The Wise and Foolish Builders^(A)

²⁴ “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice^(B) is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,^(A) who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.^(B)

י Yodh

¹¹ Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another.^(A) Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister^[a] or judges them^(B) speaks against the law^(C) and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it,^(D) but sitting in judgment on it.

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.

¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven^(H) is first of all pure; then peace-loving,^(I) considerate, submissive, full of mercy^(J) and good fruit, impartial and sincere.^{(K) 18} Peacemakers^(L) who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.^(M)

⁸ If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,”^[a](A) you are doing right. ⁹ But if you show favoritism,^(B) you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.^{(C) 10} For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles^(D) at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.^{(E) 11} For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,”^[b](F) also said, “You shall not murder.”^[c](G) If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

¹² Speak and act as those who are going to be judged^(H) by the law that gives freedom,^(I)