James 3:13
What does James 3:13 mean?
A plain-English look at James 3:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What James 3:13 means
James challenges any who claim to be wise and understanding to prove it by a good life—tangible works done in the meekness that wisdom produces. Wisdom is not loud self-assertion or mere knowledge; it is skill in godly living that shows in humility. Meekness is not weakness but strength restrained and rightly directed, the opposite of the proud, contentious spirit he will soon condemn. Thus, true wisdom is visible and verifiable in conduct, not self-proclaimed. This shifts the focus from the tongue alone to the heart’s dispositions that govern speech and action, calling for a life that displays wisdom’s quiet power.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Who has wisdom and good sense among you? let him make his works clear by a life of gentle wisdom.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Who <FI>is<Fi> wise and intelligent among you? let him shew out of the good behaviour his works in meekness of wisdom,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge, among you? Let him shew, by a good contestation, his work in the meekness of wisdom.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Who [is] wise and understanding among you; let him shew out of a good conversation his works in meekness of wisdom;
Context
With the tongue section concluded, James turns to the underlying source: wisdom. Verse 13 poses a challenge and a standard—meek, observable works—before defining counterfeit wisdom (verses 14–16) and then describing heavenly wisdom (verses 17–18). The flow shows that consistent speech arises from a wise and humble heart. This verse functions as a gateway, linking the demand for integrity in words with the character that makes such integrity possible.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 2:9
But ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
- Psalms 107:43
Whoso is wise will give heed to these things; And they will consider the lovingkindnesses of Jehovah.
- Matthew 5:5
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
- Zephaniah 2:3
Seek ye Jehovah, all ye meek of the earth, that have kept his ordinances; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye will be hid in the day of Jehovah’s anger.
- Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me; because Jehovah hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
- Isaiah 29:19
The meek also shall increase their joy in Jehovah, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.
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