“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.” (James 3:13)
James began this chapter with a caution to “would be” teachers telling us that not everyone should pursue teaching. Not everyone has the Spiritual gift of teaching. And some of us with that gift do not do it as well as some others who have the gift.
Meekness is not weakness. Jesus said, “I am meek and lowly…” (Matthew 11:29) He was no weakling. Also, “The man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” (Numbers 12:3) A teacher must be meek but not be weak.
A teacher teaches from knowledge but he must have wisdom to go with his knowledge. You have heard it said that someone has “book learning” but no common sense.
A teacher’s manner of life and conduct, which is what the word “conversation” means here, should be a part of his teaching package. Some teachers speak as an angel on Sunday morning but talk and act like the devil the rest of the week. Teachers and all other Christians should live lives that exemplify the change Christ has made and continues to make in our lives.
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