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.

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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

Two Kinds of Wisdom

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good life let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without uncertainty or insincerity. 18 And the harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

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