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Which has God for its author; which is infused into the soul by the Spirit of God; and leads into the knowledge of things that are above, of heavenly things; and which only is true wisdom and knowledge; and those who are possessed of it are the only true Gnostics; for which; see Gill on James 3:13 namely, the grace of God: this wisdom. BibliographyZerr, E.M. "Commentary on James 3:17". adiakritos. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/cgt/james-3.html. For it must refer, like the other six epithets, to our relations to others: our peaceableness and mercy must be 'without dissimulation.'. Then peaceable indicates that peace is not to be desired unless it is according to the truth. Alford translates as the Greek is translated, James 1:6, “wavering,” “without doubting.” But thus there would be an epithet referring to one‘s self inserted amidst those referring to one‘s conduct towards others. The man who is characterised by that wisdom will be pure, peaceable, etc. ‘without doubtfulness’ is to be preferred to that given in the text. The word is to be taken in its widest sense, as all sin is impurity. Secondly, he describes spiritual wisdom by its effects and fruits, by its properties and qualities, and reckons up eight of them. Seven (the perfect number) characteristics of true wisdom are enumerated. (It is but too true that much unseemly strife has had the aegis of this text thrown over it. The idea is not first numerically, but first essentially. "Stanley Derickson - Notes on Selected Books". The word here used ( ἁγνη hagnē) is that which would be applied to one who is innocent, or flee from crime or blame. Truly this wisdom “cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof;” “Happy is the man that findeth her.” (Read Job 28:14-19, and Proverbs 3:13-18.). 1879-90. This wisdom believes the truth and stands for the truth, but it does so with patience, reason, and fairness. Without hypocrisy means that our expressions of friendliness to others will be sincere and not a mere pretense. Greek. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/dcc/james-3.html. Receiving out of His fulness grace for grace, Christians obtain, among other things, some of the gentleness of Christ. 17. ἡ ἄνωθεν σοφία, the heavenly wisdom, the supreme excellence of the religious life, in which the child Jesus kept advancing, προέκοπτεν τῇ σοφίᾳ, Luke 2:52, which was manifest in His manhood, πόθεν τούτῳ ἡ σοφία αὔτη; Matthew 13:54, and which guided His life, Matthew 11:19. All rights reserved. (2) Without hypocrisy. 1. Our first concern is to have in ourselves sanctity; our second, to be at peace with men. It refers not so much to the degree of sagacity or scientific education as to the right state of the heart. Arist. 1. "Sermon Bible Commentary". Joseph Benson's Commentary. "Fruit" relates to the fruit you eat, fruit of the field or fruit of your physical being, your children. ch. 17. Not adulterated with false teaching and evil desires. "Mark Dunagan Commentaries on the Bible". This peace among men comes from our peace with God. Only here and Hebrews 12:11. When a man is full of mercy in this sinning, suffering world, a stream of benevolence will be found flowing in his track all through the wilderness. Wisdom From Above (3:17-18) James is going to describe for us various characteristics that will test us to see if we have the wisdom that comes from above. James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. No partiality for persons, peoples, sins. BibliographyVincent, Marvin R. DD. Used by permission of Broadman Press (Southern Baptist Sunday School Board). James 3:17. James 4:2, James 4:3.—Spurgeon, Sermons, vol. He is not one who cannot be affected by any appeals which may be made to him on the grounds of patriotism, justice, or benevolence; but is one who is ready to yield when truth requires him to do it, and who is willing to sacrifice his own convenience for the good of others. ἀδιάκριτος] is differently explained according to the different meanings of the root διακρίνεσθαι; Luther renders it impartial; Lorinus, Hornejus, Grotius (“sine partitione, nempe iniqua”), Baumgarten, Estius, Schulthess, Hottinger, Kern, Schneckenburger, Lange (“not separatistic, not sectarian”), and others understand it in the same sense; Beza explains it by “quae non discernit homines;” similarly Gebser undivided, that is, those who have the true wisdom do not separate from each other; the explanation of Pott: pacificus, agrees with this; the Vulgate, on the other hand, renders it non judicans; and Semler: nec temere judicans de aliis Christianis, qui suo more vivunt. Let the world call it folly if they will; but God accounts it “wisdom.”]. 17 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 1:6-8, James 2:4; on ἀνυπόκριτος, chap. ◄ What Does James 3:17 Mean? Testing of Your Faith. "in the sense of not being stubborn, and of being willing to listen to reason and to appeal…The true wisdom is not rigid and austere and beyond all appeal. IV. "Without hypocrisy." Greek Testament Critical Exegetical Commentary. "The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge". First pure , [ hagnee (Greek #53)] - 'clean' from all that is "earthly, sensual (animal), devilish" (James 3:15). If such is the nature of the “wisdom which is from above,” who is there that should be ashamed of it? Lange explains ἁγνή by consecrated; incorrectly according to N. T. usage; even in the classics, the reference to the gods sufficiently often steps into the background. and even gloried in it! Used by Permission. Full of mercy - Merciful; disposed to show compassion to others. The word occurs in the active sense of “easily persuading,” in Æschyl. Then—After the inner pure follow all the external qualities of character and action. There is no disguise or mask assumed. Without hypocrisy - Ανυποκριτος· Without dissimulation; without pretending to be what it is not; acting always in its own character; never working under a mask. BibliographyBeza, Theodore. 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." 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. Without partiality; that is, without making any difference between person and person, because of outward respects, which is a high point of wisdom; folly discovers itself in nothing more than by doting upon outward splendor. what poor builders have the very best of us been; and how little progress have we made when we judge by this test!]. 1887. Then follows μεστὴ ἐλέους καὶ καρπῶν ἀγαθῶν] by which it is described as rich in active love: ἐλέους is particularly mentioned, because compassion is the most direct proof of love; comp. That was sarcasm; don"t take me too literally :-). This text is often misapplied. Then peaceable - The effect of true religion - the wisdom which is from above - will be to dispose a man to live in peace with all others. Without partiality - Αδιακριτος· Without making a difference - rendering to every man his due; and being never swayed by self-interest, worldly honor, or the fear of man; knowing no man after the flesh. We might nearly parallel them by the words, neither hypercritical, nor hypocritical. Woods notes, "Some assume they are strong in argument only if they are violent in argument" (p. 193). All wisdom is known by its descent; carnal wisdom is of the earth earthly; spiritual wisdom is from above, and has a heavenly Author, and its original and descent is heavenly: The wisdom that is from above. Our peace with men must always be with a salvo to our respects to God and holiness. Used by Permission. This is the equality of the grave. I. II. The word speaks of moral purity, being immaculate, or something that excites reverence. It is full of mercy and good deeds. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/fam/james-3.html. It is, Religion, above all other things, is entitled to the name of “wisdom”—, [It enlightens the mind, informs the judgment, regulates the life; and he who lives under its influence, is wise in the estimation of God himself. Abilene Christian University Press, Abilene, Texas, USA. . Without blemish, might be a good line of thought. It has nothing of its own of which to be ashamed, and which needs to be concealed; its office is not to hide or conceal anything that is wrong. καθαρὰ καὶ ἀρυπαρός, μηδενὸς τῶν σαρκικῶν ἀντεχομένη (Oecumenius); thus free from all impurity. Such qualities as being equitable, fair, reasonable, and forbearing" (Kent p. 135). This is 'first of all' before "peaceable," because there is an unholy peace with the world, which makes no distinction between clean and unclean. 3. The wisdom that bids an anxious inquirer turn from the Son of God, our Saviour, and pour his confession into a more tender heart, is earthly, sensual, devilish. One had a big wrench in his hand but they didn"t know what was wrong with the car. Gentle - Επιεικης· Meek, modest, of an equal mind, taking every thing in good part, and putting the best construction upon all the actions of others. without partiality. Is first pure - Ἁγνη· Chaste, holy, and clean. Greek. (a) Pure. 15. εὐπειθής, here only in N.T., suadibilis V., ‘easy to be intreated’ R.V., open to persuasion, the opposite of headstrong or obstinate. In contrast, the wisdom of the world often believes in an ethic which is situational and would consider it foolish to sacrifice self-advancement for the sake of principle. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/mpc/james-3.html. (d) Easy to be intreated. The second meaning here suggested seems best to accord with the sense of the passage; and according to this the idea is, that the wisdom which is from above, or true religion, makes us impartial in our treatment of others: that is, we are not influenced by a regard to dress, rank, or station, but we are disposed to do equal justice to all, according to their moral worth, and to show kindness to all, according to their wants. 4. What a feeling of accomplishment and a real feeling that I existed for a purpose that night. This does not refer to the doctrines of religion, but to its spirit. (17) But the wisdom that is from above . xlii, ‘wisdom found not a place on earth where she could inhabit; her dwelling therefore is in heaven.’. 274, πότερα δʼ ὀνείρων φάσματʼ εὐπειθῆ σέβεις: and Choeph. Observe, 2. James 3:17. See the rabbinical meaning of this phrase at the end of this chapter. Eth. .—Whereas, in sweetest contrast to all this repulsive foulness and riot, the true wisdom from above is first pure, chaste as the Lamb of God, “the Word made flesh” (John 1:14), then peaceful, gentle, and compliant—easy to be won, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, not double-minded (non duplex), nor hypocritical. "full of mercy and good fruits"-"rich in compassion and good deeds" (TCNT); "kind actions" (Wey). 1682. We are hence reminded, that for no other reason are we beyond measure morose or austere, but this, because we too much spare ourselves, and connive at our own vices. "Commentary on James 3:17". BibliographyEllicott, Charles John. The church is to be a place of openness and honesty among its people but I find all too often that there are secrets, lies and half truths within believer"s relationships with others. It is gentle or considerate of others. (a) In our intercourse with God; (b) in our intercourse with men. Now follows a description of the heavenly wisdom in contrast to the earthly. James 1:22; James 1:26, James 2:1. Agam. James 4:7.—Spurgeon, Sermons, vol. "Commentary on James 3:17". James 3:17. This may be applied to doctrine, practice, and life. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/sdn/james-3.html. Or, truly it is pure. Without partiality denotes an attitude that does not show respect of persons. Alford translates [ adiakritos (Greek #87): cf. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/cpc/james-3.html. Suadibilis, Greek: eupeithes; which may either signify easy to be persuaded or who can easily persuade. Greek. To c the twelve tribes in d the Dispersion:. This is also the person who is easy to talk to, who will intently listen to what you are saying. College Press, Joplin, MO. And good fruits - The fruits of good living; just, benevolent, and kind actions. Book of James - Bible Survey Who was James, the brother of Jesus, in the Bible? 5. Without partiality - Margin, “or wrangling.” The word here used ( ἀδιάκριτος adiakritos) occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It is (1) offered alike to all, and (2) truly offered to each. II. ἀνυπόκριτος, comp. I am afraid, I don"t stop any more due to the danger, well now and then I do if it looks like it is safe. Finding the new version too difficult to understand? "unwavering"-"without uncertainty" (Thayer p. 11); "unhesitating, not doubting, this wisdom does not put a premium on doubt" (Robertson p. 47). What a joy to help them get themselves out of a terrible situation. "E.W. I was allowing for her limitations, which was her limited ability to drive, as well as her limited mental capacity. BibliographyBurkitt, William. James 3:17 Translation & Meaning. ‘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.’. BibliographyNicoll, William R. "Commentary on James 3:17". Purity is its primary quality; all other qualities of heavenly wisdom are subservient to this. 1851. 1765. Perhaps the most correct meaning, and most in accordance with the doctrine of St. James, is, ‘without wavering or doubting;’ not feeble or changeable, ‘without vacillation(see Note on James 2:4). The “wrath of man” accounts itself zeal for God, and strange fire usurps the place of the true fire of the sanctuary. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/sbc/james-3.html. It is not true that the scripture teaches, here or elsewhere, that purity of doctrine is to be preferred to a peaceful spirit; or that it always leads to a peaceful spirit; or that it is proper for professed Christians and Christian ministers to sacrifice, as is often done, a peaceful spirit, in an attempt to preserve purity of doctrine. Which means that the truly wise man does not get angry, combative, or defensive even under provocation. without hypocrisy; either with respect to God or man; not making show of that which they have not, or do not intend. 1874-1909. "Full of mercy" Full means full, or topped off - it is used of a person full of thought toward good or bad. Copyright StatementThese files are public domain and are a derivative of an electronic edition that is available on the Christian Classics Ethereal Library Website. Gentle; or equal, or moderate, Philippians 4:5 1 Timothy 3:3 Titus 3:2. And yet those who exhibited all those evil things thought that they had wisdom! The wisdom which has a heavenly origin, or which is from God. "Commentary on James 3:17". (18) Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. Close. Revelation is first pure and then peaceable; the Revealer is a just God and Saviour. The first of the two Greek words may signify, making no undue distinctions, (hence fair, impartial,) as, for instance, between rich and poor. The new creature, the work of the Spirit in believers, is first pure, then peaceable—(1) in relation to God; (2) in relation to ourselves; (3) in relation to the world around. But. BibliographyAlford, Henry. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/egt/james-3.html. Full of mercy; this has a double object, such as want, and such as offend: and so there is mercy in giving and in forgiving: it is the glory of a man to pass by a transgression, and the honour of a Christian to put on bowels of mercy: without this garment we shall appear naked at the bar of God. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/rbc/james-3.html. His battery terminals were in need of attention and within a few minutes he was up and running. But the common view of this passage is not chargeable with any such absurdity. Compare the notes at 2 Corinthians 10:1. "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Unabridged". Question: "What does it mean that God is the Father of lights (James 1:17)?" What does it mean that God cannot be tempted (James 1:13)? "being considerate of others and making allowance for their feelings, weaknesses, and needs. The highest title which can be given to a man is, that he is a Christian gentleman. 1983-1999. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/wen/james-3.html. Characteristics of "wisdom that is from above" (James 3:17,18) Pure - from a Greek word meaning: pure enough to approach the gods. Douglas J. Moo, in his commentary on James, writes about the background of the epistle: “The epistle of James has had a controversial history.Along with 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2 and 3 John, and Jude, it belongs to that category of New Testament epistles called ‘general’ or ‘catholic’ (in the sense of ‘universal’) (See catholic epistles). gentle, kind, forbearing, considerate, making every allowance for the ignorance and frailties of others, imitating the character of Him who is meek and lowly—‘the gentle Jesus.’. It acts without any difference (partiality), not harshly esteeming one in preference to others.— ἀνυπόκριτος, without pretence) removed from pretence and flattery, which is exercised directly towards the powerful, indirectly towards the humble, by harshness. It is the ability to apply God’s principles to experience. The first characteristic above all else is purity. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. 21, James (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/hac/james-3.html. We might (with these last definitions of the two) preserve the terminal similarity of sound by, without equivocation or dissimulation. Answer: James 1:17 says, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow” (NASB). James 3:17 “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 … John Piper is founder and teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. Easy to be entreated—Or, rather, persuaded; the reverse of obstinacy, the pride of a false consistency, or a set persistence in one’s own way. Some, ‘without contending,’ not entering into controversy; others, ‘without judging,’ not finding fault with others; others, ‘not making a difference,’ that is, impartial. Compliant would carry with it the idea of compliant with what is right. ‘It is a principle of the Gospel that he who gets mercy shows mercy. Godly wisdom is careful to properly represent those who have opposing views, and to take the time to really understand what the other person is saying. The other qualities are secondary as outgrowths of this primary quality. easy to be treated; or those who have it readily yield to the superior judgments and stronger reasonings of others; and are easily induced to hope and believe all things, and entertain a good opinion of men, and their conduct; and are far from being proud, arrogant, obstinate, and overbearing: full of mercy and good fruits; of compassion and beneficence to the poor; feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the widows and fatherless in their affliction; and doing all other good works and duties, both with respect to God and man, as fruits of grace, and of the Spirit: without partiality: to one another; or making a difference between them; showing no respect to persons; bestowing upon the poor and indigent, without any distinction: and. BibliographyJamieson, Robert, D.D. BibliographyBarnes, Albert. This does not mean that mortals are directly inspired by such wisdom, but that God is the ultimate source from which their wisdom is actually received; and the means of their receiving it, while not in view in this text, must surely be allowed as the gospels and apostolic writings themselves, there being no other possible source of it. We have no trust, we have no respect and we have little honest communication. 1974. The Christians he is writing to are struggling and their struggles have led them to be tempted to even question God's presence, care, and activity in their lives. Alas! εἰρηνοποιός, Matthew 5:9): ἐπιεικής] fair, mild; see on 1 Timothy 3:3 (not = yielding): εὐπειθής] ἅπ. viii., p. 35. 1871-8. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/acc/james-3.html. "Commentary on James 3:17". How do we think we can function when we treat one another with so little respect? This wisdom is generously given to all who ask (cf. The various meanings are determined by the different senses of διακρίνεσθαι: and as the prevailing signification of the verb both in this epistle (i. James 4:4-12.—Homiletic Quarterly, vol. In James 3:14-16 James designates the kind of wisdom that does not come from above (or heaven); the present verse describes the kind that does come from the higher source. He expands his treatise on wisdom by contrasting the wisdom of the world with the wisdom that comes from above and pointing out that true wisdom is demonstrated by a man’s good and gracious conduct – by his noble works and by his gracious conversation. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the author, except as provided by U.S.A. copyright laws. Good fruits - Each temper and disposition producing fruits suited to and descriptive of its nature. 1276. Easy to be entreated; easily persuadable. Ver. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/whe/james-3.html. ", It seems to me that if we were wise Paul"s exhortation to the Ephesians would be our gain. First pure— The pure is first as being foremost, and comprehending all the following points, and being inner essence of the whole. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ"s sake hath forgiven you. James also adds that true wisdom flows from a heart that is gentle - and a spirit that demonstrates true humility. διακρίνομαι above (James 1:6, James 2:4) which, as Mayor points out, makes it probable that we must understand the adjective here in the sense of “single-minded”; perhaps one might say that here it means almost “generous,” in contrast to the unfair imputations which might be made in acrimonious discussion; the word occurs here only in the N.T.— ἀνυπόκριτος: Cf. Is first pure - Ἁγνη· Chaste, holy, and clean. In the third place, he calls itkind or humane, that we may know that it is far away from that immoderate austerity which tolerates nothing in our brethren. It is so easy to find a reason for not helping people, that we end up sinning by failing to do something (James 1:27; James 2:13; Luke 10:37). It is peaceable, namely, peace-loving, peace-practicing, and peace-yielding. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. Of the fulfilment of Christ’s promise, the epistle of James is a striking proof. When the big storm hit New Orleans great mercy was shown by the public toward the survivors. The whole state is evil, and utterly contrary to the rule of the Gospel— “For words and names let angry zealots fight: Copyright StatementThese files are public domain. There seems to be a complete contrast between the two kinds of wisdom. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/cal/james-3.html. This wisdom is concerned with motives, with integrity and honesty. BibliographyRobertson, A.T. "Commentary on James 3:17". Gentle means to be mild and fair in one's temperament even when insisting on truth as being preferable to peace. Compassion. Consider the "wisdom that is from above" in its secondary and subjective aspect, as a lesson printed on the life of believing men by the type of revealed truth, as the image left on human hearts by the seal which came from heaven and pressed them. 1897. https:https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/geb/james-3.html. First pure (πρωτον μεν αγνη — prōton men hagnē). Role model CHRIST, how he acted + reacted, in of HIS ministry,real life, family RELATIONSHIPS.

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