Reflection: Can one claim to be wise? It doesn’t sound very humble. Often we see wisdom in others. We seek out specific people in our lives for their wise counsel. James is suggesting we can show wisdom and understanding in the way we live our life. That makes sense. We can tell so much about our friends and family by the way they live their lives. How they treat each other. How they engage with the people in their neighbourhood. How they use their money.
As we look at this verse, there is something circular about it. We cannot be wise and understanding without God’s intervention. The deeds that might demonstrate that we are wise can only be displayed because we have received God’s wisdom that will reveal itself by our humility and by the good life we live.
Whatever it might be, I want to be that wise person. I want people to be able to look at my life and see a good example in it. I know how to engage this superpower. Just ask God and keep asking (and listening, and applying).
Prayer: Lord God, I want to be a good example to others. Help me to breathe in your wisdom and understanding in a way that humbly offers my life to others. I am your servant, God. May I be willing to be used. Amen.