Today's Verse: James 3:13

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
— James 3:13
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

James promised that if we ask for wisdom in faith, God will grant it to us (James 1:5). This kind of wisdom, God-granted wisdom, reveals itself through a loving, humble lifestyle. In worldly cultures, someone who is smart can easily justify acting arrogantly. In the Lord's eyes, however, smart but arrogant people are worse than those who are silly and foolish. The pridefully intelligent people of our world are woefully ignorant if they are arrogant. True godly wisdom is not about flaunting knowledge, but about living a "good life" characterized by good deeds done with humility. Which more closely resembles you in your walk with Jesus: Wisdom expressed through good deeds and a humble lifestyle, or an arrogant intelligence expressed in deeds and words of superiority and arrogance?

My Prayer...

Loving Shepherd, I know you have always been a wise and loving Father to me. Help me share the care you have lavished on me with the person who needs it most, in my circle of influence, today. Please give me the wisdom to recognize each opportunity and respond with deeds and words shared with them in humility. Please protect me from arrogance and feelings of superiority and privilege. Please humble me gently in the ways that forge me into a more useful tool in your hands. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

James 3:13
Devo: Today's Verse
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."
Are you wise?
Illustration of James 3:13
Inspirational illustration of James 3:13 -- Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
Just Because You're Right
Article by Rubel Shelly
How important is proving to everyone else that you are right? Just because you are right doesn't make you right -- how we deal with others is crucial in being right!
HALT
Article by Mike Barres
What do you do when you are emotionally on fire? A recovery saying, HALT, reminds us to be careful when we are hungry, angry, lonely, and tired because then we are vulernable to temptation, sin, and weakness as well as addictions.
See All 5 Related Resources about James 3:13

Illustration

Illustration of James 3:13 — Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Psalms 36:9
"There are times in our spiritual experience when human counsel or sympathy, or religious ordinances, fail to comfort or help us. Why does our gracious..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Head-to-Toe in the Full Armor of God'
"Dear Faithful Follower, Some of the churches in your day are skilled at drawing big audiences. Many more congregations, both large and small, need to..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'No More Division' (Ep. 2:14-16)
"Dear Father, reconciler of humanity, Thank you for sending Jesus to break down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and non-Jew. By the way he...."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'The Truth of Jesus' (Jn. 16:12-15)
"[Jesus continued,] "There is so much more I want to tell you, but you can't bear it now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all..."

About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

More Today's Verse