James 3:13-18

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. 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 wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, natural, 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, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical. 3:18 And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among 10  those who make peace.


tn Grk “works in the gentleness of wisdom.”

tn Grk “This.”

tn Grk “come down”; “descend.”

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.

tn Or “willing to yield,” “open to persuasion.”

tn Grk “fruits.” The plural Greek term καρπούς has been translated with the collective singular “fruit.”

tn Or “sincere.”

tn Grk “the fruit of righteousness,” meaning righteous living as a fruit, as the thing produced.

tn Grk “is sown.”

10 tn Or “for,” or possibly “by.”