James 3 17

James 3:17 kjv

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

James 3:17 nkjv

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

James 3:17 niv

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

James 3:17 esv

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

James 3:17 nlt

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.

James 3 verses

James 3 17 Meaning

James 3:17 provides a definitive portrait of genuine wisdom, contrasting it sharply with earthly imitations. This wisdom originates from God and is intrinsically pure, characterized by qualities that foster peace, humility, and moral integrity. It is expressed through compassionate actions, produces tangible good, and manifests as unwavering fairness and sincere authenticity, reflecting the very nature of God in the lives of believers.

James 3 17 Context

James Chapter 3 is a profound exposition on the power and proper use of the tongue, framing it as a tiny but potent instrument capable of immense good or destructive evil. Building on this theme, James distinguishes between two kinds of "wisdom": earthly and heavenly. Verses 13-16 describe "earthly, unspiritual, demonic" wisdom, which manifests as bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, disorder, and every vile practice. This contrasts sharply with the wisdom portrayed in verse 17. Historically and culturally, James wrote to dispersed Jewish Christians who faced internal conflicts and temptations to compromise their faith with worldly standards, echoing the Pharisaic legalism and Hellenistic philosophies of the time that often valued rhetoric and self-promotion over genuine piety and humility. James’s teaching here is a direct polemic against such self-serving "wisdom" that promotes strife rather than peace, presenting the divinely-sourced wisdom as the authentic path to righteous living within the Christian community.

James 3 17 Word analysis

• But the wisdom: Introduces a sharp contrast (δὲ, de, 'but') with the worldly, demonic wisdom described previously (Jas 3:15-16). Wisdom (σοφία, sophia) here refers not to intellectual knowledge alone, but to the practical understanding and skill in righteous living.
• that is from above: (ἄνωθεν, anōthen) Denotes its divine origin, coming directly from God (cf. Jas 1:17). This word can also mean "again" or "anew" (as in John 3:3, where Nicodemus needs to be born anōthen), hinting at a transformative, spiritual source beyond mere human learning.
• is first pure: (ἁγνὴ, hagnē) This is the foundational characteristic. "Pure" means unadulterated, morally spotless, undefiled by selfish motives, envy, or evil. It is genuinely holy, transparent, and free from inner corruption.
• then peaceable: (εἰρηνική, eirēnikē) It actively fosters and creates peace, both internally within the individual and externally in relationships. It does not stir up strife or conflict but seeks harmony.
• gentle: (ἐπιεικής, epieikēs) Refers to reasonableness, fairness, mildness, patience, and yieldingness. It's an attitude of not insisting on one's rights, but being considerate and forgiving.
• open to reason: (εὐπειθής, eupeithēs) Lit. "easy to be persuaded" or "compliant." It signifies teachability, willingness to listen, adaptability, and openness to persuasion, especially by truth and righteous counsel. It stands in opposition to stubbornness and unyielding pride.
• full of mercy: (μεστός ἐλέους, mestos eleous) Overflowing with compassion, actively demonstrating pity and kindness to those in need or suffering, not merely feeling it.
• and good fruits: (καρπῶν ἀγαθῶν, karpōn agathōn) The visible, tangible outcomes and evidence of righteous actions and character. This indicates that divine wisdom is not theoretical but practical, producing beneficial results that glorify God and bless others.
• without impartiality: (ἀδιάκριτος, adiakritos) Can mean "undivided," "unwavering," or "without making distinctions." In this context, it implies objectivity, fairness, and freedom from favoritism, prejudice, or vacillation in judgment. It treats all people equitably.
• and without hypocrisy: (ἀνυπόκριτος, anypokritos) Sincere, genuine, not playing a role or feigning virtues. There is no pretense; the external character matches the internal reality.

• first pure, then peaceable: This sequence highlights that purity of motive and intention is paramount and foundational before true peace can be established. An impure heart cannot produce lasting, genuine peace.
• full of mercy and good fruits: Mercy is the internal motivation, and good fruits are the external manifestation. True wisdom's compassion invariably leads to tangible acts of goodness and righteousness.
• without impartiality and without hypocrisy: These two phrases conclude the list, emphasizing integrity and authenticity as critical marks of divine wisdom, distinguishing it sharply from worldly cunning that often uses pretense and favoritism to achieve its aims.

James 3 17 Bonus section

The qualities listed in James 3:17 collectively describe a person operating under the direct influence of the Holy Spirit. This aligns perfectly with the "fruit of the Spirit" mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. The 'good fruits' mentioned by James are precisely these virtues. The "wisdom from above" is therefore Christ-like wisdom, reflecting the character of Jesus Christ who perfectly embodied all these traits during His earthly ministry. This also implies that this wisdom is not primarily intellectual capacity but a spiritual disposition and moral conduct that comes from a transformed heart. The order of attributes, starting with "pure," is significant, as spiritual purity provides the necessary foundation for the cultivation of all other godly virtues, ensuring they are rooted in righteousness and true intentions. It represents a call for believers to cultivate a consistent inner and outer life that aligns with God's holy character.

James 3 17 Commentary

James 3:17 outlines the core attributes of wisdom that originates from God. This divine wisdom is characterized by an intrinsic purity, devoid of selfish ambition or malicious intent, serving as the wellspring from which all other virtues flow. It naturally inclines towards peace, not conflict, actively promoting reconciliation and harmony. It embodies a gentle and accommodating spirit, marked by reasonableness and a humble willingness to be instructed and persuaded by truth. This wisdom is profoundly compassionate, overflowing with mercy that translates into tangible acts of goodness, yielding "good fruits" that bless others and bring glory to God. Crucially, it is exercised without prejudice or favoritism, ensuring justice and fairness for all, and is completely free from hypocrisy, embodying a transparent sincerity where outward conduct aligns with inner conviction. These virtues are not mere human attainments but reflections of God’s own character, forming the composite portrait of the Spirit-led life that stands in stark opposition to the self-seeking, disruptive nature of worldly "wisdom." Divine wisdom is practical, relational, and transformative, shaping both the individual's character and the community's interactions towards righteousness and peace.Examples of practical application:

• A leader listening patiently to different viewpoints (open to reason, gentle) rather than dictating.
• Resolving a conflict by seeking understanding and common ground (peaceable, impartial) instead of taking sides.
• Serving someone in need with no ulterior motive (full of mercy and good fruits, pure).