James 3:13
New International Version
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

New Living Translation
If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.

English Standard Version
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

Berean Standard Bible
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

Berean Literal Bible
Who is wise and understanding among you; let him show his works out of the good conduct, in the humility of wisdom.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

New American Standard Bible
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

NASB 1995
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

NASB 1977
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

Legacy Standard Bible
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good conduct his works in the gentleness of wisdom.

Amplified Bible
Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him by his good conduct show his [good] deeds with the gentleness and humility of true wisdom.

Christian Standard Bible
Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Who is wise and has understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s gentleness.

American Standard Version
Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom.

Contemporary English Version
Are any of you wise or sensible? Then show it by living right and by being humble and wise in everything you do.

English Revised Version
Who is wise and understanding among you? let him shew by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Do any of you have wisdom and insight? Show this by living the right way with the humility that comes from wisdom.

Good News Translation
Are there any of you who are wise and understanding? You are to prove it by your good life, by your good deeds performed with humility and wisdom.

International Standard Version
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his noble conduct that his actions are done humbly and wisely.

Majority Standard Bible
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

NET Bible
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct he should show his works done in the gentleness that wisdom brings.

New Heart English Bible
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom.

Webster's Bible Translation
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show by a good deportment his works with meekness of wisdom.

Weymouth New Testament
Which of you is a wise and well-instructed man? Let him prove it by a right life with conduct guided by a wisely teachable spirit.

World English Bible
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Who [is] wise and intelligent among you? Let him show his works out of good behavior in meekness of wisdom,

Berean Literal Bible
Who is wise and understanding among you; let him show his works out of the good conduct, in the humility of wisdom.

Young's Literal Translation
Who is wise and intelligent among you? let him shew out of the good behaviour his works in meekness of wisdom,

Smith's Literal Translation
Who wise and knowing among you? let him show out of a good mode of life his works in meekness of wisdom.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Who is a wise man, and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew, by a good conversation, his work in the meekness of wisdom.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Who is wise and well-taught among you? Let him show, by means of good conversation, his work in the meekness of wisdom.

New American Bible
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom.

New Revised Standard Version
Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Who is wise among you and has training? let him prove his words by his good deeds, in the humbleness of wisdom.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Who of you is wise and instructed? Let him show his works in a beautiful way of life in the wisdom of meekness.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Who is wise and discreet among you? Let him show, by a good behavior, his works, with the meekness of wisdom.

Godbey New Testament
Who is wise and instructed among you? Let him show forth out of beautiful conduct his works in meekness of wisdom.

Haweis New Testament
Who is a wise man and intelligent among you, let him shew in a becoming conduct his works with the meekness of wisdom.

Mace New Testament
Whoever is a skilful moralist, let him show by his virtuous conduct, that he practises the humble precepts of wisdom.

Weymouth New Testament
Which of you is a wise and well-instructed man? Let him prove it by a right life with conduct guided by a wisely teachable spirit.

Worrell New Testament
Who is wise and intelligent among you? Let him show, by his good conduct, his works in meekness of wisdom.

Worsley New Testament
Is there any wise and understanding man among you? let him shew his works by a good conversation in the meekness of wisdom:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Wisdom from Above
12My brothers, can a fig tree grow olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. 13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth.…

Cross References
Proverbs 11:2
When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 2:6-7
For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. / He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk with integrity,

Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

1 Corinthians 1:19-21
For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” / Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? / For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.

Proverbs 3:13-18
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, / for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. / She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. ...

Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

1 Peter 2:12
Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.

Proverbs 9:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Ephesians 5:15-17
Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, / redeeming the time, because the days are evil. / Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, / gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Proverbs 15:33
The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

1 Corinthians 3:18-19
Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. / For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”

Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.

Proverbs 16:16
How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver.

Romans 12:16
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.


Treasury of Scripture

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

is a.

James 3:1
My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

Psalm 107:43
Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.

Ecclesiastes 8:1,5
Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed…

endued.

2 Chronicles 2:12,13
Huram said moreover, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who hath given to David the king a wise son, endued with prudence and understanding, that might build an house for the LORD, and an house for his kingdom…

Job 28:28
And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

Isaiah 11:3
And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:

let.

James 2:18
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Isaiah 60:6
The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD.

2 Corinthians 8:24
Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

a good.

Philippians 1:27
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Hebrews 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

with meekness.

James 3:17
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

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.

Numbers 12:3
(Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)

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James 3
1. We are not rashly or arrogantly to reprove others;
5. but rather to bridle the tongue, a little member,
9. but a powerful instrument of much good, and great harm.
13. The truly wise are mild and peaceable, without envy and strife.














Who is wise and understanding among you?
The Greek words for "wise" (σοφός, sophos) and "understanding" (ἐπιστήμων, epistēmōn) are rich in meaning. "Sophos" refers to a person who possesses not only knowledge but also the skill to apply it practically. In the ancient world, wisdom was highly valued, often associated with philosophers and teachers who could discern the deeper truths of life. "Epistēmōn" implies a deeper, more comprehensive understanding, often linked to expertise or mastery in a particular area. James challenges the early Christian community to identify those who truly embody these qualities, not just in intellectual capacity but in their ability to live out their faith practically.

Let him show it by his good conduct
The phrase "good conduct" (καλήν ἀναστροφήν, kalēn anastrophēn) emphasizes the visible, observable nature of true wisdom. "Anastrophē" refers to one's way of life or behavior. In the Greco-Roman world, conduct was a public matter, reflecting one's character and values. James insists that wisdom is not merely theoretical but must be demonstrated through one's actions. This aligns with the broader biblical theme that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). The call is for believers to live in a manner that reflects the transformative power of the Gospel.

by deeds done in the humility
The term "humility" (πραΰτης, prautēs) is often translated as "meekness" or "gentleness." In the biblical context, humility is not weakness but strength under control. It is a Christ-like quality, as Jesus described Himself as "gentle and humble in heart" (Matthew 11:29). In a world that often equates power with dominance, James presents humility as the true mark of wisdom. This humility is not self-deprecating but is rooted in a proper understanding of one's place before God and others.

that comes from wisdom
The phrase "that comes from wisdom" (σοφίας, sophias) indicates that true wisdom produces humility. This wisdom is not earthly or self-centered but is a divine gift, as James earlier states that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask (James 1:5). The wisdom from above is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere (James 3:17). It stands in stark contrast to the earthly, unspiritual, and demonic wisdom that breeds envy and selfish ambition (James 3:14-16). True wisdom, therefore, is characterized by a life of humility and service, reflecting the nature of Christ Himself.

(13) Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge?--Who is wise, i.e., in the wisdom of God, and learned in that of man? The latter state is of knowledge natural or acquired, the former is Sophia, the highest heavenly wisdom, "the breath of the power of God--the brightness of the everlasting light--more beautiful than the sun, and above all the order of the stars" (Wisdom Of Solomon 7:25-29). Just as the devils hold with man the lower kinds of faith, that is belief merely (James 2:19), so do they share in his earthly knowledge. The self-same term as that describing it above is used by the evil spirit who answered the presumptuous sons of Sceva, "Paul I know," while a different one altogether referred to the Lord Jesus (Acts 19:15).

"Where shall Wisdom be found,

And where is the place of Understanding?"

was the question of Job (Job 28:12). And the LXX, version marks the parallelism in the same Greek words as those used by St. James to distinguish between the two ideas. . . .

Verses 13-18. - WARNING AGAINST JEALOUSY AND FACTION. Ver. 13 contains the positive exhortation to meekness; ver. 14 the negative warning against jealousy and party spirit; and then the following verses place side by side the portraits of the earthly and the heavenly wisdom. Verse 13. - Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? (τίς σοφός καὶ ἐπιστήμων ἐν ὑμῖν;); better, who is wise and understanding among you? 'Απιστήμων is found here only in the New Testament. In the LXX. it is joined with σοφὸς (as here) in Deuteronomy 1:13; Deuteronomy 4:6. "The ἐπιστήμων is one who understands and knows: the σοφὸς is one who carries out his knowledge into his life" (Dr. Farrar, who aptly quotes Tennyson's line, "Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers"). Out of a good conversation (ἐκ τῆς καλῆς ἀναστροφῆς); better, as R.V., by his good life. "Conversation" is unfortunate, because of its modern meaning. Meekness (πραύτης); cf. James 1:21.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Who
Τίς (Tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5101: Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.

[is] wise
σοφὸς (sophos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4680: Wise, learned, cultivated, skilled, clever. Akin to saphes; wise.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

understanding
ἐπιστήμων (epistēmōn)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1990: Skillful, experienced, knowing. From epistamai; intelligent.

among
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

you?
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

Let him show it
δειξάτω (deixatō)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1166: A prolonged form of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to show.

by
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

[his]
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

good
καλῆς (kalēs)
Adjective - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2570: Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.

conduct,
ἀναστροφῆς (anastrophēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 391: Dealing with other men, conduct, life, behavior, manner of life. From anastrepho; behavior.

[by]
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

deeds [done]
ἔργα (erga)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the] humility
πραΰτητι (prautēti)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4240: Mildness, gentleness. From praus; mildness, i.e. humility.

that comes from wisdom.
σοφίας (sophias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4678: Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom.


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NT Letters: James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? (Ja Jas. Jam)
James 3:12
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