3:13James 3:13

True wisdom and knowledge are proved not by words, profession, or claims to know much, but by showing a good life and good works done with meekness.Lt 64, 1888, par. 20–21+4 Good conduct here means the whole manner of life in word and act, kept careful, gentle, and free from harshness, pride, malice, and deceit.ST Mar 1, 1905+2 The meekness it calls for is the meekness of Christ, with self hidden in Him, distrusting self, learning God's will, and revealing His love and wisdom in speech and action.Lt 1c, 1890, par. 29–32+2 The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality or hypocrisy, while wisdom joined to bitter envy and strife is earthly, sensual, and devilish, bringing confusion and every evil work.HSFM 124.2–3+3 It therefore governs the tongue by divine grace, makes its possessors teachable, peaceable, and united, and sows the fruit of righteousness in peace by those who make peace.ST Nov 12, 1885+4

The wise and knowledgeable person proves it by showing a good life, good conduct, and works done with meekness of wisdom.Lt 64, 1888, par. 20–21+4 True wisdom is not joined to bitter envy and strife in the heart, which belong to an earthly, sensual, devilish wisdom and produce disorder, confusion, and every evil work.Lt 64, 1888, par. 20–21+4 Those who cherish such envy and strife must not glory in it or claim advanced spiritual knowledge, for doing so is lying against the truth.Ms 75a, 1900, par. 9 Wisdom from above belonging to meekness is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated and open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy, and its fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by peacemakers.Lt 64, 1888, par. 20–21+4 It is sought through prayer and contrition and produces a character that represents God rather than pride or oppressive control.SPBC 181.3 It means making personal interests secondary, being of one mind and one judgment, never trying to rule or seek supremacy, not carrying personal ideas against the judgment of the brethren, and not manifesting a dictatorial, domineering spirit, but cherishing active humility and true goodness with a softened and subdued spirit and working with an eye single to the glory of God.Lt 54, 1901, par. 5–8

Wisdom is shown by doing well and living well, not merely by words, good ideas, speculation, profession, teaching, self-praise, or claiming to be wise or to know much.Lt 62, 1887, par. 3–4+4 A wise person proves wisdom through good and useful actions carried out with meekness, and wisdom that does not appear in the life is merely human.Lt 62, 1887, par. 3–4+1 Wisdom is not proved by boasting, strife, or self-importance, and boasting and words that exalt self bring weakness rather than strength.Lt 17, 1902, par. 15+1 Humility is linked with being lifted up by the Lord.Lt 62, 1887, par. 3–4 Meekness of wisdom is expressed in mild, careful speech, kindness, courtesy, forgiveness, and efforts to live at peace with others, while harsh denunciation and severe judgment are not fruits of wisdom from above.Ms 11, 1888, par. 20–21

Good conversation means the whole manner of life, including conduct and speech, requiring carefulness in words and acts and entirely controlling the tongue as the unruly member instead of acting unfettered.ST Mar 1, 1905+3 It requires learning to control the tongue so that it obeys an enlightened conscience and holy affections, with conversation and speech free from roughness, vanity, harsh commanding that breeds strife, levity, pride, malice, deceit, and impurity, and without guile before God.ST Mar 1, 1905+3 Words exert a telling power, and Satan seeks to keep the tongue active in his service.ST Mar 1, 1905+1 Human strength cannot control the unruly tongue, and divine grace is the only hope for governing it.ST Mar 1, 1905+1 Wherever there is purity of heart and nobleness of character, it is revealed in purity and nobility of action and speech.ST Mar 1, 1905 These truths must be carefully considered, laid to heart, and made the rule of character, for without especially regarding them it is impossible to carry out the principles of the ten precepts and to be without fault before the throne of God.Ms 11, 1868, par. 1–4 Speech is to give light, knowledge, and information and to restore, build up, and encourage those doing their appointed work, and every action, including every business transaction, must win divine approval by bringing in mercy, justice, and the love of God.Lt 40, 1901, par. 17–19 The teaching rebukes seeking pre-eminence and calls ministers and all believers to seek instead the wisdom from above, which comes when Christ is formed within as the hope of glory.5T 175.1–2

The meekness of wisdom is the meekness of Christ, who is meek and lowly in heart, with self hidden in Jesus, obeying God's Word, learning His will, giving heed to His requirements, seeking precious pearls of truth, and dying to the world, with no cowardice and no compromise.Lt 1c, 1890, par. 29–32+3 Those who distrust self and their own ability, have no confidence in their own ability, commune with God, and learn Christ's lessons of humility fit themselves to be used by God.Ms 39a, 1887, par. 3–4+1 Beholding Christ's purity, self-denial, self-sacrifice, holy character, and mission gives a clear, well-defined view of Jesus and a humble estimate of self and a very humble opinion of self.Ms 39a, 1887, par. 3–4+1 With an exalted view of Jesus and filled with His love, Christ's love and wisdom shape speech and action, and words of wisdom flow from the soul to stir hearts.Ms 39a, 1887, par. 3–4+1 Such a person speaks no words to demerit or disparage others, holds no self-importance, and shows sympathy and a desire to strengthen the hands that hang down and confirm the feeble knees, opening the heart to light from the living oracles and letting the love of God impress the soul so Jesus is glorified.Lt 1c, 1890, par. 29–32+2 By contrast, self-importance, self-assertion, and making wisdom prominent produce faultfinding, complaint, rude and pushy conduct, strife of tongues, gossip and censure that dishonor God, bring feebleness into the church, dishonor Christ's religion, and turn people away from truth, so Christian grace is needed to lead in meekness and lowliness.Lt 1c, 1890, par. 29–32+1 The wise reveal that they have learned from Christ the great Teacher by cultivating righteousness, holding confidence firm to the end amid the perils of the last days, loving one another as Christ loved, seeking unity in faith and action, guiding the flock of God without making false paths for the feet, and never leading into contention and strife.Ms 101, 1901, par. 3–6

The fruit of the life reveals whether wisdom is genuine, just as a fountain is known by its water and a tree by its fruit.3MR 1.2 Jealous, faultfinding, gossiping conduct that sows dissension shows by its fruit that a person is not joined to Christ, the true vine.Ms 7, 1891, par. 37–40 Having knowledge is not enough, for knowledge must be used rightly with the power of Christ rather than to hurt or destroy, trading wisely on His entrusted goods and keeping supplied with heavenly merchandise; wisdom from God is full of gentleness, mercy, and love, while what the world calls wisdom God calls foolishness, and being satisfied with it makes a person spiritually bankrupt.Lt 40, 1901, par. 17–19 The wise person's life is filled with the light of Christ's righteousness.Ms 12, 1902, par. 22–23

The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated and open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.HSFM 124.2–3+4 It is not joined to envy and strife, which produce disorder and evil, but is pure, peaceable, gentle, merciful and fruitful, impartial and sincere.Lt 64, 1888, par. 20–21+4 Its righteousness is sown in peace by peacemakers, and this is the natural outgrowth of the Christian religion, especially for those proclaiming the last solemn message to a dying world, so that though possessing different temperaments and dispositions they see eye to eye in religious belief, speak the same things, have the same judgment, and are one in Christ.HSFM 124.2–3

Wisdom joined to bitter envying and strife in the heart does not descend from above but is earthly, sensual and devilish.HSFM 124.2–3+4 Where envying and strife are there is confusion and every evil work, leading to alienation, difference, strife and contention.HSFM 124.2–3+4 True wisdom is not accompanied by bitter envy or strife, and false wisdom with these in the heart belongs to this lower order.Ms 4, 1902, par. 26+2

Those who cherish bitter envy and strife in their hearts must not glory in it or claim advanced spiritual knowledge, for by doing so they lie against the truth.Ms 75a, 1900, par. 9+3 A claim to be setting things right does not prove wisdom when it is driven by bitter envy, strife or harshness, and boasting of such a spirit contradicts the truth.Ms 24, 1887, par. 47–50 True wisdom in such cases is expressed instead through self-control and gentle, peaceable treatment of those who do wrong.Ms 24, 1887, par. 47–50+1 Self-esteem, criticizing the ideas and work of others, fastening on everything objectionable, raising objections, blocking progress, refusing to cooperate or receive counsel, and exalting own ideas and ways above the advancement of God's work is not wisdom but self-deception, unbelief, Pharisaism and darkness, showing a character that is unteachable, self-sufficient and ignorant of its poverty and must be transformed to become useful and to receive the overcomer's reward.Lt 4, 1889, par. 7–12

Earthly wisdom is seen in doubts, cavilings, playing upon words, turning aside from close reproof, sarcasm, evil feelings, bearing false witness, making light of the message God sends and the messengers who bring it, ridiculing, misrepresenting, quibbling, questioning and finding fault, magnifying small offenses, speaking evil of brethren, and blocking progress.Lt 14, 1889, par. 2–9+4 This spirit was brought to Minneapolis to resist the light God was giving to revive His people, magnify Christ, and call them forward.Lt 14, 1889, par. 2–9+1 Wisdom from above by contrast humbles the heart, puts away sin by repentance and confession, feeds starving souls, and receives God's messages through His delegated servants.Lt 14, 1889, par. 2–9 Wisdom is proved not by questioning and finding fault with everything and every man's teaching but by good conduct, for a habit of accusing the brethren and seeing imperfection in everyone else gives the greatest evidence of imperfect character in the accuser, so the chapter is to be read carefully and used for severe criticism of self rather than judgment of others, with bitterness, evil speaking, telling grievances, suspicion, distrust, watching for evil, perverting brethren's acts, judging brethren, and setting thoughts and tongue on fire over trifling matters recognized as the opposite of meek wisdom.Lt 4, 1889, par. 7–12+2

The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.HSFM 124.2–3+4 Righteousness bears fruit where peacemakers sow in peace, and those in God's service outline their work by laying aside bitter envying and strife, harsh criticism and wounding words, showing instead the wisdom from above in words that do not wound and destroy but reflect sitting with Christ in heavenly places.Ms 103, 1903, par. 16–18+1 Men called to save souls show this wisdom by feeling a burden for the people, with selfish interests swallowed up in deep concern for the salvation of souls for whom Christ died.2T 544.1

True wisdom makes Christ's servants teachable and easy to be entreated rather than self-sufficient and independent in spirit.ST Nov 12, 1885+2 No one is to consider himself authority in all things, and it is not safe to follow one man's mind and judgment, for all are bound together and what each does affects others.Lt 23, 1885, par. 1–4+1 Each is to think and act as a free moral agent who gathers light from God to reflect upon others, willing to learn from one another and to gain wisdom from men of experience, education, and judgment, helping others without becoming the shadow of any man.ST Nov 12, 1885+2 Great and noble minds lay every mind they meet under tribute, absorbing every particle of sound common sense from the experience and education of others and casting aside what has no value, and with a humble heart and true purpose they have sanctified perception to keep what is valuable and distinguish between the true and the false.Lt 23, 1885, par. 1–4+1

Meek wisdom makes personal interests secondary and works with an eye single to God's glory, cherishing active humility and true goodness with a softened and subdued spirit.Lt 54, 1901, par. 5–8+2 It refuses to strive for supremacy, to try to rule, to carry personal ideas against the judgment of the brethren, or to mar God's work with a dictatorial, domineering, strong masterly spirit.Lt 54, 1901, par. 5–8+3 It first learns to obey before commanding, guards words, actions, and spirit so they do not offend but are commended of God, and lets the Bible as guidebook influence the entire man in life practice through self-knowledge and watching unto prayer, so that natural temperament becomes strength, power, and efficiency for good.Ms 13a, 1891, par. 33–34 It lays aside insistence on one's own course, words, and reasoning to seek the same mind and same judgment in meekness, gentleness, and love, hiding self in Jesus, exalting Christ, doing work with fidelity in the meekness of Christ, and walking in the path God's providence opens.Ms 82, 1898, par. 18–25+1

The wise live in this world of sin, strife, and variance as peacemakers, doing all in their power to advance God's work in perfect harmony.HSFM 124.2–3+2 Although possessing different temperaments and dispositions, they see eye to eye in all matters of religious belief, speak the same things, have the same judgment, and are one in Christ Jesus, with no rivalry, jealousy, or seeking for supremacy, since God uses different workers in His cause.HSFM 124.2–3+1 They are to strive to be one as Christ is one with the Father, firmly united in Christian unity, bearing with others, free from divisions, having learned from Christ the great Teacher who is meek and lowly in heart, loving one another as Christ loved, seeking unity in faith and action, guiding the flock without making false paths, and never leading into contention and strife.ST Oct 20, 1898+4 Lack of harmony comes from the root of bitterness, which must be wholly eradicated or many will be defiled, for selfishness kills spirituality and a self-sufficient spirit that treats harshly those Christ died for must be converted or it will shut out of the kingdom of heaven.ST Feb 13, 1901

The verse calls for severe self-examination rather than accusing others, for a habit of questioning and finding fault with everything and every man's teaching, accusing the brethren, seeing imperfection in everyone else, magnifying small offenses into grievances, and speaking evil of brother or sister gives the greatest evidence of imperfect character in the accuser.Lt 18, 1894, par. 7–8+2 The whole chapter is to be read carefully, studied, prayed over, and practiced as criticism of self rather than judgment of others, with prayer for cleansed sight from selfish perverted ideas, so charity replaces accusation and a different atmosphere surrounds the soul.Lt 98, 1896, par. 1–3+1 Believers are to guard against the first signs of discord, let truth sanctify them and remove what causes strife, direct zeal toward correcting self, and practice the Bible's principles by showing love, patience, long forbearance, kindness, courtesy, and forgiveness.Ms 6, 1892, par. 4–7+2 Bitterness, evil speaking, telling grievances, suspicion, distrust, watching for evil, perverting brethren's acts, bitter words, unkind actions, envy, and contention belong to the spirit of the world, deny Christ, misrepresent and lie against the truth, and bring reproach on the truth.Ms 11, 1888, par. 15–16+2

Truth enthroned in the heart softens and subdues the soul, sanctifies the character, elevates, ennobles, and purifies it.Lt 63a, 1893, par. 37–38+1 It gives faith that works by love and cleanses from every kind and species of selfishness.Lt 63a, 1893, par. 37–38+1 By beholding the self-denial, self-sacrifice, meekness, purity, and holiness of the life of Christ, the spirit and character become changed, disciples become Christlike, and they become one with Christ in spirit and character as Christ is one with the Father.Lt 63a, 1893, par. 37–38+1 They bear the test and pruning of God, that it may be shown whether they will be found worthy to belong to God's own family above.Lt 63a, 1893, par. 37–38+1

True wisdom is proved above all in the governing of the gift of speech, for the wise show a good manner of life with meekness by learning to control the unruly tongue until it obeys an enlightened conscience and holy affections.ST Mar 1, 1905+2 Conversation is to be kept free from levity, pride and malice, deceit and impurity, from roughness, vanity and harsh commanding that breeds strife, and to be without guile before God.ST Mar 1, 1905+2 The tongue is an unruly member that human strength cannot tame, and Satan seeks to keep it active in his service, so divine grace is the only hope for its control.ST Mar 1, 1905+1 Wherever there is purity of heart and nobleness of character it is revealed in purity and nobility of action and speech.ST Mar 1, 1905 This calls for educating oneself in carefulness of words and acts and entirely controlling the tongue instead of acting unfettered, carefully considering these truths, laying them to heart, and making them the rule of character, for without especially regarding them it is impossible to carry out the principles of the ten precepts and to stand without fault before the throne of God.Ms 11, 1868, par. 1–4 Seeking pre-eminence is rebuked, and ministers and all believers are instead to seek the wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy, which comes when Christ is formed within as the hope of glory.5T 175.1–2

Fine words, fair speech, profession, or merely claiming to be wise and to know much is not enough, for wisdom that does not appear in the life is merely human, and knowledge alone without right use leaves a person spiritually bankrupt.Ms 103, 1903, par. 16–18+2 Knowledge must be used rightly with the power of Christ, trading wisely on His entrusted goods and keeping supplied with heavenly merchandise, and never used to hurt or destroy.ST Oct 30, 1901+1 What the world calls wisdom God calls foolishness, while wisdom from God is gentle, merciful, and loving.ST Oct 30, 1901+1 Bitter envying and strife, harsh criticism and wounding words must be laid aside, because that kind of wisdom is earthly, sensual and devilish and produces confusion and every evil work.Ms 103, 1903, par. 16–18 Instead the wise show the wisdom from above, sitting as it were with Christ in heavenly places, sowing the fruit of righteousness in peace as peacemakers whose words do not wound and destroy.Ms 103, 1903, par. 16–18

In speech and conduct true wisdom avoids harshness and strife and instead encourages, restores, and builds others up, giving light, knowledge, and information and strengthening those doing their appointed work.ST Oct 30, 1901+1 Every action, including every business transaction, must win divine approval by bringing in mercy, justice, and the love of God.ST Oct 30, 1901+1 Meekness of wisdom appears in mild, careful speech marked by humility and care, in kindness, courtesy, forgiveness, self-control, patience, and gentleness under provocation, with effort to live at peace with others.Lt 76, 1898, par. 21–23+2 Words sanctified by the Spirit and a voice rightly developed as a gift are valuable, and character is known by its fruit in tender, compassionate, Christlike action.Ms 92, 1899, par. 1–2+1 Giving way to passion brings harm, and harsh denunciation, severe judgment, harsh dictatorial ways, and cold, critical, sarcastic behavior are not fruits of wisdom from above.Lt 76, 1898, par. 21–23+4 Those who lead in sacred work are to practice Christ's teachings and replace such a spirit with the spirit of Jesus, refusing also to spread suspicions or hearsay, since bitter envy and strife in the heart contradict meek wisdom and make boasting wrong as lying against the truth.Ms 92, 1899, par. 1–2+1

One who has erred will never improve character by vindicating a hasty, harsh course, but must confess, humble the soul before God, and be reconciled to brother or sister.Ms 110, 1909, par. 6–9 Meek wisdom refuses bitterness and variance, removes the rubbish of disunion, heals old wounds, and makes straight paths so the lame is healed rather than turned out of the way.Ms 110, 1909, par. 6–9 Ministers must be under Christ's orders to build up and not tear down, speaking words under the Holy Spirit that soften and subdue rather than aggravate and discourage fellow workers, because everlasting consequences depend upon the use of the tongue.Ms 110, 1909, par. 6–9

A well-ordered, godly life proves true wisdom and knowledge, showing works done with meekness.ST Oct 30, 1901+1 Such consistent conduct demonstrates the power of divine truth, holds back sin, and turns people from crooked paths to righteousness.ST Oct 30, 1901+1

Those called to save souls show this wisdom by feeling a burden for people, with selfish interests swallowed up in deep concern for the salvation of souls for whom Christ died.2T 544.1 Missionary service requires this meekness of wisdom joined with strong faith.RH Nov 15, 1906+1 Experienced workers are needed in the large cities to carry light to those sitting in the shadow of death and to lift weary souls to a compassionate Redeemer, and this work must be done in that meekness joined with strength of faith, since selfishness prevents such service and keeps hearts from perceiving duty.4T 80.3

Fitness to teach is proved not by profession or speech alone but by a life of good conduct marked by meekness and wisdom.Ms 11, 1888, par. 17–19+2 Self-exalting, conceited talk that is not meek or wise does not benefit others and can harm the work of truth, and wisdom is shown not by words, self-praise, or claiming to know much.TCBMP 95.1+1 Meek wisdom refuses to spread suspicions or hearsay and makes sincere effort to learn the facts before judging or repeating accusations.Ms 11, 1888, par. 17–19 A person should first set the heart right before God rather than undertake teaching others without needed character and fitness, preserving modesty in conversation, not talking as if knowing a great deal, with self-control, self-possession, reserve, caution, discretion, and humility.TCBMP 95.1+1

In defending a point of faith and in religious controversy this meekness means speaking truth in love and answering gently rather than striving.RH Apr 29, 1902 It avoids sharp, ungenerous speech and human passion, for the aim is to convince people of truth rather than to silence or humiliate them.16MR 299.2–300.1 Opposition is to be met with meekness and pity, and evil overcome with good.16MR 299.2–300.1

The meekness of wisdom must be obtained in order to be converted, to gain eternal life, and to be happy.4T 240.2 It means no longer working at cross-purposes in marriage, and laying down faultfinding, suspicions, jealousies, unhappy bickerings, cherished frailties, passions, prejudices, self-love, covetousness, pride, and evil-surmising, which are pricking, bruising thorns and a galling yoke, because the spirit developed in the family is carried into religious experience.4T 240.2+1 It is gained by laying down self-imposed burdens and taking Christ's easy yoke and light burden, whose requirements are all consistent and harmonious and when cheerfully borne bring peace and rest to the soul.4T 240.3 It means being careful how faults are spoken of in the presence of children, seeing and crediting the good qualities in a son instead of seeing only the bad and evil, pursuing a consistent course toward him, showing confidence in his good traits of character rather than dwelling on his faults before others.4T 240.2

Wisdom from above is sought through earnest supplication, prayer, and contrition, with assurance that God hears and answers and gives understanding to those who seek it.SPBC 181.3+2 It produces a character that represents God rather than pride or oppressive control, and it is shown by good conduct and works marked by meekness rather than by claiming authority over others.SPBC 181.3+2 Brought into a time of council, it brings the sweet spirit of Jesus into the midst so brethren bear good testimony and draw near to each other.Ms 16a, 1885, par. 86–87 Applied to decisions in God's work, it calls servants to seek wisdom from above with humility and to act in a way that reflects God's character, in contrast to selfish ambition, envy, and strife that produce disorder and evil.Lt 54, 1895, par. 22–24+1

The chapter gives the same principles God spoke from the pillar of cloud about what to do and what not to do, given in Deuteronomy 4.Ms 40, 1891, par. 42–45 Those principles are the principles of the law of God, expressions of the mind of the infinite God, and they never lose force but every word is to be cherished, preached, and acted out in principle in all religious service toward God and toward one another.Ms 40, 1891, par. 42–45 They require humbling of spirit and a changed heart, shown in being Christian gentlemen, loving as brethren, doing no injustice, and always showing liberality, tenderness, compassion, and true courtesy.Ms 40, 1891, par. 42–45 These truths must be carefully considered, laid to heart, and made the rule of character, educating in carefulness of words and acts and entire control of the tongue as the unruly member instead of acting unfettered, for without especially regarding them it is impossible to carry out the principles of the ten precepts and to be without fault before the throne of God.Ms 11, 1868, par. 1–4 All who depart from His word in actions misrepresent His character and God will not be trifled with, while light is sown for the righteous and gladness for the upright in heart.Ms 40, 1891, par. 42–45

Having knowledge is not enough, for knowledge must be used rightly with the power of Christ, trading wisely on entrusted goods and keeping supplied with heavenly merchandise.Lt 40, 1901, par. 17–19 Fine words or knowledge alone do not prove wisdom, nor does claiming to be wise or speaking fair words, for wisdom that does not appear in the life is merely human.ST Oct 30, 1901+1 Wisdom from God is gentle, merciful, and loving and will not be used to hurt or destroy, while what the world calls wisdom God calls foolishness, and being satisfied with it makes a person spiritually bankrupt.ST Oct 30, 1901+1 True wisdom is not self-confident or bent on worldly favor and peace, in contrast to earthly, devilish wisdom, and is pure, peaceable, gentle, merciful, impartial, and sincere.Ms 40a, 1890, par. 55–57 Wisdom sought from people who do not love God can corrupt judgment and religious principle, as shown when Solomon's God-given wisdom became a cause of ruin when employed for self-exaltation and joined to idolatrous influences.Ms 44, 1894, par. 21–24 Good conduct means speech and action free from roughness, vanity, harsh commanding that breeds strife, harshness, and contention, and instead speech that gives light, knowledge, and information and restores, builds up, and encourages those doing their appointed work, with every action including every business transaction winning divine approval by bringing in mercy, justice, and the love of God.ST Oct 30, 1901+1