Wisdom You Can See

James chapter 3 contrasts two kinds of wisdom:

• Earthly wisdom is marked by envy, selfish ambition, disorder, and harmful actions.
• Wisdom from above is marked by purity, peace, gentleness, mercy, sincerity, and humility.

Verse 13 introduces this contrast by asking who among God’s people is truly wise and understanding. James’s answer is practical: real wisdom is demonstrated through good conduct and works done with “meekness,” or humble strength.