James 3:13 (AMP)
13 Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him by his good conduct show his [good] deeds with the gentleness and humility of true wisdom.
A famous actor once was standing in line with a friend, waiting for a table in a crowded restaurant. They had been waiting for some time; the diners seemed to be taking their time eating, and new tables weren’t opening up very fast. They weren’t even that close to the front of the line. The friend became impatient, and he said “why don’t you tell them who you are?”
The actor responded with great wisdom. “If you have to tell them who you are, then you aren’t.”
An arrogant person is one who thinks they are better than others, they feel superior and they project this by having an overbearing mannerism. They love to show off and its all about them. James tells us that wisdom that comes from God does not present itself in this manner.
Philippians 2:3 (AMP)
3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves.
We are to consider others as better than ourselves and not be arrogant and self-righteous. Wisdom from above does not show off and neither does it oppresses and put others down. It does not elevate itself but instead it humbles itself and seeks for opportunities to bless and elevate others to a better place. That is what Jesus did when He walked the face of this earth. He humbles himself even to death on a cross. This is the same attitude we should have as believers who are full of godly wisdom.
Wisdom from God is not showing off how much you know and putting others down, it is not making others feel like fools because every other thing you do and say is aimed at discrediting others and showing how ignorant they are while elevating yourself to a place of prominence. Sadly this has become quite a trend in the body of Christ sometimes even among ministers of the word.
True godly wisdom is presented through good conduct and good deeds presented in humility and gentleness. It is not just empty words that puff up, it presents fruit that all can see.
