James 3:14-16 NASB

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - James 3:13-18

As the sins before condemned arise from an affectation of being thought more wise than others, and being endued with more knowledge than they, so the apostle in these verses shows the difference between men's pretending to be wise and their being really so, and between the wisdom which is from beneath (from earth or hell) and that which is from above. I. We have some account of true wisdom, with the distinguishing marks and fruits of it: Who is a wise man, and endued with knowledge among you?... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - James 3:13-14

3:13-14 Who among you is a man of wisdom and of understanding? Let him show by the loveliness of his behaviour that all he does is done with gentleness. If in your hearts you have a zeal that is bitter, and selfish ambition, do not be arrogantly boastful about your attainments, for you are false to the truth. James goes back, as it were, to the beginning of the chapter. His argument runs like this: "Is there any of you who wishes to be a real sage and a real teacher? Then let him live a... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - James 3:15-16

3:15-16 Such wisdom is not the wisdom which comes down from above, but is earthly, characteristic of the natural man, inspired by the devil. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil thing. This bitter and arrogant wisdom, so-called, is very different from real wisdom. James first of all describes it in itself, and then in its effects. In itself it is three things. (i) It is earthly. Its standards and sources are earthly. It measures success in... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - James 3:14

But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts ,.... Though these may not be expressed by words, or actions: envy at the happiness of others, whether at the external blessings of Providence, as riches and honours, or at the internal endowments of their minds, as their wisdom and knowledge, their parts and abilities, is a root of bitterness in the heart, which bears wormwood and gall, and produces bitter effects in the persons in whom it is; it embitters their minds against their... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - James 3:15

This wisdom descendeth not from above ,.... If it must be called wisdom, as it ought not; an envious, quarrelsome, and contentious spirit, does not deserve such a name; yet if any will call it so, or can think that a man of such a disposition is a man possessed of wisdom; it is such wisdom as does not come from above, from heaven, from the Father of lights, from Christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and from the spirit of wisdom and revelation: what the Jews say ... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - James 3:16

For where envying and strife is ,.... Where these are cherished in the heart, and especially where they break out into action, in families, neighbourhoods, states, or churches: there is confusion and every evil work ; these occasion disturbances, raise uneasiness, make disquietude, and cause tumults whenever they appear; and put persons upon doing everything that is wicked, to gratify such insatiable lusts. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 3:14

If ye have bitter envying and strife - If ye be under the influence of an unkind, fierce, and contemptuous spirit, even while attempting or pretending to defend true religion, do not boast either of your exertions or success in silencing an adversary; ye have no religion, and no true wisdom, and to profess either is to lie against the truth. Let all writers on what is called polemic (fighting, warring) divinity lay this to heart. The pious Mr. Herbert gives excellent advice on this subject:... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 3:15

This wisdom descendeth not from above - God is not the author of it, because it is bitter - not meek. See at the end of this chapter. Is earthly - Having this life only in view. Sensual - Ψυχικη· Animal - having for its object the gratification of the passions and animal propensities. Devilish - Δαιμονιωδης· Demoniacal - inspired by demons, and maintained in the soul by their indwelling influence. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 3:16

For where envying and strife is - Ζηλος και εριθεια· Zeal - fiery, inflammatory passion, and contention - altercations about the different points of the law, of no use for edification, such as those mentioned, Titus 3:9 . The Jews were the most intolerant of all mankind; it was a maxim with them to kill those who would not conform to their law; and their salvation they believed to be impossible. This has been the spirit of Popery, and of the Romish Church at large; in vain do they... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - James 3:14

Verse 14 l4But if ye have bitter envying. He points out the fruits which proceed from that extreme austerity which is contrary to meekness; for immoderate rigor necessarily begets mischievous emulations, which presently break forth into contentions. It is, indeed, an improper mode of speaking, to place contentions in the heart; but this affects not the meaning; for the object was to shew that the evil disposition of the heart is the fountain of these evils. He has called envying, or emulation,... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - James 3:13-18

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - James 3:13-14

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - James 3:15-16

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - James 3:14

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - James 3:15

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - James 3:16

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 3:14

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 3:15

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 3:16

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - James 3:14

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