Jam 3:15-17 | RWP | e4.org | This wisdom ( αυτη η σοφια ). All talk and disproved by the life, counterfeit wisdom, not real wisdom ( ; ). Coming down from above ( κατερχομενη ανωθεν ). As in , . All true wisdom comes from God. Earthly ( επιγειος ). Old adjective, on earth ( επι, γη ), as in , then with earthly limitations ( ), as here. Sensual ( ψυχικη ). Old adjective, belonging to the ψυχη , the sensuous or animal life ( and here). Devilish ( δαιμονιωδης ). Late adjective from δαιμονιον (demon) and so demoniacal or demon-like, here only in N.T.

‏ James 3:15-17

This wisdom ( αυτη η σοφια ). All talk and disproved by the life, counterfeit wisdom, not real wisdom (1:5; 3:17).

Coming down from above ( κατερχομενη ανωθεν ). As in 1:5, 17. All true wisdom comes from God.

Earthly ( επιγειος ). Old adjective, on earth ( επι, γη ), as in Joh 3:12, then with earthly limitations (Php 3:19), as here.

Sensual ( ψυχικη ). Old adjective, belonging to the ψυχη, the sensuous or animal life (1Co 2:14 and here).

Devilish ( δαιμονιωδης ). Late adjective from δαιμονιον (demon) and so demoniacal or demon-like, here only in N.T.

Confusion ( ακαταστασια ). Late word (from ακαταστατος ), 1:8; 3:8), a state of disorder (1Co 14:33).

Vile ( φαυλον ). Kin to German faul, first slight, ordinary, then bad. The steps are cheap, paltry, evil. Opposed to αγαθα (good) in Joh 5:39.

First pure ( πρωτον μεν αγνη ). First in rank and time. Hαγνος is from the same root as αγιος (holy), old adjective, pure from fault, not half-good and half-bad, like that above.

Then peaceable ( επειτα ειρηνικη ). Old adjective from ειρηνη (peace), loving peace here, bringing peace in Heb 12:11 (only N.T. examples). But clearly great as peace is, purity (righteousness) comes before peace and peace at any price is not worth the having. Hence Jesus spurned the devil's peace of surrender.

Gentle ( επιεικης ). Old adjective (from εικος, reasonable, fair), equitable (Php 4:5; 1Pe 2:18). No English word renders it clearly.

Easy to be entreated ( ευπειθης ). Old adjective ( ευ, πειθομα ), compliant, approachable. Only here in N.T.

Mercy ( ελεους ). Practical help (2:13, 16).

Good fruits ( καρπων αγαθων ). Καλο καρπο in Mt 7:17f. Good deeds the fruit of righteousness (Php 1:11).

Without variance ( αδιακριτος ). Late verbal adjective (from alpha privative and διακρινω, to distinguish). "Unhesitating," not doubting ( διακρινομενος ) like the man in 1:6. Here only in N.T. This wisdom does not put a premium on doubt.

Without hypocrisy ( ανυποκριτος ). Late and rare verbal adjective (alpha privative and υποκρινω ). Not hypocritical, sincere, unfeigned (Ro 12:9).