James 3:15 - Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown

James 3:15

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:

Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown

<< James 3:14

James 3:16 >>

James 3:15

This wisdom—in which ye "glory," as if ye were "wise" (James 3:13-14).

descendeth not from above—literally, "is not one descending," etc.: "from the Father of lights" (true illumination and wisdom), James 1:17; through "the Spirit of truth," John 15:26.

earthly—opposed to heavenly. Distinct from "earthy," I Corinthians 15:47. Earthly is what is IN the earth; earthy, what is of the earth.

sensual—literally, "animal-like": the wisdom of the "natural" (the same Greek) man, not born again of God; "not having the Spirit" (Judges 1:19).

devilish—in its origin (from "hell," James 3:6; not from God, the Giver of true wisdom, James 1:5), and also in its character, which accords with its origin. Earthly, sensual, and devilish, answer to the three spiritual foes of man, the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing James 3:15:

Zechariah 14:13
1 Corinthians 2:14
1 Timothy 4:1
James 1:17
James 2:14
James 3:14
James 3:17

<< James 3:14

James 3:16 >>

DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.

Join 137,115+ readers

A Verse and a Thought,
Every Morning

Consistent Bible study is hard to start.

The Berean gives you the starting point: one scripture and a focused commentary in your inbox each morning — read it in minutes, or go as deep as you like.

Free, daily, and spam-free. We never share your address. Unsubscribe anytime.

Heavenly Versus Demonic Wisdom

A Verse and a Thought,Every Morning

A Verse and a Thought,
Every Morning