¹⁶ For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh,^(A) the lust of the eyes,^(B) and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.

⁸ “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world^(A) are more shrewd^(B) in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.^(C)

¹⁹ For the wisdom of this world is foolishness^(A) in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”^[a];^{(B) 20} and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”^[b](C)

Two Kinds of Wisdom

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it^(A) by their good life, by deeds^(B) done in the humility that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition^(C) in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.^{(D) 15} Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven^(E) but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.^{(F) 16} For where you have envy and selfish ambition,^(G) there you find disorder and every evil practice.

¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven^(H) is first of all pure; then peace-loving,^(I) considerate, submissive, full of mercy^(J) and good fruit, impartial and sincere.^(K)

A Call to Persevere

¹⁷ But, dear friends, remember what the apostles^(A) of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.^{(B) 18} They said to you, “In the last times^(C) there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.”^{(D) 19} These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.^(E)