James 3:14-17

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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - James 3:17

The wisdom that is from above - The pure religion of the Lord Jesus, bought by his blood, and infused by his Spirit. See the rabbinical meaning of this phrase at the end of this chapter. Is first pure - Ἁγνη· Chaste, holy, and clean. Peaceable - Ειρηνικη· Living in peace with others, and promoting peace among men. Gentle - Επιεικης· Meek, modest, of an equal mind, taking every thing in good part, and putting the best construction upon all the actions of others. Easy to... 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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - James 3:15

Verse 15 15This wisdom descendeth not. As hypocrites with difficulty give way, he sharply checked their haughtiness, denying that to be true wisdom with which they were inflated, while they were extremely morose in searching out the vices of others. Conceding to them, however, the term wisdom, he shews by the words he applies to it its true character, and says that it is earthly, sensual, devilish, or demoniac, while true wisdom must be heavenly, spiritual, divine; which three things are... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - James 3:16

Verse 16 16For where envying is. It is an argument from what is contrary; for envying, by which hypocrites are influenced, produces effects contrary to wisdom. For wisdom requires a state of mind that is calm and composed, but envying disturbs it, so that in itself it becomes in a manner tumultuous, and boils up immoderately against others. Some render ἀκαταστασία inconstancy, and sometimes it means this, but as it signifies also sedition and tumult, perturbation seems the most suitable to... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - James 3:17

Verse 17 17But the wisdom which is from above. He now mentions the effects of celestial wisdom which are wholly contrary to the former effects. He says first that it is pure; by which term he excludes hypocrisy and ambition. (127) He, in the second place, calls it peaceable, to intimate that it is not contentious. In the third place, he calls itkind or humane, that we may know that it is far away from that immoderate austerity which tolerates nothing in our brethren. He also calls it gentle or... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 3:13-16

False wisdom. The apostle suggests here that those who aspired too hastily to become Christian teachers ( James 3:1 ) showed themselves to be sadly deficient in wisdom. They were unwise at once in their estimate of their own powers, and in their judgment as to the kind of public discussions, which would be profitable for the Church. The cause of gospel truth could never be advanced by dogmatic disputations or bitter personal wrangling. Attend, therefore, says James in verse 13, to a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 3:13-18

WARNING AGAINST JEALOUSY AND FACTION . James 3:13 contains the positive exhortation to meekness; James 3:14 the negative warning against jealousy and party spirit; and then the following verses place side by side the portraits of the earthly and the heavenly wisdom. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 3:13-18

Wisdom. I. WISDOM SHOWS BY ITS FRUITS IN HEART AND LIFE . The following are some of the fruits of the heavenly wisdom: "By their fruits ye shall know them;" and therefore the presence or absence of such qualities as these form tests by which every one may recognize the presence or absence in his own heart of the wisdom which is from above. II. THE SINFULNESS OF PARTY SPIRIT . A sin which is not always recognized, especially in religious circles, as... read more

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