James 3:13-17
Context3:13 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
1 tn Grk “works in the gentleness of wisdom.”
2 tn Grk “This.”
3 tn Grk “come down”; “descend.”
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.
5 tn Or “willing to yield,” “open to persuasion.”
6 tn Grk “fruits.” The plural Greek term καρπούς has been translated with the collective singular “fruit.”
7 tn Or “sincere.”