Devine Scripture

James 3:15

What does James 3:15 mean?

A plain-English look at James 3:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What James 3:15 means

The kind of so‑called wisdom that springs from jealousy and faction is not from above. It is earthly—limited to this world’s horizons; sensual—driven by unspiritual appetites; and devilish—aligned with the adversary’s divisive aims. James traces counterfeit wisdom to its sources to show why it cannot yield righteousness or peace. What may look shrewd or effective in worldly terms is, in God’s sight, opposed to His ways. By distinguishing origins, James frees us from confusing clever strategy with godly insight, urging us to seek the wisdom that descends from God rather than the kind that rises from pride and rivalry.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

This wisdom is not a wisdom that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

This wisdom is not a wisdom that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

This wisdom is not from heaven, but is of the earth and the flesh and the Evil One.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

this wisdom is not descending from above, but earthly, physical, demon-like,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For this is not wisdom, descending from above: but earthly, sensual, devilish.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

This is not the wisdom which comes down from above, but earthly, natural, devilish.

Context

Having exposed the heart attitudes in verse 14, James now names their origin with stark terms. This clarification sets up verse 16’s description of the predictable results and contrasts them with the peaceable harvest in verses 17–18. The movement is logical: source (earthly, sensual, devilish) leads to outcome (confusion and vile deeds), which will be opposed by wisdom from above that yields purity and peace.

v.14But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth.

v.15This passage

v.16For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Genesis 3:1

    Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which Jehovah God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of any tree of the garden?

  • 1 Corinthians 2:14

    Now the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged.

  • 2 Samuel 13:3

    But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s brother: and Jonadab was a very subtle man.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:27

    but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;

  • James 1:5

    But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:19

    For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And the discernment of the discerning will I bring to nought.

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