James 3:14 - Forerunner Commentary

James 3:14

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.

Verse Comparison: James 3:14

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American Standard Version
But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth.

Amplified® Bible
But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of {and} false to the Truth.

Contemporary English Version
But if your heart is full of bitter jealousy and selfishness, don't brag or lie to cover up the truth.

Darby English Version
but if ye have bitter emulation and strife in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.

Good News Bible
But if in your heart you are jealous, bitter, and selfish, don't sin against the truth by boasting of your wisdom.

International Standard Version
But if you have bitter jealousy and rivalry in your hearts, stop boasting and lying against the truth.

King James Version
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

New American Standard Bible
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and {so} lie against the truth.

New International Version
But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.

New King James Version
But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.

N.A.S.B. in E-Prime
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not demonstrate arrogance and so lie against the truth.

Young's Literal Translation
and if bitter zeal ye have, and rivalry in your heart, glory not, nor lie against the truth;

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