Go! And Walk in True Wisdom - James 3:13
James 3:13 – New Living Translation
“If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honourable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.”
Introduction – The Question of Wisdom
Let me begin with a question: How do you know if someone is truly wise?
In our world today, wisdom is often measured by how many books you’ve read, how many degrees you have, or how clever your answers sound. But James—the half-brother of Jesus—reminds us that true wisdom is not about showing off knowledge but about living it out. James says, “prove it by living an honourable life.”
This message today is titled: Go! And Walk in True Wisdom. And I want us to see together that true wisdom is not about being impressive in the eyes of the world, but about living in humility, pointing people to Jesus Christ, and showing the reality of the Gospel through transformed lives.
The Greek word James uses for “wise” is sophos—not just someone clever, but someone skilled in applying God’s truth to life. The phrase “understand God’s ways” is from epistemon, meaning an expert who discerns, not just hears.
But here’s the key: James links wisdom with humility. The word translated “humility” is prautes—gentleness, meekness, strength under control. This is the very character of Jesus Himself, who said in Matthew 11:29:
“Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
So James is saying: True wisdom is shown in a Christlike life of humility.
Point 1 – True Wisdom is Revealed in How We Live
James 3:13 tells us wisdom is proven by a life lived honourably. This echoes Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:16:
“You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act.”
Wisdom is not about winning arguments; it is about bearing fruit that glorifies God.
I once heard the story of a farmer who grew award-winning corn. Each year he shared his best seed with his neighbours. Someone asked him, “Why give away your best seed?” He replied, “If my neighbours grow inferior corn, cross-pollination will ruin my crop. But if they grow good corn, I benefit too.”
True wisdom is not selfish; it seeks the good of others. It is lived out in community.
Charles Stanley once said, “Wisdom is the capacity to see things from God’s viewpoint and respond according to Scriptural principles.”
And that’s exactly what James calls us to—a life that proves our faith by reflecting God’s viewpoint, not our pride.
Point 2 – Worldly Wisdom vs. Godly Wisdom
Later in James 3:15–17 we read: “For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere.”
This contrast is vital. The world says wisdom is about ambition and self-promotion. God says wisdom is about humility and serving.
Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 1:18: “The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.”
The world thinks the Gospel is foolishness. But God’s wisdom is displayed most clearly at the cross—where Christ’s humility and sacrifice defeated sin and death.
John Piper wrote, “The wisdom of God is the wisdom of the cross, and the wisdom of the cross is foolishness to the world.”
True wisdom is not about impressing the world but about embracing the cross of Christ.
Point 3 – True Wisdom Begins with the Fear of the Lord
Proverbs 9:10 says: “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.”
The Hebrew word for “fear” here is yirah—a reverent awe of God. True wisdom starts not with us, but with surrender to Him.
When we recognise God’s holiness, our sinfulness, and Christ’s sufficiency, we are driven to humility. That humility flows into how we treat others, how we make decisions, and how we walk daily with Christ.
Imagine standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon. You feel small, humbled, overwhelmed by greatness. That’s the beginning of wisdom before God—recognising His majesty and our need of Him.
Tim Keller said, “The essence of wisdom is not thinking more highly of ourselves but more highly of God.”
Walking in wisdom means walking in reverence, dependence, and obedience to God.
The Gospel – The Wisdom of God Displayed:
At the centre of all this is the Gospel. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:23–24:
“So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.”
The cross looked like defeat, but it was victory. The tomb looked final, but it became empty. The world saw foolishness, but God revealed His wisdom.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, humbled Himself to death on a cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. This is the wisdom of God that saves.
And here is the call: Repent—turn from your sin and self-reliance—and trust in Christ alone as Lord and Saviour. This is the only way to walk in true wisdom.
Application – Walking in Wisdom Today:
In your workplace: Show wisdom not by competing for recognition, but by serving with integrity.
In your home: Show wisdom not by demanding control, but by loving in humility.
In the church: Show wisdom not by arguing over who is right, but by seeking peace and building unity in Christ.
James says wisdom is proven by a humble life. So, the call is not just to talk about Jesus but to live like Jesus.
Max Lucado once said, “God’s wisdom has a different origin, a different direction, and a different outcome. It begins with God, leads to God, and results in God’s glory.”
That is where our lives must point.
Call to Action:
Friends, the world is filled with voices claiming to be wise. But true wisdom is found only in Christ. Will you go and walk in His wisdom today?
If you are a believer, humble yourself daily before God, live honourably, and let your good works shine as evidence of His transforming grace.
If you have not yet trusted Jesus as Lord and Saviour, today is the day to repent and believe. Do not rely on worldly wisdom—run to the wisdom of the cross.
Invitation to Salvation:
If you recognise that your life has been driven by worldly wisdom, self-reliance, or pride—hear this good news:
Jesus Christ died for your sins, rose again in victory, and offers you forgiveness and eternal life. If you repent and trust Him today, you will be saved.
Will you place your faith in Him? Will you go and walk in true wisdom—the wisdom that begins at the cross?
Benediction:
Beloved, as you go into this week, may you walk not in the wisdom of the world but in the wisdom from above. May your life be marked by humility, purity, peace, mercy, and sincerity. And may all you do point others to the One who is the wisdom of God—Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
