13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
–James 3:13-18 (ESV)

James has a particular form of meekness in view here: meekness of wisdom. This meekness has to do with with works that grow out of our faith. The overriding point in this part of James’s letter is that faith cannot exist by itself. Faith is demonstrated by our works – what we do with our faith.

Perhaps this form of meekness comes from recognizing how easily our works can be corrupted and counterfeited when they are not the result of our faith. Being meek before the Lord is a mark of wisdom and strength.