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Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition[a] or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself.

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Footnotes

  1. Philippians 2:3 tn Grk “not according to selfish ambition.” There is no main verb in this verse; the subjunctive φρονῆτε (phronēte, “be of the same mind”) is implied here as well. Thus, although most translations supply the verb “do” at the beginning of v. 3 (e.g., “do nothing from selfish ambition”), the idea is even stronger than that: “Don’t even think any thoughts motivated by selfish ambition.”

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.(A) Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,(B)

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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.

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Footnotes

  1. James 3:13 tn Grk “works in the gentleness of wisdom.”
  2. James 3:15 tn Grk “This.”
  3. James 3:15 tn Grk “come down”; “descend.”
  4. 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.

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.

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