Mosaic (July 18)

"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" (Jam. 3:13-18).

As I've been taking time this month to step back, seeking rest and space to prayerfully discern, my Bible reading has led me into the book of James. If there's ever a book that calls us to practical holiness, it's this one.

I don't often think about longing for wisdom. But when I reached James 3:13—“Who is wise and understanding among you?”—it stopped me. I found myself looking around, wondering: Who around me lives like this? And more deeply: Do I want to become this kind of person?

James is writing to guide believers toward spiritual maturity. By chapter 3, he turns to the power of our words. He asks us to consider: how do we speak? What flows from our mouths—and what does that reveal about the posture of our hearts?

It’s not intelligence that keeps the lock on the cage of our tongue. It’s wisdom—true wisdom, characterized by humility, gentleness, grace, and peace.

“Wise” in this passage refers to moral insight and skill in the practical matters of life. “Understanding” implies a depth of perception and discernment. But James doesn’t call us to simply be wise—he says: Let him show it. This is wisdom’s version of show-and-tell.

“Wisdom is not measured by degrees but by deeds. It is not a matter of acquiring truth in lectures but of applying truth to life. The good life and deeds are best portrayed in the humility of wisdom, or ‘wise meekness.’ The truly wise man is humble.”—Walvoord, Bible Knowledge Commentary, 1983

This has me thinking about how I speak. It's an area where, by God’s grace, I’ve grown—but also one where I’m still being refined. Learning to speak with care, especially when I feel pressure or emotion, is the ongoing work of wisdom.

Author Hannah Anderson writes, “Wisdom is ultimately an outgrowth of humility. Becoming wise people, becoming people who can make good decisions, only comes when we understand who God is and who we are as a result" (All That's Good: Recovering the Lost Art of Discernment, Hannah Anderson, 2018).

Drawing deeper into humility isn't easy. But it's worth the effort—to return again and again to the Scriptures, to meditate on their truths, especially in the areas where I still need to grow. I want my life to reflect God's work in me, and I want my words to be seasoned with salt—gracious, gentle, and peaceable to those around me.

Where in your life is God inviting you to grow in wisdom—and how might that shape the way you speak this week?

On the Blog

In Articles

Using Theology to Discern Fictional Magic | Marian Jacobs (Lifeway Women)

I’m in the middle of reading her book—and it’s excellent so far! (Stay tuned for my full review.) But if you’re curious now, this article is a great starting point. It offers a thoughtful look at fictional magic in fantasy stories and helps distinguish it from real occult practices, all through a biblical lens.

The One Question to Ask in Every Life Situation | JD Greear

"All the miracles recorded in Hebrews 11 were, from heaven’s perspective, just temporary. The point was never a temporary miracle. No, all these temporary manifestations of power served a greater purpose—highlighting that God was coming to earth to take the penalty of sin and the curse of death into himself so that we could be saved. God’s purpose has always been to show the world that.""

Falling Out of Repentance | Joshua Budimlic

This article offers a few wise words on conflict in marriage. Just as love is a choice, so is repentance—it’s not based on how we feel in the moment. Choosing to repent and love daily deepens our relationship and reflects the grace God continually shows us.

Spiritual Foundation #1: Faith-Based Preparation | Julie Loos (Mama Bear Apologetics)

In this you might find a lot of things you know, but great topics to reconsider again along with some practical resources as well!

Resisting the Wiles of Satan | Dr. Joel Beeke

Satan uses many tricks to tempt and harm believers, but God gives us the armor to resist him. Read this snippet shared from a theology text and be challenged that even when we fail, we can trust Christ's forgiveness and keep standing firm in the faith.