Who is wise and understanding among you? That is the challenging question that James put before his readers in this passage. He was possibly aiming at members and teachers who claimed they had true wisdom. These new Christians were under pressure. They were being persecuted for following Jesus. To make matters worse there was really no organized protocol for ordaining pastors. This is partially why James was writing in the first place. Self-promoting teachers who claimed they had wisdom emerged into the church. The result was that it was dividing the fellowship.

Jesus said we would recognize true teachers by their actions (Matthew 7:15–23). Good teachers model self-discipline. Their deeds will show their Christian faith. This section contrasts humility with selfish ambition, good deeds with bitterness, and humility with self-ambition.

(James 3:13-18)

13 Who is wise and has understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s gentleness. 14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t brag and deny the truth. 15 Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16 For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace. 

According to James (verse 13), the godly wise person shows his or her understanding of Christ through the way they live. Our actions reflect where our hearts are (Matthew 6:19–21, 33). We shouldn’t brag that we are wise, but we can strive to live in wise ways. The guidance the Bible gives is trustworthy wisdom. But as we do good things, we must avoid pride. Pride is utilizing God-given gifts and abilities to elevate ourselves or divide others. Therefore, living wisely requires both actions and attitudes. Living a wise life shows the world goodness and humility.

James uses the words “bitter envy” in (verse 14). Zeal is good but this is zeal that has been misguided and it could lead to controversy and disagreement. What is it that causes us to have such strong feelings about other believers’ failures? Do we think we could do a better job in that role? Whatever the case may be, it should lead us to be careful in how we deliver criticism. He also uses the words “self-ambition here. He means the person who desires to live life for what he can get out of it. Living only for self. It seems the false teachers were bragging about having knowledge so they could persuade others. Having confidence in our wisdom and understanding of Christ is a goal of Christian maturity but arrogantly lording over others is not what God wants.

James explains in (verse 15) that this kind of wisdom is not from God but from the world. It does not come from faith. He says it is unspiritual, which could mean the natural man or the flesh. The term used here is also used in (1 Corinthians 2:14) describing a person who teaches only the wisdom of this life which is based on feelings and reasoning alone. The word “demonic” which is used in this verse gives us the source of this kind of wisdom, the devil. The devil’s purposes are always going to be destructive. It can only produce a climate of destroying relationships.

What has been described so far are teachers and people who must be first in everything. It is difficult for them to share the spotlight. This can lead to revenge and ultimately lead to disaster. Think about how fast our words and tone of voice can create a cultural climate that is destructive.

But James says that the wisdom that comes from heaven is pure (verses 16-17). To serve God, we need to be morally and spiritually honest. We also must be someone who cares about peace. This peace goes beyond inner peace and is the opposite of conflict. We have been justified by faith and have peace with God through Christ (Romans 5:1). Christians should not only want peace but also spread it.

He goes on to say that it is always gentle. This is the opposite of putting yourself first. It doesn't want something for itself. Being gentle means making allowances for other people and balancing justice with mercy. It's the kind of treatment we'd like to get from other people. This wisdom is also cooperative. Heavenly wisdom is reasonable, adaptable, and eager to listen and adjust. Like great warriors, wise people obey God's directions and respond to his correction.

Mercy and goodness characterize this wisdom. God's wisdom is full of mercy. We should forgive even when others caused our issues. God's wisdom is single-minded and without favoritism toward humans and toward God (1:5–8). It's honest, meaning "unhypocritical." Genuineness comes from God's knowledge.