Who Is a Wise Man?

“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 3:13)

This verse appears to contradict itself. The verse gives the impression that a wise man should talk about how meek and wise he is. Nothing could be further from what is being said!

The entire message rests on the phrase, “a good conversation”. This has nothing to do with talking, preaching, or of a dialogue of any kind. The word “conversation” comes from the Greek, “Anastrophe” and it is in reference to our behavior, manner of life, and how we live.

Actions do speak louder than words. Or, as D. L. Moody so astutely put it, “Out of 100 men, one will read the Bible, the other 99 will read the Christian”.

For in Jesus Christ do we, “live, and move, and have our being” (Acts 17:28). Our very being, our essence is made manifest in everything we do and say. Both consciously and unconsciously the Christ inside of us makes itself known outside of us to the world. If He is in our heart (spirit), He will be revealed.

The wise man that is endued with knowledge need not tell anyone. It will be known.

Bill Hitchcock