Wisdom from Above

13 Who among you is wise and understanding? (A)Let him show by his (B)good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter (C)jealousy and [a]selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against (D)the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down (E)from above, but is (F)earthly, [b](G)natural, (H)demonic. 16 For where (I)jealousy and [c]selfish ambition exist, [d]there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom (J)from above is first (K)pure, then (L)peace-loving, (M)gentle, [e]reasonable, (N)full of mercy and good fruits, [f](O)impartial, free of (P)hypocrisy. 18 And the (Q)fruit of righteousness is sown in peace [g]by those who make peace.

Things to Avoid

[h]What is the source of quarrels and (R)conflicts among you? [i]Is the source not your pleasures that wage (S)war in [j]your body’s parts? You lust and do not have, so you (T)commit murder. And you are envious and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and (U)do not receive, because you ask [k]with the wrong motives, so that you may spend what you request [l]on your pleasures.

Footnotes

  1. James 3:14 Or strife
  2. James 3:15 Or unspiritual
  3. James 3:16 Or strife
  4. James 3:16 I.e., in that place
  5. James 3:17 Or willing to yield
  6. James 3:17 Or unwavering
  7. James 3:18 Or for
  8. James 4:1 Lit From where wars and from where fightings
  9. James 4:1 Lit Are they not from here, from your
  10. James 4:1 Lit your parts
  11. James 4:3 Lit wrongly
  12. James 4:3 Lit in

(A)Submit therefore to God. But [a](B)resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (C)Come close to God and He will come close to you. (D)Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and (E)purify your hearts, you (F)[b]double-minded.

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Footnotes

  1. James 4:7 Or oppose
  2. James 4:8 I.e., chronic doubters

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