James 3:14

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12 Can a ^afig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?¹ Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

Heavenly Versus Demonic Wisdom

13 ^aWho is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

14 But if you have ^abitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, ^bdo not boast and lie against the truth.

15 ^aThis wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

16 For ^awhere envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

17 But ^athe wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, ^bwithout partiality ^cand without hypocrisy.

18 ^aNow the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Commentaries:

Adam Clarke

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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: -

"Be calm in arguing, for fierceness makes

Error a fault, and truth discourtesy;

Why should I feel another man' s mistakes

More than his sickness or his poverty?

In love I should; but anger is not love,

Nor wisdom neither; therefore g-e-n-t-l-y m-o-v-e."

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Heavenly Versus Demonic Wisdom

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