James 3:16

"This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic."

Key Reflection

James 3:16 describes a form of wisdom that is contrary to divine wisdom; it is earthly, rooted in the physical world and its desires, sensual, appealing to the senses rather than the spirit, and demonic, aligned with evil forces rather than God. This contrasts sharply with the wisdom from above, which is pure, peaceful, gentle, and guided by the Holy Spirit.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 16. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion. Marg.:, tumult, or unquietness. Everything is unsettled and agitated. There is no mutual confidence; there is no union of plan and effort; there is no co-operation in promoting a common object; there is no stability in any plan; for a purpose, though for good, formed by one portion, is defeated by another. And every evil work. The truth of this no one can have any doubt who has observed the effects in a family or neighbourhood where a spirit of strife prevails. Love and harmony of course are banished; all happiness disappears; all prosperity is at an end.

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