Jam 3:13-18 | NETfull | STEP | Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct he should show his works done in the gentleness that wisdom brings.

James 3:13-18

True Wisdom

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct he should show his works done in the gentleness that wisdom brings. ^{▼▼ Grk “works in the gentleness of wisdom.”} 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfishness in your hearts, do not boast and tell lies against the truth. 15 Such ^{▼▼ Grk “This.”} wisdom does not come ^{▼▼ Grk “come down”; “descend.”} from above but is earthly, natural, ^{▼▼ Grk “soulish,” which describes life apart from God, characteristic of earthly human life as opposed to what is spiritual. Cf. 1 Cor 2:14; 15:44–46; Jude 19.} demonic. 16 For where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, ^{▼▼ Or “willing to yield,” “open to persuasion.”} full of mercy and good fruit, ^{▼▼ Grk “fruits.” The plural Greek term καρπούς has been translated with the collective singular “fruit.”} impartial, and not hypocritical. ^{▼▼ Or “sincere.”} 18 And the fruit that consists of righteousness ^{▼▼ Grk “the fruit of righteousness,” meaning righteous living as a fruit, as the thing produced.} is planted ^{▼▼ Grk “is sown.”} in peace among ^{▼▼ Or “for,” or possibly “by.”} those who make peace.