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.

JAMES 3:13KJV
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James 3:13 (KJV)

What does James 3:13 mean?

James 3:13 says that if anyone among the readers considers themselves wise and knowledgeable, they should prove it by living a good life and showing their actions are done with humility that comes from wisdom. The verse connects true wisdom not just to knowledge, but to a gentle, humble way of living that is seen in everyday behavior.

James, the brother of Jesus, is writing to early Christian communities who were struggling with conflict and pride. In this verse, James challenges anyone who thinks they are wise to demonstrate it through their conduct—specifically, by doing good works in a spirit of meekness. The focus is not on claiming wisdom, but on showing it through a humble and upright life.

The Greek behind James 3:13

  • "Wise man" (σοφός, sophos): This word refers to someone skilled in understanding and practical living, not just someone with head knowledge. James is pointing to wisdom that shapes how a person actually lives.
  • "Endued with knowledge" (ἐπιστήμων, epistēmōn): This Greek word means someone who is knowledgeable or an expert, often with a sense of being well-informed or experienced. James is addressing those who might see themselves as authorities.
  • "Conversation" (ἀναστροφή, anastrophē): This word is often understood as "way of life" or "conduct," not just speech. James is talking about the whole pattern of a person's behavior, not just their words.
  • "Meekness" (πραΰτης, prautēs): This word means gentleness or humility. In Greek thought, it is strength under control, not weakness. James says true wisdom is always marked by this kind of humble attitude.

Why James 3:13 matters

  • James 3:13 corrects the idea that wisdom is just about having the right answers or being clever; it shows that wisdom is proven by a humble, good life.
  • The verse sets the stage for the rest of James 3, where James contrasts true wisdom from above with false, self-centered wisdom.
  • By linking wisdom with meekness, James highlights that real spiritual maturity is seen in gentle, considerate actions, not in boasting or pride.

Where else these words appear

“meekness” Greek G4240 · used in 3 verses

  • James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
  • 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

“conversation” Greek G391 · used in 13 verses

  • Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
  • 1 Peter 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
  • 1 Peter 3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

“man” Greek G4680 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
  • Romans 16:27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.

“shew” Greek G1166 · used in 29 verses

  • Matthew 4:8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
  • John 5:20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
  • Hebrews 8:5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.