James 3:13-18 ESV

(13) Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him
show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
(14) But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not
boast and be false to the truth.
(15) This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly,
unspiritual, demonic.
(16) For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and
every vile practice.
(17) But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to
reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
(18) And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

G2205b - Jealousy
ζηλος
zē los; prob. from G2204; zeal, jealousy: - fury (1), jealousy (9), zeal (6).

G2052 – selfish ambition

εριθεια
eritheia; from εριθος erithos (day-laborer); rivalry, hence ambition: - disputes (2), selfish
ambition (3), selfishly ambitious (1), selfishness (1).

It would be easy to run right through verses 13-16 and think they don’t apply to us
because we aren’t the jealous type. Oh really? Let’s read it like this: if you have bitter
zeal and disputes in your hearts… hitting home now?

James is making the point here – that true wisdom is not characterized by bitter zeal and
disputes. Many of us have conquered the evil eye of jealousy as it relates to romantic
relationships, but how many of us can say we don’t get bitter over someone else’s
beliefs?

That bitter zeal leads to every evil work is a strong statement by James. Over the years
I have seen it split churches, home fellowships and even strong friends. We should all
seek the wisdom from above that is pure and peaceable.

3:17 wisdom … from above. Wisdom that is a gift of God (1:5) reflects the purity
of God Himself. Again wisdom is linked to godliness as God Himself is the source and
fountainhead of true wisdom.
peaceable. This is authentic peace, free of a quarrelsome attitude.
gentle. Thoughtful and respectful of other people’s feelings.
willing to yield. Willing to listen to and obey others.
full of mercy. The wise person is not stingy in mercy but demonstrates charity in broad
measure.
without partiality and … hypocrisy. The wise person is fair and without deception,
deceit, or fraud.
New Geneva study Bible
True wisdom brings peace not conflict, purity not uncleanness, gentleness not rudeness,
willing to yield not standoffish, full of mercy not condemnation. If you want to know how
to tell if someone is preaching the truth of Scriptures – apply James’ test. If you want to
know the character of a man – look for these fruits.

But the wisdom that is from above - Compare the notes at 1Co_2:6-7. The wisdom
which has a heavenly origin, or which is from God. The man who is characterised by that
wisdom will be pure, peaceable, etc. This does not refer to the doctrines of religion, but
to its spirit. Barnes

James is talking about purity of spirit or character not purity of doctrine. Pure doctrine
however comes from pure spirits. What is the goal of your teaching? Is it to build up, to
edify and point people to the truth of the gospel? Or is to tear down another brother and
his beliefs? Make it a point to teach something, not against something.

And let there be peace.