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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>James 3:15 Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/3-15.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/59_Jas_03_15.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 3:15 - The Wisdom from Above" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/james/3-15.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/james/3-15.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/james/">James</a> > <a href="/james/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 15</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad15.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/james/3-14.htm" title="James 3:14">◄</a> James 3:15 <a href="/james/3-16.htm" title="James 3:16">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/james/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/james/3.htm">New International Version</a> Such &#8220wisdom&#8221 does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. <a href="/nlt/james/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. <a href="/esv/james/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. <a href="/bsb/james/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. <a href="/blb/james/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> This is not the wisdom coming down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. <a href="/kjv/james/3.htm">King James Bible</a> This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. <a href="/nkjv/james/3.htm">New King James Version</a> This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. <a href="/nasb_/james/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. <a href="/nasb/james/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. <a href="/nasb77/james/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. <a href="/lsb/james/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> This wisdom is not coming down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. <a href="/amp/james/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> This [superficial] wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly (secular), natural (unspiritual), even demonic. <a href="/csb/james/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. <a href="/hcsb/james/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. <a href="/asv/james/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> This wisdom is not a wisdom that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. <a href="/cev/james/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> This kind of wisdom doesn't come from above. It is earthly and selfish and comes from the devil himself. <a href="/erv/james/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> This wisdom is not a wisdom that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. <a href="/gwt/james/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> That kind of wisdom doesn't come from above. It belongs to this world. It is self-centered and demonic. <a href="/gnt/james/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> Such wisdom does not come down from heaven; it belongs to the world, it is unspiritual and demonic. <a href="/isv/james/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> That kind of wisdom does not come from above. No, it is worldly, self-centered, and demonic. <a href="/msb/james/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. <a href="/net/james/3.htm">NET Bible</a> Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, natural, demonic. <a href="/nheb/james/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. <a href="/wbt/james/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, demoniacal. <a href="/wey/james/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> That is not the wisdom which comes down from above: it belongs to earth, to the unspiritual nature, and to evil spirits. <a href="/web/james/3.htm">World English Bible</a> This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> this wisdom is not descending from above, but earthly, physical, demon-like, <a href="/blb/james/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> This is not the wisdom coming down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. <a href="/ylt/james/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> this wisdom is not descending from above, but earthly, physical, demon-like, <a href="/slt/james/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> This is wisdom coming not down from above, but earthly, natural, resembling an evil spirit.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For this is not wisdom, descending from above: but earthly, sensual, devilish. <a href="/cpdv/james/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For this is not wisdom, descending from above, but rather it is earthly, beastly, and diabolical. <a href="/nabre/james/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Wisdom of this kind does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. <a href="/nrsvce/james/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> This wisdom does not come from above, but it is earthly, sensual, devilish. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Because this wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, from the thoughts of the self and from demons.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> This wisdom comes not from above, but is earthly, animal, demoniac. <a href="/godbey/james/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but it is earthly, intellectual, and demoniacal. <a href="/haweis/james/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> This is not the wisdom which cometh from above, but is earthly, sensual, diabolical. <a href="/mace/james/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> such wisdom is not derived from heaven; but is terrestrial, sensual, demoniacal. <a href="/wey/james/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> That is not the wisdom which comes down from above: it belongs to earth, to the unspiritual nature, and to evil spirits. <a href="/worrell/james/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> This wisdom is not the wisdom that comes down from above; but is earthly, soulish, demoniacal! <a href="/worsley/james/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> this is not the wisdom, that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and diabolical: <a href="/parallel/james/3-15.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xUBCzqsAGw?start=605" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/james/3.htm">The Wisdom from Above</a> …14But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. 15<a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: hautē (DPro-NFS) -- This; he, she, it. ">Such</a> <a href="/greek/4678.htm" title="4678: sophia (N-NFS) -- Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom.">wisdom</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">does</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2718.htm" title="2718: katerchomenē (V-PPM/P-NFS) -- From kata and erchomai; to come down.">come</a> <a href="/greek/509.htm" title="509: anōthen (Adv) -- From ano; from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew.">from above,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/1919.htm" title="1919: epigeios (Adj-NFS) -- From epi and ge; worldly.">is earthly,</a> <a href="/greek/5591.htm" title="5591: psychikē (Adj-NFS) -- Animal, natural, sensuous. From psuche; sensitive, i.e. Animate.">unspiritual,</a> <a href="/greek/1141.htm" title="1141: daimoniōdēs (Adj-NFS) -- Demon-like, such as demons have. From daimonion and daimon; d?Mon-like.">demonic.</a> 16For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a> The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">1 Corinthians 3:3</a> for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man? <a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a> The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. <a href="/romans/8-5.htm">Romans 8:5-8</a> Those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh; but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. / The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace, / because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God: It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. ... <a href="/1_john/2-16.htm">1 John 2:16</a> For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. <a href="/philippians/3-19.htm">Philippians 3:19</a> Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things. <a href="/jude/1-19.htm">Jude 1:19</a> These are the ones who cause divisions, who are worldly and devoid of the Spirit. <a href="/colossians/3-2.htm">Colossians 3:2</a> Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. <a href="/2_corinthians/11-3.htm">2 Corinthians 11:3</a> I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ. <a href="/ephesians/2-2.htm">Ephesians 2:2-3</a> in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience. / All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath. <a href="/matthew/16-23.htm">Matthew 16:23</a> But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me. For you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” <a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">1 Timothy 4:1</a> Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, <a href="/2_timothy/3-2.htm">2 Timothy 3:2-4</a> For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, / unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, / traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, <a href="/proverbs/14-12.htm">Proverbs 14:12</a> There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. <a href="/proverbs/3-7.htm">Proverbs 3:7</a> Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.wisdom.<a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17</a> 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.<a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5,17</a> If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him… <a href="/john/3-17.htm">John 3:17</a> For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.but.<a href="/2_samuel/13-3.htm">2 Samuel 13:3</a> But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man.<a href="/2_samuel/15-31.htm">2 Samuel 15:31</a> And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O LORD, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.<a href="/2_samuel/16-23.htm">2 Samuel 16:23</a> And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he counselled in those days, was as if a man had inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom.sensual.<a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a> But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.devilish.<a href="/genesis/3-1.htm">Genesis 3:1-5</a> Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? … <a href="/john/8-44.htm">John 8:44</a> Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.<a href="/acts/13-10.htm">Acts 13:10</a> And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/10-30.htm">Belongs</a> <a href="/revelation/16-14.htm">Demonic</a> <a href="/psalms/133-3.htm">Descendeth</a> <a href="/acts/11-5.htm">Descending</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-14.htm">Devil</a> <a href="/james/3-7.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-9.htm">Earthly</a> <a href="/james/3-8.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-9.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/james/1-17.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/james/1-23.htm">Natural</a> <a href="/james/3-7.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-16.htm">Physical</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-11.htm">Sensual</a> <a href="/james/2-19.htm">Spirits</a> <a href="/colossians/2-18.htm">Unspiritual</a> <a href="/james/3-13.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_peter/2-7.htm">Belongs</a> <a href="/revelation/16-14.htm">Demonic</a> <a href="/numbers/11-9.htm">Descendeth</a> <a href="/revelation/18-1.htm">Descending</a> <a href="/james/4-7.htm">Devil</a> <a href="/james/5-5.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-2.htm">Earthly</a> <a href="/james/3-16.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/james/5-3.htm">Flesh</a> <a href="/james/3-17.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-12.htm">Natural</a> <a href="/james/4-14.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Physical</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-7.htm">Sensual</a> <a href="/james/5-13.htm">Spirits</a> <a href="/jude/1-19.htm">Unspiritual</a> <a href="/james/3-17.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">James 3</div>1. <a href="/james/3-1.htm">We are not rashly or arrogantly to reprove others;</a> 5. <a href="/james/3-5.htm">but rather to bridle the tongue, a little member, </a> 9. <a href="/james/3-9.htm">but a powerful instrument of much good, and great harm.</a> 13. <a href="/james/3-13.htm">The truly wise are mild and peaceable, without envy and strife.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/james/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Such wisdom does not come from above This phrase indicates a contrast between divine wisdom and worldly wisdom. In biblical context, wisdom from above is associated with God’s character and His revelation to humanity. <a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a> encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, which He gives generously. The phrase "from above" suggests a heavenly origin, aligning with the idea that true wisdom is a gift from God, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/2-6.htm">Proverbs 2:6</a>, where the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.but is earthly The term "earthly" refers to a perspective limited to the physical world, devoid of spiritual insight. This aligns with <a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a>, where the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him. Earthly wisdom is characterized by a focus on materialism and human reasoning, often leading to pride and self-reliance, as seen in the Tower of Babel narrative (<a href="/genesis/11.htm">Genesis 11:1-9</a>), where human ambition sought to reach the heavens without God.unspiritual "Unspiritual" suggests a wisdom that lacks the influence of the Holy Spirit. In <a href="/1_corinthians/3.htm">1 Corinthians 3:1-3</a>, Paul addresses the Corinthians as people of the flesh, indicating a lack of spiritual maturity. This type of wisdom is driven by human desires and instincts, often leading to envy and strife, as <a href="/james/3-14.htm">James 3:14</a> warns against harboring bitter envy and selfish ambition in the heart. It contrasts with the fruit of the Spirit described in <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>.demonic The term "demonic" implies a wisdom that is influenced by evil forces. This echoes the spiritual warfare theme found in <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a>, where believers are reminded that their struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. Demonic wisdom is deceptive and destructive, as seen in the temptation of Eve in <a href="/genesis/3.htm">Genesis 3</a>, where the serpent’s cunning led to the fall. It stands in stark opposition to the wisdom of Christ, who is the embodiment of truth and righteousness (<a href="/1_corinthians/1-30.htm">1 Corinthians 1:30</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/james.htm">James</a> The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He writes to Jewish Christians scattered among the nations, addressing practical aspects of Christian living. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a> The context in which James writes, dealing with issues of faith, works, and the behavior of believers. The church faced internal and external challenges, including false teachings and moral lapses. 3. <a href="/topical/e/earthly_wisdom.htm">Earthly Wisdom</a> A concept James contrasts with divine wisdom. Earthly wisdom is characterized by selfish ambition and envy, leading to disorder and evil practices. 4. <a href="/topical/u/unspiritual.htm">Unspiritual (or Natural) Wisdom</a> This refers to wisdom that is not influenced by the Holy Spirit, often driven by human desires and instincts. 5. <a href="/topical/d/demonic_influence.htm">Demonic Influence</a> James warns that some wisdom is not only earthly and unspiritual but also demonic, suggesting that it is influenced by evil forces opposed to God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/discernment_of_wisdom_sources.htm">Discernment of Wisdom Sources</a> Believers must discern the source of their wisdom. True wisdom comes from God and aligns with His character and Word. <a href="/topical/c/characteristics_of_earthly_wisdom.htm">Characteristics of Earthly Wisdom</a> Earthly wisdom is marked by selfish ambition, envy, and disorder. It is important to recognize these traits in our thoughts and actions. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare_awareness.htm">Spiritual Warfare Awareness</a> Understanding that some wisdom is demonic highlights the need for spiritual vigilance and reliance on God's Spirit for guidance. <a href="/topical/p/pursuit_of_godly_wisdom.htm">Pursuit of Godly Wisdom</a> Christians are called to seek wisdom from above, characterized by purity, peace-loving, and sincerity, as described later in <a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17</a>. <a href="/topical/i/impact_on_community.htm">Impact on Community</a> The type of wisdom we embrace affects our relationships and community. Godly wisdom fosters harmony and righteousness, while earthly wisdom leads to conflict and chaos.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_james_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from James 3</a> <a href="/q/what_is_spiritual_warfare.htm">What is the concept of spiritual warfare?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_jealousy.htm">What are the Bible's teachings on jealousy?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_treat_foreigners_here.htm">How does ambition align with serving God?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_demons_in_the_bible.htm">What are demons according to the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/james/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(15) This wisdom descendeth not from above . . . .--Better thus, This is not the wisdom coming down from above, but is earthly, natural, devilish. This--it were profanation to call it by the holy name of ????? (Sophia), being in sharpest contrast to it, of the earth earthy; natural (as margin), or "psychical," in the second sense of the tripartite division of man--body, soul, and spirit--explained under <a href="/james/1-21.htm" title="Why lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.">James 1:21</a> (comp. <a href="/jude/1-19.htm" title="These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.">Jude 1:19</a>, "Sensual, having not the Spirit"); and even worse, akin to the craft of devils.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 15-18. - Contrast between the earthly and the heavenly wisdom: (1) the earthly (vers. 15, 16); (2) the heavenly (vers. 17, 18). Verse 15. - " This wisdom [of which you boast] is not a wisdom which cometh down from above." Vulgate, non est enim ista sctpientia desursum descendens. But is earthly, sensual, devilish. Dr. Farrar well says that this wisdom is "earthly because it avariciously cares for the goods of earth (<a href="/philippians/3-19.htm">Philippians 3:19</a>); animal, because it is under the sway of animal lusts (<a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a>); demon-like, because full of pride, egotism, malignity, and ambition, which are the works of the devil (<a href="/1_timothy/4-1.htm">1 Timothy 4:1</a>)." Sensual (ψυχική), Vulgate, animalis; R.V. margin, natural or animal. The position of the word is remarkable, occurring between ἐπίγειος and δαιμονιώδης. it is never found in the LXX., nor (apparently) in the apostolic Fathers. In the New Testament it occurs six times - three times of the "natural" body, which is contrasted with the σῶμα πνευματικόν (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-44.htm">1 Corinthians 15:44</a> (twice), 46); and three times with a moral emphasis resting upon it, "and in every instance a most depreciatory" (see <a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a>), "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God," and <a href="/jude/1-19.htm">Jude 1:19</a>, Ψυχικοὶ, πνεῦμα μὴ ἔχοντες. The ψυχή in general in the New Testament is that which is common to man with the brute creation, including the passions, appetites, etc.; and therefore, by the use of this word ψυχικός to describe the wisdom which cometh not from above, but is "earthly, sensual [or, 'animal'], devilish," we are reminded of the contrast between the spirit of man which goeth upward and the spirit of a beast which goeth downward (<a href="/ecclesiastes/3-21.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:21</a>). The "animal" man, then, is one who is ruled entirely by the ψυχή in the lower sense of the word; and by the depreciatory sense given to the adjective we are strongly reminded that "nature" is nothing without the aid of grace. See further Archbishop Trench's 'Synonyms of the N. T.,' § 71, and for the later history of the word (it was applied by the Montanists to the orthodox), Suicer's 'Thesaurus,' vol. it. p. 1589. <a href="/commentaries/james/3-15.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Such αὕτη (hautē) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. wisdom σοφία (sophia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4678.htm">Strong's 4678: </a> Wisdom, insight, skill (human or divine), intelligence. From sophos; wisdom. [does] ἔστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. come κατερχομένη (katerchomenē) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2718.htm">Strong's 2718: </a> From kata and erchomai; to come down. from above, ἄνωθεν (anōthen) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_509.htm">Strong's 509: </a> From ano; from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew. but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. [is] earthly, ἐπίγειος (epigeios) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1919.htm">Strong's 1919: </a> From epi and ge; worldly. unspiritual, ψυχική (psychikē) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5591.htm">Strong's 5591: </a> Animal, natural, sensuous. From psuche; sensitive, i.e. Animate. demonic. δαιμονιώδης (daimoniōdēs) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1141.htm">Strong's 1141: </a> Demon-like, such as demons have. From daimonion and daimon; d?Mon-like. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/3-15.htm">James 3:15 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/3-15.htm">James 3:15 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/3-15.htm">James 3:15 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/3-15.htm">James 3:15 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/3-15.htm">James 3:15 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/3-15.htm">James 3:15 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/3-15.htm">James 3:15 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/3-15.htm">James 3:15 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/3-15.htm">James 3:15 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/3-15.htm">James 3:15 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/3-15.htm">NT Letters: James 3:15 This wisdom is not that which comes (Ja Jas. 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