If you have wisdom to share, speak it with meekness. If you have in your fountain, to use James’ metaphor, “bitter jealousy and selfish ambition” you cannot be faithful to the truth. In fact, that kind speech may become demonic. We must learn to discern it when we hear it. True wisdom has its source in God. That kind of wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, impartial, sincere and full of mercy and good fruit. It is a wisdom that makes peace and brings about righteousness among those who hear and receive it. This is the kind of wisdom-speech the folks around us need.
“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:13–18 ESV).
