Read & explore together
The Wisdom from Above
James asks how real wisdom can be recognised. In these verses, he contrasts conduct shaped by wisdom from above with attitudes that lead to confusion and evil deeds.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This part of the letter teaches its readers to test wisdom by what it produces. James points to conduct, heart attitudes, and outcomes. He contrasts bitter jealousy and selfish ambition with the peaceful, merciful qualities of wisdom from above.
James 3:13–18Main takeaway
James teaches that wisdom from above is seen in gentle, peace-making conduct and not in jealousy or selfish ambition.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Wisdom is shown by the way a person livesJames begins with a question about who is wise and understanding. His answer is practical, not merely verbal.
Explanation
James begins with a question about who is wise and understanding. His answer is practical, not merely verbal. A wise person is to show it by good conduct and by deeds done in the gentleness that belongs to wisdom. In this passage, wisdom can be seen in action.
02Jealousy and selfish ambition oppose the truthJames warns about bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in the heart. He tells readers not to boast and not to lie against the truth when those attitudes are present.
Explanation
James warns about bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in the heart. He tells readers not to boast and not to lie against the truth when those attitudes are present. He then says this kind of wisdom is not from above. Instead, he calls it earthly, sensual, and demonic.
03Selfish ambition leads to confusion and evil deedsJames explains the result of jealousy and selfish ambition. Where these are present, there is confusion and every evil deed.
Explanation
James explains the result of jealousy and selfish ambition. Where these are present, there is confusion and every evil deed. The passage links inward attitudes with outward effects. Rather than producing peace, this kind of so-called wisdom leads to disorder and wrongdoing.
04Wisdom from above has clear marksJames describes wisdom from above with a list of qualities. It is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, and reasonable.
Explanation
James describes wisdom from above with a list of qualities. It is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, and reasonable. It is full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. These words show that true wisdom has a distinct moral shape and can be recognised.
05Peace-makers sow the fruit of righteousnessThe passage ends with an image of sowing. James says the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Explanation
The passage ends with an image of sowing. James says the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. Peace-making fits the character of wisdom from above. James connects righteousness with actions that plant and spread peace.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01According to James 3:13, how should a wise and understanding person show it?
Look for the way James connects wisdom with good conduct, deeds, and gentleness.
02What attitudes does James warn against, and what does he say follows them?
Compare the heart attitudes in James 3:14 with the results named in James 3:16.
03Which qualities of wisdom from above directly contrast with selfish ambition and jealousy?
Read James 3:17 slowly and notice the qualities that answer the problems named earlier.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
James 3:13–18
13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom.
14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and don’t lie against the truth.
15This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic.
16For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.
17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.