James 3:13-18

James 3:13-18

[13] Who  is a wise man  and  endued with knowledge  among  let him shew  out of  a good  conversation  his  works  with  meekness  of wisdom.  [14] But  if  ye have  bitter  envying  and  strife  in  hearts,  glory  not,  and  lie not  against  the truth.  [15] This  wisdom  not  from above,  but  is earthly,  sensual,  devilish.  [16] For  where  envying  and  strife  is, there  is confusion  and  every  evil  work.  [17] But  the wisdom  that is from above  first  pure,  then  peaceable,  gentle,  and easy to be intreated,  full  of mercy  and  good  fruits,  without partiality,  and  without hypocrisy.  [18] And  the fruit  of righteousness  is sown  in  peace  of them that make  peace. 

What does James 3:13-18 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

As in the previous chapters, James began his discussion of human speech with a practical exhortation and continued to deal with increasingly basic issues. He spoke of the importance of controlling one"s mind next to enable his readers to understand how to control their tongues. Wisdom in the mind affects one"s use of his or her tongue. Note the key words "wise" and "wisdom" ( James 3:13; James 3:17), which bracket the thought of this section, as well of the prominence of "peaceable" and "peace" that conclude it ( James 3:17-18).