James 3 15

James 3:15 kjv

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

James 3:15 nkjv

This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

James 3:15 niv

Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

James 3:15 esv

This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

James 3:15 nlt

For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.

James 3 verses

James 3 15 Meaning

This verse describes a specific kind of "wisdom" that is contrary to divine wisdom. It defines it not by its supposed brilliance or knowledge, but by its origin and character. This wisdom does not originate from God, but from the fallen human sphere, driven by natural instincts and desires, and ultimately bearing characteristics akin to demonic influence, leading to destructive outcomes. It is a false or counterfeit wisdom.

James 3 15 Context

James chapter 3 focuses heavily on the power and peril of the tongue, illustrating how such a small member can have immense power for both good and evil. This discussion naturally transitions into the nature of "wisdom" itself, as true wisdom is necessary to bridle the tongue. Verse 15 is a direct contrast to the wisdom described in James 3:13, which is humble and gentle. Instead, verse 15 (and 14) speaks of a "wisdom" characterized by "bitter envy and selfish ambition." The original audience, primarily Jewish Christians, would have been familiar with both the Old Testament concept of divine wisdom (often personified as Lady Wisdom in Proverbs) and the prevalent Hellenistic philosophies which championed human reason and knowledge as supreme. James explicitly confronts the notion that intellect or shrewdness alone constitutes true wisdom, particularly when it stems from a heart driven by pride and worldly desires, identifying such "wisdom" as originating not from God but from lower sources. This serves as a polemic against any philosophy or way of living that elevates human ego or earthly concerns above divine truth and humility.

James 3 15 Word analysis

• This wisdom: Points back to the kind of "wisdom" just mentioned in verse 14: one that manifests in "bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts." It is not true wisdom but a deceptive appearance or a misapplication of knowledge.

• descendeth not (ouk anōthen katerchomenē): Ouk (not) is an absolute negation. Anōthen (from above) refers to a divine, heavenly origin (cf. Jas 1:17; Jn 3:3, 7). Katerchomenē (descending, coming down) indicates a movement from a higher to a lower place. Thus, it emphatically states that this type of "wisdom" has no divine source or sanction; it is fundamentally distinct from God's wisdom.

• from above (anōthen): Signifies its divine source and superior nature when referring to true wisdom. Here, its absence denotes the antithesis – it lacks purity, peace, and impartiality.

• but is earthly (alla epigeios): Alla (but) signals a strong contrast. Epigeios means "pertaining to the earth," "terrestrial," "earth-bound." It signifies that this "wisdom" operates within the sphere of the fallen world and human concerns, focusing on material, temporal, and carnal matters, driven by human ingenuity and natural abilities without divine enlightenment or moral guidance. It's confined to worldly affairs, opposed to heavenly or spiritual.

• sensual (psychikē): From psychē (soul, natural life, breath). This term denotes what belongs to the natural, unregenerate man, operating solely by his unrenewed human intellect, feelings, and appetites, rather than by the Spirit of God. It refers to a mindset centered on self-interest and natural human desires, independent of spiritual input. It lacks divine enlightenment and operates within the realm of the physical and mental, as opposed to the spiritual (cf. 1 Cor 2:14; Jude 1:19).

• devilish (daimoniōdēs): The strongest condemnation. It means "demon-like," "resembling demons," "having the characteristics of demons," or even "inspired by demons." This implies that such "wisdom" is not merely human folly or sin but is tainted by the nature of demonic influence – deceitful, destructive, divisive, and malevolent. It connects bitter envy and selfish ambition (v. 14) to their ultimate source of malice and lies (cf. Jn 8:44).

• Words-group analysis:

  • "This wisdom descendeth not from above": This phrase directly identifies the origin (or lack thereof) of the pseudo-wisdom. It immediately discredits any claim of divine sanction for the envy and ambition described in the previous verse, contrasting it with God's perfect and good gifts from above (Jam 1:17).
  • "but is earthly, sensual, devilish": These three adjectives present a progressive intensification, describing the true nature and ultimate source of this counterfeit wisdom.
    • "Earthly" describes its domain or focus: this world.
    • "Sensual" describes its character: driven by unspiritual human nature.
    • "Devilish" describes its ultimate, insidious origin and malign qualities, elevating it beyond mere human error to something overtly malevolent and destructive. The progression moves from the realm of man (earthly, sensual) to the direct influence of evil (devilish).

James 3 15 Bonus section

The intense progression from "earthly" to "sensual" to "devilish" highlights that James is not merely speaking of human intellectual error but a spiritual depravity. "Earthly" speaks to sphere, "sensual" to faculty, and "devilish" to source. The very structure of the descriptive terms in the original Greek conveys a descending ladder into darkness. It implies that merely human-centered wisdom, unchecked by the Spirit, inevitably gravitates towards darker, ungodly influences. This "wisdom" fundamentally lacks shalom (peace, wholeness) and cultivates machē (fighting, quarreling) and akastasia (disorder, confusion) which are the direct outcomes described in the next verse (v. 16), reinforcing its corrupt nature. James consistently connects belief and wisdom to behavior, making it clear that genuine faith and wisdom produce good fruit, while counterfeits lead to chaos and every vile practice.

James 3 15 Commentary

James 3:15 sharply defines a false form of wisdom by revealing its anti-divine source and inherent corruption. Far from being a mere intellectual deficiency, this "wisdom" is intrinsically linked to the sinful human heart, as already described by "bitter envy and selfish ambition" in verse 14. Its source is explicitly denied as coming "from above" (from God), emphasizing its lack of divine inspiration or guidance. Instead, James characterizes it with three potent descriptors that escalate in their condemnation: "earthly," "sensual," and "devilish."

"Earthly" means it's limited to the material world and human perspectives, concerning itself only with what can be gained or achieved in this life, often through manipulative or self-serving means. It is devoid of eternal perspective or heavenly priorities. "Sensual" (psychikē) points to its origin in the natural, unspiritual human being, who operates purely by natural instincts, reasoning, and desires, apart from the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. Such a person is guided by the psyche (soul) rather than the pneuma (spirit), resulting in self-centered thoughts and actions. Finally, "devilish" (daimoniōdēs) reveals its ultimate and sinister inspiration. This "wisdom" carries the characteristics of demons—deceit, malice, division, and destruction. It implies that selfish ambition and bitter envy are not merely human frailties but are infused with an underlying diabolical spirit that opposes truth and godliness.

This verse serves as a crucial warning to discern the true nature of knowledge and advice, particularly within religious communities. True wisdom, from God, produces peace, purity, and good works (v. 17); false wisdom, however clever or appealing, is identifiable by its bitter, divisive, and destructive fruits, ultimately revealing its dark, ungodly roots.

Practical example: A person offering shrewd business advice that involves undermining competitors or deceptive practices to gain wealth is operating from "earthly, sensual, devilish" wisdom, not divine wisdom, even if it brings worldly success. Similarly, a leader stirring up factions and envy within a church based on self-aggrandizement, claiming it's for the "good" of the congregation, is demonstrating this destructive, ungodly "wisdom."