James 3:14 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

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

If ye have - as is the case (Greek indicative).

Bitter (Ephesians 4:31).

Envying, х zeelon (G2205)] - zeal: generous emulation is not condemned, but "bitter" (Bengel).

Strife, х eritheian (G2052)] - 'rivalry:' cabal, faction (note, Galatians 5:20).

In your hearts - from which flow words and deeds, as from a fountain.

Glory not, and lie not against the truth. To boast of wisdom which your lives evince not, is virtually lying against the Gospel truth. James 3:15; James 1:18, "the word of truth." Romans 2:17; Romans 2:23, warns such "contentious" Jewish Christians.

James 3:14

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