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
Our provincial governments spend a large percentage of their budgets on education. This money goes to build and maintain schools, pay for teachers and teaching materials, transportation (buses, etc.), and a host of other supplies and services. Governments also contribute to universities, technical schools, and other training institutions. The goal is to educate people, to provide especially young people with the knowledge that they need to equip them to be effective and worthwhile workers, citizens, and family members. Knowledge is important, and governments are wise to invest in it, even though a sizable portion of the money is wasted on ineffective methods, poor teachers, and useless materials. But knowledge alone is not enough. We all know people who can show certificates proving they have enough knowledge to pass final exams but who lack the ability to apply their knowledge in any useful way. The ability to apply knowledge in a useful way is a good definition of wisdom. It’s the people who have both knowledge and wisdom who are worthwhile. That is true anywhere in the world, but it is especially true when it comes to our spiritual life.
David knew the meaning of wisdom. He said ‘Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee’ (Psalm 119:11). David knew that it was not enough to read and even memorize the Scriptures; he had to learn the meaning and apply the words in his life. If his life was to be pleasing to God, he must allow the Word of God to be his guide and direction. That was wisdom. and it is just as true for us as it was for David. The lack of wisdom would be in rejecting the Word of God or disobeying it. Surely none of us would want to be guilty of that.
Some of the world’s greatest fools are some of those with the greatest amount of knowledge. Look up the list of the leading atheists and you will find that many have high levels of education. Many have written books, have taught university classes, hold high positions in educational and academic circles. And yet, they are called fools, devoid of wisdom, by the Word of God: ‘The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God’ (Psalm 14:1). The humblest Christian, who knows God and has accepted His Christ, has more wisdom than the highest academic who denies or rejects God.
Our text speaks of the meekness of wisdom. Why meekness? Because our wisdom comes from God, not ourselves. Let us be thankful for the wisdom that God has given us, and let us use it for His glory. – Jim MacIntosh