James 3:13-4:2

New American Standard Bible

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

4 ^[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? ² 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.