Humility rests as one of the highest hallmarks of God’s ways. And humility has a key partner—wisdom. Consider how the Amplified Version of James 3:13 links humility and wisdom.
Who is there among you who is wise and intelligent? Then let him by his noble living show forth his [good] works with the [unobtrusive] humility [which is the proper attribute] of true wisdom.
So, there is a direct relationship between humility and wisdom. In humility there is wisdom. Likewise, in wisdom there is humility. True wisdom and humility flow together.
Humility exalts God as mankind’s Creator. Humility is also an outflow of love. So, it is predisposed to consider and even focus on others, not self. It’s fruit, therefore, is genuine peace; in the inner soul and with others. That’s why Jesus says, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29).
Pride, on the other hand, focuses one’s disposition on self. So, humility flows in the rhythm of love, whereas pride flows in the rhythm of self-centeredness. James continues to expand on this reality. Read this slowly and meditate on it.
But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth. 15 This [superficial] wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual (animal), even devilish (demoniacal). 16 For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices. 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure (undefiled); then it is peace-loving, courteous (considerate, gentle). [It is willing to] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubts, wavering, and insincerity). 18 And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God’s will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts].
Yes, James will bring us to the deeper issues of the heart and the heights of God’s wisdom! The Holy Spirit will strengthen our alignment with God, bringing us to make adjustments of the heart. These adjustments can relate to attitudes, values and our disposition in general. This helps us walk in greater wisdom and rhythm with God.
REFLECTION
How do you see humility paving the way for you to walk in the grace of greater wisdom?
How has pride worked against you at times where you realize that you expressed more foolishness than wisdom?