For where envying and strife is; the usual companions of this devilish wisdom. There is confusion; or, inconsistency, viz. both with man’s self and others; envy makes him unqniet in himself, and troublesome to others, by causing contentions and seditions among them, and breaking their peace, as well as his own. And every evil work; all manner of wickedness is ushered in by this confusion and sedition. read more
CRITICAL AND EXEGETICAL NOTESJames 3:13. Good conversation.—Or, his “good life”; “good conduct.” The usual New Testament idea of “conversation.”James 3:14. Strife.—Prefer “rivalry.”James 3:15. Sensual.—Or, “animal.”James 3:17. Gentle.—Lit. “forbearing.” Intreated.—Persuaded. Partiality.—Chap. James 2:4; R.V. “variance”; without doubtfulness, vacillation, which leads to wrangling.James 3:18. Sown in peace.—So as to consist in peace. “Every good deed is a fruit produced by the good seed sown in... read more
Let's turn to James chapter three. James first of all warns against a desire to teach the Word of God that would stem or emanate just from your own desire to be in front of people or whatever.My brethren, [he said,] be not many masters [or teachers] ( James 3:1 ),The idea of master there is a teacher,knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation ( James 3:1 ).Teaching the Word of God is an awesome responsibility, because when I stand here to teach God's Word, than I am responsible to... read more
James 3:1 . Be not many masters: διδασκαλοι , teachers. In some assemblies they might all prophesy one by one, but no man should be too forward; he will never shine as a teacher, unless he be a teacher. Paul gives the same caution against premature teachers, in 1 Timothy 1:7. James 3:17 . The wisdom that is from above is first pure. It converses with glory, it hates sin, and shuns its first approach. Then peaceable, doing nothing to vex or grieve another. Gentle, full of... read more
James 3:15-16This wisdom descendeth not from aboveThe wisdom that is from belowThere are two characteristics here specified which we shall find are given as the infallible signs of the heavenly wisdom; and their opposites as signs of the other.The heavenly wisdom is fruitful of good deeds, and inspires those who possess it with gentleness. The other wisdom is productive of nothing really valuable, and inspires those who possess it with contentiousness. This test is a very practical one, and we... read more
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. Ver. 15. Earthly, sensual ] Here is a true character of carnal wisdom; the world is a pearl in its eyes, it cannot see God. Earthly it is called, as managing the lusts of the eyes unto the ends of gain; sensual, managing the lusts of the flesh unto the ends of pleasure; and devilish, managing the pride of life unto the ends of power. read more
16 For where envying and strife is , there is confusion and every evil work. Ver. 16. For where envying and strife is, &c. ] The number of two hath been therefore accounted accursed, because it was the first that departed from unity. Divisions (saith one) are like the torrid zone, nothing prospers under it. (Dr Rayner.) When the dogstar ariseth, no plants thrive as at other times. When a fire is kindled in a town, the bells ring backwards; when fires of contentions are kindled in... read more
wisdom: James 3:17, James 1:5, James 1:17, John 3:17, 1 Corinthians 3:3, Philippians 3:19 but: 2 Samuel 13:3, 2 Samuel 15:31, 2 Samuel 16:23, Jeremiah 4:22, Luke 16:8, Romans 1:22, 1 Corinthians 1:19, 1 Corinthians 1:20, 1 Corinthians 1:27, 1 Corinthians 2:6, 1 Corinthians 2:7, 1 Corinthians 3:19, 2 Corinthians 1:12, Jude 1:19 sensual: or, natural, 1 Corinthians 2:14 devilish: Genesis 3:1-Deuteronomy :, John 8:44, Acts 13:10, 2 Corinthians 11:3, 2 Corinthians 11:13-Ezra :, 1 John 3:8-2... read more
where: James 3:14, 1 Corinthians 3:3, Galatians 5:20 there: Genesis 11:9, *marg. Acts 19:29, 1 Corinthians 14:33 confusion: Gr. tumult, or, unquietness every: 1 John 3:12 Reciprocal: Genesis 13:7 - a strife Genesis 38:9 - lest that Judges 9:49 - put them Judges 12:1 - we will burn Proverbs 29:22 - a furious Zechariah 11:14 - I cut Matthew 5:9 - are Matthew 13:27 - whence Mark 3:25 - General Romans 12:18 - General 1 Peter 2:1 - envies read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - James 3:15
This wisdom, which they pretended so much to, who so criticized on other men’s actions, and inveighed against them, and which was accompanied with strife and envy. Descendeth not from above; i.e. from God the author of wisdom, from whom, though every good and perfect gift descends, James 1:17, and even knowledge and skill in natural things, Isaiah 28:26,Isaiah 28:29; yet this wisdom, being sinful, is not from him, because it is earthly, of the earth, of no higher original than from the first... read more