Who is wise and understanding?
—James 3:13
Don’t confuse wisdom with intelligence. We’ve all known exceedingly smart people who were exceedingly unwise.
A wise person is aware of how much they don’t know. Mark Twain said, “We are all ignorant; just about different things.” A brilliant heart surgeon may be at sea when it comes to fixing a leaky faucet.
James links wisdom with good conduct and humility, not with knowledge: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (Jas 3:13).
The truly wise person maintains a submissive view of God, a generous view of others, and a sober view of self. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself” (Phil 2:3).
Being smart is pocket change.
Being wise is pure gold.