What Is Required Therefore Is Not Earthly Wisdom But Wisdom From Above (James 3:13-18)
Having warned against the unruly tongue, James now explains how men can ensure that their tongues are under control by receiving wisdom from above. We were informed in James 1:17-18 of the giving and the gifts from above, and the effect of the word of truth, now these are to be expanded on and contrasted with what the earth offers. There is a wisdom from above which produces peace and righteousness, and is reasonable, full of mercy and productive of good fruits. It is a wisdom that will produce right teaching. But in contrast is the wisdom of the world, which produces selfish ambition, jealousy and disorder, and results in every useless and worthless practise.
Analysis.
a Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom (James 3:13).
b But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not glory and do not lie against the truth (James 3:14).
c This wisdom is not a wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish (James 3:15).
b For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every worthless deed (James 3:16).
a But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy, and the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace (James 3:17-18).
Note that in ‘a' reference is made to wisdom and understanding and the living of a good life, and in the parallel we have wisdom and good fruits and righteousness. In ‘b' we have reference to jealousy and selfish ambition, and in the parallel we have the same. Centrally in ‘c' is the contrast between the wisdom from above and that which is earthly and devilish