The book of James in the Bible offers insightful teachings on how Christians should live their lives in a wise and righteous manner that honors God. In James 3:13, the author specifically highlights the importance of having “meekness of wisdom.” Let’s explore what this phrase means and how we can apply it to our daily walk with Christ.
Defining Meekness
In the original Greek, the word translated as “meekness” is prautes. It refers to gentleness, humility, and patience. A meek person does not insist on their own rights or become angry easily. They are willing to waive prestige and status out of care for others (Ephesians 4:2). Meekness does not equate to weakness, however. It is rather a controlled strength under God’s Spirit.
Jesus describes meekness as a blessed attribute, saying “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). He demonstrated perfect meekness during His earthly ministry. Despite His divine authority and ability, Jesus emptied Himself, took on the form of a servant, and humbled Himself to die for us (Philippians 2:7-8). He instructs us to learn from His example of gentle humility (Matthew 11:29). As we walk in meekness, we become more Christlike.
Defining Wisdom
The Greek word for wisdom in James 3:13 is sophia. This refers to the ability to judge rightly and follow the best course of action, especially in spiritual matters. Wisdom begins with reverence for God, who is the source of all wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). A wise person fears the Lord, resists evil, speaks truth, practices righteousness, trusts in God’s providence, exercises self-control, and lives with humility and integrity.
Godly wisdom is in stark contrast to worldly wisdom, which is focused on selfish gain and ambition (James 3:14-16). Believers must ask God for wisdom, study Scripture, listen to wise counsel, and apply biblical principles to life. As we grow in spiritual wisdom, we gain understanding, discernment, and the ability to navigate challenges in a manner that honors God.
Connecting Meekness and Wisdom
Meekness acts as a vehicle for applying God-given wisdom practically in daily life. Wisdom without meekness can become mere head knowledge that results in pride. Meekness without wisdom lacks discernment and can lead to being taken advantage of.
Together, meekness and wisdom create a beautiful harmony in the believer’s life. We develop a humble spirit that submits to God’s authority and follows His ways. Our knowledge translates into Christlike living as we interact gently and kindly with others. We balance confidence in God’s truth with an openness to correction.
The meekness of wisdom produces good fruit such as purity, peacefulness, gentleness, reasonableness, mercy and sincerity (James 3:17). Other people experience the lovingkindness of Jesus through us.
Cultivating the Meekness of Wisdom
How can Christians develop this godly quality of meekness of wisdom in daily life? Here are some practical tips:
- Pray – Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit and empower you to walk in wisdom and humility. Yield your rights to Him.
- Study Scripture – God’s Word imparts understanding and renews our minds to be more Christlike (Psalm 119:98-100).
- Examine yourself – Look for areas of pride and selfish ambition. Confess these to God.
- Obey God – Submit to His commands with a gentle spirit. Follow His ways, not the world’s.
- Be teachable – Listen to wise mentors. Receive correction with grace and gratitude.
- Serve others – Look to meet needs humbly. Esteem others above yourself (Philippians 2:3).
- Respond gently – Speak with care. React patiently even when offended. Be peaceful and forgiving.
- Avoid arguing – Don’t insist on being right. Make truth, not winning, the goal.
Growing in meekness and wisdom is a lifelong process. We will make mistakes and struggle with pride daily. But the Holy Spirit graciously empowers us to become more like Christ as we seek Him. With an open, humble heart that desires God’s truth, we can increasingly walk in the meekness of wisdom.
The Blessings of the Meekness of Wisdom
Why does God call us to pursue this Christlike quality? Living with the meekness of wisdom results in tremendous blessings:
- Close fellowship with God – “He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way” (Psalm 25:9).
- Joy and peace – “The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits” (James 3:17).
- Influence for Christ – Our lives shine and draw people toward our gracious Father (Matthew 5:16).
- Eternal reward – “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5).
Walking in the meekness of wisdom allows us to enjoy God’s presence and blessings now while pointing others to Him. It also stores up eternal riches in heaven as we live for Christ’s glory.
Examples of the Meekness of Wisdom
How does this gentle, humble wisdom actually look in daily life? Consider these biblical examples:
- Moses – Despite grumbling and defiance, he gently led Israel following God’s instructions (Numbers 12:3).
- Jesus – Though Creator and Lord, He washed disciples’ feet and paid our sin debt through crucifixion (John 13:3-15).
- Abigail – She appeased David’s anger with gifts and gentle appeal, promoting peace (1 Samuel 25:23-35).
- Paul – He adapted his teaching style to diverse audiences to graciously win more people to Christ (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).
- Epaphras – This faithful minister persistently labored in prayer for his fellow believers with humility and care (Colossians 4:12-13).
These examples demonstrate the wide application of expressing Christlike wisdom with meekness. It enables us to lead, teach, correct, serve, and relate to others in a way that honors God and advances His kingdom.
In Contrast to Worldly Wisdom
James 3:13-18 draws a sharp contrast between wisdom from above that is meek and gentle versus worldly wisdom that is ambitious and selfishly motivated. Earthly wisdom leads to bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, disorder, and evil practices (James 3:14-16). This happens when we rely on our own understanding and desires instead of seeking God’s will.
As believers, we must reject prideful and fleshly thinking that leads to strife and boasting of our own achievements. Instead, we must embrace humble submission to God’s ways. His wisdom applied gently and kindly demonstrates true Christlike maturity.
Conclusion
Living in the meekness of wisdom allows believers to fully reveal Jesus Christ through our lives. As we grow in humble submission to God and biblical understanding, we act with greater gentleness, purity, and sincerity. Our choices are guided by heavenly insight rather than selfish ambition. We live to glorify our Father and reflect the wise, humble nature of Christ in how we serve and relate to others. This brings tremendous joy and reward as we walk in God’s blessing and will for our lives.