James 3:17

The Pulpit Commentary - James 3:17

The wisdom which is from above ; ἡ ἄνωθεν σοφία , equivalent to הגוילע המכח —an expression not unknown among rabbinical writers. First pure, then peaceable. "The sequence is that of thought, not of time" (Plumptre). Purity must be secured, even at the expense of peace. Gentle, and easy to be entreated ( ἐπιεκὴς εὐπειθής ). The former of these two terms signifies "forbearing under provocation" (cf. 1 Timothy 3:3 ; Titus 3:2 ; 1 Peter 2:18 ); the latter is found... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 3:17-18

True wisdom. These two verses exhibit, with much terseness and beauty, the features of the true or heavenly wisdom, i.e. the characteristic qualities of the state of mind, which is produced by a sincere reception of saving truth. The picture here presented forms a direct contrast to the description of false or earthly wisdom given in James 3:14-16 . I. THE NATURE OF TRUE WISDOM . ( James 3:17 ) In origin it is "from above." It is not the product of self-culture, but... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - James 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above - Compare the notes at 1 Corinthians 2:6-7. The wisdom which has a heavenly origin, or which is from God. The man who is characterised by that wisdom will be pure, peaceable, etc. This does not refer to the doctrines of religion, but to its spirit.Is first pure - That is, the first effect of it on the mind is to make it pure. The influence on the man is to make him upright, sincere, candid, holy. The word here used (ἁγνη hagnē) is that which would be applied... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - James 3:17

James 3:17. But the wisdom that is from above Of celestial origin; which comes from God; is first pure From all unholy and corrupt mixtures, whether of error or sin. It is agreeable to the tenor of divine and evangelical truth, and conscientious in the discharge of every duty to God and man; it is therefore purified from all that is earthly, sensual, and devilish; then peaceable Desirous of making and maintaining peace; and willing, in order thereto, to sacrifice any thing, except... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - James 3:13-18

Spiritual and worldly wisdom (3:13-18)Christians must distinguish between spiritual wisdom and worldly wisdom. Some people are undoubtedly skilful in laying plans and using circumstances to achieve their goals, but their actions are often characterized by jealousy, selfishness and dishonesty. This is worldly wisdom. It comes not from God but from Satan, and results in wrong actions. It contrasts sharply with spiritual wisdom, which is characterized by humility and uprightness (13-16).In... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - James 3:17

pure . Greek. hagnos. See 2 Corinthians 7:11 . peaceable . Greek. eirenikos. Only here and Hebrews 12:11 . Peace must not be sought at the expense of truth. gentle . Greek. epieikes . See Philippians 1:4 , Philippians 1:5 . easy, &c . Greek. eupeithes. Only here. without partiality . Greek. adiakritos. Only here. Compare App-122 . without hypocrisy . Greek. anupokritos. See Romans 12:9 ). Compare App-122 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - James 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy.This sevenfold description (taking mercy and good fruits as one quality) of the wisdom that is from above is most instructive.The wisdom that is from above ... This does not mean that mortals are directly inspired by such wisdom, but that God is the ultimate source from which their wisdom is actually received; and the means of their... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - James 3:17

17. first pure—literally, "chaste," "sanctified": pure from all that is "earthly, sensual (animal), devilish" ( :-). This is put, "first of all," before "peaceable" because there is an unholy peace with the world which makes no distinction between clean and unclean. Compare "undefiled" and "unspotted from the world," James 1:27; James 4:4; James 4:8, "purify . . . hearts"; 1 Peter 1:22, "purified . . . souls" (the same Greek). Ministers must not preach before a purifying change of heart,... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - James 3:13-18

B. Controlling the Mind 3:13-18As in the previous chapters, James began his discussion of human speech with a practical exhortation and continued to deal with increasingly basic issues. He spoke of the importance of controlling one’s mind next to enable his readers to understand how to control their tongues. Wisdom in the mind affects one’s use of his or her tongue. Note the key words "wise" and "wisdom" (James 3:13; James 3:17), which bracket the thought of this section, as well of the... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - James 3:17

In contrast, the wisdom God gives has several characteristics. It is pure, meaning free of the defilements mentioned. It is peaceable, namely, peace-loving, peace-practicing, and peace-yielding. It is gentle or considerate of others. It is reasonable, that is, open to reason and willing to yield to reasonable requests. It is full of mercy in that it is actively sympathetic to the needy, and it is full of good fruits (good works). It is unwaveringly single-minded in its devotion to God rather... read more

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