James 3:13-17

True Wisdom

3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct he should show his works done in the gentleness that wisdom brings. ¹  3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfishness in your hearts, do not boast and tell lies against the truth. 3:15 Such ²  wisdom does not come ³  from above but is earthly, natural, ⁴  demonic. 3:16 For where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is disorder and every evil practice. 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, ⁵  full of mercy and good fruit, ⁶  impartial, and not hypocritical. ⁷ 

[3:13]  ¹ tn Grk “works in the gentleness of wisdom.”

[3:15]  ² tn Grk “This.”

[3:15]  ³ tn Grk “come down”; “descend.”

[3:15]  ⁴ tn Grk “soulish,” which describes life apart from God, characteristic of earthly human life as opposed to what is spiritual. Cf. 1 Cor 2:14; 15:44-46; Jude 19.

[3:17]  ⁵ tn Or “willing to yield,” “open to persuasion.”

[3:17]  ⁶ tn Grk “fruits.” The plural Greek term καρπούς has been translated with the collective singular “fruit.”

[3:17]  ⁷ tn Or “sincere.”