3:14 "Bitter jealousy"and "selfish ambition"are motives that must not inhabit the heart of a teacher or he will find himself saying things he should not. These are attitudes toward others and self that are the antithesis of graciousness that seeks the welfare of others before self. Jealousy and ambition are manifestations of arrogance, and they result in promoting self rather than the truth the teacher is responsible to communicate. Lying against the truth means teaching untrue things, things that oppose the truth. Those who boast of wisdom are not of God because humility does not mark their lives.
3:15 This type of so-called "wisdom,"which springs from jealousy and ambition, does not have its source in the fear of the Lord. It comes from the spirit (philosophy) of this world (cf. 2:1-7). It consists of only what is natural excluding the supernatural influence of God's Spirit. Furthermore it is demon-like in its deception, hypocrisy, and evil.
3:16 God is not the God of disorder but of order and peace (1 Cor. 14:33). He opposes every evil thing (1 John 1:5). Therefore ungracious jealousy and personal ambition are not part of the wisdom He provides.
