James 3:13-18
New English Translation
True Wisdom
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct he should show his works done in the gentleness that wisdom brings.[a] 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfishness in your hearts, do not boast and tell lies against the truth. 15 Such[b] wisdom does not come[c] from above but is earthly, natural,[d] demonic. 16 For where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating,[e] full of mercy and good fruit,[f] impartial, and not hypocritical.[g] 18 And the fruit that consists of righteousness[h] is planted[i] in peace among[j] those who make peace.
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- James 3:13 tn Grk “works in the gentleness of wisdom.”
- James 3:15 tn Grk “This.”
- James 3:15 tn Grk “come down”; “descend.”
- James 3:15 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.
- James 3:17 tn Or “willing to yield,” “open to persuasion.”
- James 3:17 tn Grk “fruits.” The plural Greek term καρπούς has been translated with the collective singular “fruit.”
- James 3:17 tn Or “sincere.”
- James 3:18 tn Grk “the fruit of righteousness,” meaning righteous living as a fruit, as the thing produced.
- James 3:18 tn Grk “is sown.”
- James 3:18 tn Or “for,” or possibly “by.”
James 3:13-18
Legacy Standard Bible
Wisdom from Above
13 Who among you is wise and understanding? (A)Let him show by his (B)good conduct his works 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 coming 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 practice. 17 But the wisdom (J)from above is first (K)pure, then (L)peaceable, (M)considerate, submissive, (N)full of mercy and good fruits, (O)without doubting, without (P)hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness (Q)is sown in peace [e]by those who make peace.
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- James 3:14 Or strife
- James 3:15 Or unspiritual
- James 3:16 v 14, note 1
- James 3:16 In that place
- James 3:18 Or for
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