James 3:13-16 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Who is a wise man, &c. People are naturally desirous of the reputation of possessing an understanding superior to that of others. Now, let us consider in what way the sense we have may be best manifested; let him who would be thought wise show his wisdom, as well as his faith, by his works; let him show out of a good That is, a holy and useful conversation, his commendable and beneficent works, with meekness of wisdom “This beautiful expression,” says Macknight, “intimates, that true wisdom is always accompanied with meekness, or the government of the passions.” But if ye have bitter envying Ζηλον, zeal, as the word properly signifies, or zeal accompanied with a bitter spirit, or an unkind disposition toward others. True Christian zeal is only the flame of love; but bitter, unhallowed zeal is evil, even if it be only found in the heart, and go no further. If that kind of zeal be in you, glory not Or boast not of your improvement in Christianity; and lie not against the truth By pretending that such zeal may consist with heavenly wisdom. This wisdom That which is attended with such zeal; descendeth not from above Does not come from God; but is earthly Not heavenly in its origin, or end; sensual Ψυχικη, animal; not spiritual, not from the Spirit of God; devilish Not the gift of Christ, but such as Satan breathes into the souls of men. For where this bitter zeal and strife Or contention; is, there is confusion Ακαταστασια, tumult, or unquietness; and every evil work Many other mischiefs attending it. It may be proper to observe, that about this time the Jews, from their intemperate zeal for the law of Moses, raised seditions in Judea and elsewhere, which were the occasion of many crimes and of much bloodshed. And as the apostle expected that this epistle would fall into the hands of some of the unconverted Jews, and indeed, perhaps, partly addressed them in it, he probably might refer to these tumults and disorders in this verse.