His description.
Thus, this question should make us hesitate and ask ourselves, are we truly wise?
Thus, the question is who is wise and endued with knowledge.
The answer is plain.
The wise person endued with knowledge is the person who heeds and obeys the Word of God.
Now comes the second part of this sentence.
James 3:13 (KJV 1900)
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?
let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
You may recall the phrase “let him shew” expresses the idea of presenting in full view for others to see.
What should be in full view of others?
A good conversation is to be in full view.
The word “conversation” is more than just words.
The Greek word here applies to a person’s entire lifestyle.
It encompasses not just words but also outward actions.
It includes where we go, what we do, and how we speak to others.
The idea is this.
A wise teacher will openly demonstrate wisdom and knowledge by how they conduct themselves before others.
You have heard the adage, “You must first practice what you preach.”
That adage is the essence of this verse.
Note that there are two things a wise teacher/person will exhibit before others.
“a good conversation” - GOOD BEHAVIOR & CONDUCT
A Bible teacher/preacher must speak words of:
morality & purity
righteousness & justice
help & encouragement
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