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The following is written by Melissa Fitzpatrick in James Mercy Triumphs by Beth Moore.
The reference to Douglas Moo comes from his book The Letter of James, page 170
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"He (the one who is wise and has understanding) should show his works by good conduct with wisdom's gentleness."
James 3:13 HCSB version
"The Greek word rendered "humility" or "gentleness" refers to "the quality of not being overly impressed by a sense of one's self-importance."
"Douglas Moo notes that the quality this word refers to "was not usually prized by the Greeks" because "they thought it signaled a servility unworthy of a strong and confident person." Things are not so different in our society, are they? Even within our church communities, the wise people are usually the outspoken, the ones winning the theological debates. The gentle ones may be respected as good, down-to-earth folks with servant hearts, but we rarely deem them wise."
"What is it about not being overly impressed by a sense of one's self-importance that makes one wise? If I were really courageous enough to admit I am not as significant as I think I am, then I wouldn't always need to have the last word."
"The gentleness that is linked to wisdom in this context means living out of the knowledge that I am not the priority here. When I combine this disquieting yet liberating truth about me with the awareness that each person I meet is worth far more than I could ever imagine, perhaps I will be on my way to exuding this wisdom from above."
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Dear Lord,
Give me your wisdom, work it in and through me.
Give me eyes to see the worldly wisdom around me
before I join in and become like the world.
Then show me how to act and think to do your will
and to be filled with your
gentle wisdom from above.
I ask this in Jesus name, Amen
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