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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad14.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/3-13.htm" title="James 3:13">◄</a> James 3:14 <a href="/james/3-15.htm" title="James 3:15">►</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> But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. <a href="/nlt/james/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. <a href="/esv/james/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. <a href="/bsb/james/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. <a href="/blb/james/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But if you have bitter jealousy and self-interest in your heart, do not boast of it and lie against the truth. <a href="/kjv/james/3.htm">King James Bible</a> But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. <a href="/nkjv/james/3.htm">New King James Version</a> But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. <a href="/nasb_/james/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. <a href="/nasb/james/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. <a href="/nasb77/james/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. <a href="/lsb/james/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. <a href="/amp/james/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant, and [as a result] be in defiance of the truth. <a href="/csb/james/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and deny the truth. <a href="/hcsb/james/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don&#8217t brag and deny the truth. <a href="/asv/james/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth. <a href="/cev/james/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But if your heart is full of bitter jealousy and selfishness, don't brag or lie to cover up the truth. <a href="/erv/james/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth. <a href="/gwt/james/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> But if you are bitterly jealous and filled with self-centered ambition, don't brag. Don't say that you are wise when it isn't true. <a href="/gnt/james/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> But if in your heart you are jealous, bitter, and selfish, don't sin against the truth by boasting of your wisdom. <a href="/isv/james/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> But if you have bitter jealousy and rivalry in your hearts, stop boasting and slandering the truth. <a href="/msb/james/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. <a href="/net/james/3.htm">NET Bible</a> But if you have bitter jealousy and selfishness in your hearts, do not boast and tell lies against the truth. <a href="/nheb/james/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not boast and do not lie against the truth. <a href="/wbt/james/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. <a href="/wey/james/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But if in your hearts you have bitter feelings of envy and rivalry, do not speak boastfully and falsely, in defiance of the truth. <a href="/web/james/3.htm">World English Bible</a> But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and don’t lie against the truth. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> yet, if you have bitter zeal, and rivalry in your heart, do not glory, nor lie against the truth; <a href="/blb/james/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But if you have bitter jealousy and self-interest in your heart, do not boast of it and lie against the truth. <a href="/ylt/james/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and if bitter zeal ye have, and rivalry in your heart, glory not, nor lie against the truth; <a href="/slt/james/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And if ye have bitter envy and intrigue in your heart, boast not, and lie not against the truth.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But if you have bitter zeal, and there be contentions in your hearts; glory not, and be not liars against the truth. <a href="/cpdv/james/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But if you hold a bitter zeal, and if there is contention in your hearts, then do not boast and do not be liars against the truth. <a href="/nabre/james/3.htm">New American Bible</a> But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. <a href="/nrsvce/james/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But if you have bitter envying among you, or strife in your hearts, do not boast and do not lie against the truth. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But if you have bitter envy or contention in your hearts, do not be puffed up against the truth and lie.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. <a href="/godbey/james/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But if you have bitter envy and strife in your heart, do not boast, and lie against the truth. <a href="/haweis/james/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But if ye have bitter envy and contention in your heart, boast not, and lie not against the truth. <a href="/mace/james/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> but if envy and contention imbitter your minds, don't think your false pretences can stand against the truth: <a href="/wey/james/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But if in your hearts you have bitter feelings of envy and rivalry, do not speak boastfully and falsely, in defiance of the truth. <a href="/worrell/james/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But, if ye have bitter jealousy and contention in your heart, do not boast and lie against the truth. <a href="/worsley/james/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> but if ye have bitter envy and strife in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth; <a href="/parallel/james/3-14.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=596" 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> 13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echete (V-PIA-2P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">you harbor</a> <a href="/greek/4089.htm" title="4089: pikron (Adj-AMS) -- Bitter, acrid, malignant. Perhaps from pegnumi; sharp, i.e. Acrid.">bitter</a> <a href="/greek/2205.htm" title="2205: zēlon (N-AMS) -- From zeo; properly, heat, i.e. zeal (figuratively, of God), or an enemy, malice).">jealousy</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2052.htm" title="2052: eritheian (N-AFS) -- Perhaps as the same as erethizo; properly, intrigue, i.e. faction.">selfish ambition</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymōn (PPro-G2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2588.htm" title="2588: kardia (N-DFS) -- Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.">hearts,</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">do not</a> <a href="/greek/2620.htm" title="2620: katakauchasthe (V-PMM/P-2P) -- To boast against, exult over. From kata and kauchaomai; to exult against.">boast in it</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">or</a> <a href="/greek/5574.htm" title="5574: pseudesthe (V-PMM-2P) -- To deceive, lie, speak falsely. Middle voice of an apparently primary verb; to utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood.">deny</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/225.htm" title="225: alētheias (N-GFS) -- From alethes; truth.">truth.</a> 15Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.…<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="/proverbs/14-30.htm">Proverbs 14:30</a> A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones. <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="/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="/romans/13-13.htm">Romans 13:13</a> Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. <a href="/1_peter/2-1.htm">1 Peter 2:1</a> Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3</a> Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. <a href="/1_john/3-15.htm">1 John 3:15</a> Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that eternal life does not reside in a murderer. <a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Matthew 5:22</a> But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell. <a href="/1_corinthians/13-4.htm">1 Corinthians 13:4</a> Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. <a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">2 Corinthians 12:20</a> For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder. <a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm">Ephesians 4:31</a> Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. <a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Colossians 3:8</a> But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. <a href="/titus/3-3.htm">Titus 3:3</a> For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. <a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Genesis 4:5-8</a> but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. / “Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain, “and why has your countenance fallen? / If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.” ... <a href="/numbers/16-1.htm">Numbers 16:1-3</a> Now Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath son of Levi, along with some Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—conducted / a rebellion against Moses, along with 250 men of Israel renowned as leaders of the congregation and representatives in the assembly. / They came together against Moses and Aaron and told them, “You have taken too much upon yourselves! For everyone in the entire congregation is holy, and the LORD is in their midst. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.if.<a href="/james/3-16.htm">James 3:16</a> For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.<a href="/james/4-1.htm">James 4:1-5</a> From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? … <a href="/genesis/30-1.htm">Genesis 30:1,2</a> And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die… glory.<a href="/romans/2-17.htm">Romans 2:17,23</a> Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, … <a href="/1_corinthians/4-7.htm">1 Corinthians 4:7,8</a> For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? … <a href="/1_corinthians/5-2.htm">1 Corinthians 5:2,6</a> And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you… and lie.<a href="/2_kings/10-16.htm">2 Kings 10:16,31</a> And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD. So they made him ride in his chariot… <a href="/john/16-2.htm">John 16:2</a> They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.<a href="/acts/26-9.htm">Acts 26:9</a> I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-11.htm">Ambition</a> <a href="/titus/1-7.htm">Arrogant</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-24.htm">Better</a> <a href="/james/3-11.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/james/1-9.htm">Boast</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-21.htm">Boastfully</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-28.htm">Defiance</a> <a href="/titus/2-12.htm">Deny</a> <a href="/james/1-15.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">Emulation</a> <a href="/titus/3-3.htm">Envy</a> <a href="/galatians/5-26.htm">Envying</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">Falsely</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm">Feelings</a> <a href="/james/2-1.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/acts/27-12.htm">Harbor</a> <a href="/james/1-26.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/james/2-4.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/galatians/5-20.htm">Jealousy</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-18.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/james/3-1.htm">Others</a> <a href="/james/2-13.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Rivalry</a> <a href="/1_timothy/3-3.htm">Selfish</a> <a href="/james/2-12.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-16.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/james/1-25.htm">True.</a> <a href="/james/1-18.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-27.htm">Zeal</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/james/3-16.htm">Ambition</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-10.htm">Arrogant</a> <a href="/james/3-16.htm">Better</a> <a href="/james/5-1.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/james/4-16.htm">Boast</a> <a href="/zephaniah/2-8.htm">Boastfully</a> <a href="/genesis/25-18.htm">Defiance</a> <a href="/1_john/1-10.htm">Deny</a> <a href="/james/3-16.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/romans/11-14.htm">Emulation</a> <a href="/james/3-16.htm">Envy</a> <a href="/james/3-16.htm">Envying</a> <a href="/james/5-4.htm">Falsely</a> <a href="/genesis/43-31.htm">Feelings</a> <a href="/james/4-16.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/job/36-13.htm">Harbor</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/james/4-5.htm">Hearts</a> <a href="/james/3-16.htm">Jealousy</a> <a href="/1_john/1-6.htm">Lie</a> <a href="/james/3-16.htm">Others</a> <a href="/james/4-6.htm">Pride</a> <a href="/james/3-16.htm">Rivalry</a> <a href="/james/3-16.htm">Selfish</a> <a href="/james/4-11.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/james/3-16.htm">Strife</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-16.htm">Talking</a> <a href="/james/5-19.htm">True.</a> <a href="/james/5-19.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/numbers/25-11.htm">Zeal</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>But if you harbor bitter jealousy This phrase addresses the internal attitude of jealousy, which is more than just a fleeting feeling; it is a deep-seated emotion that can take root in one's heart. The Bible frequently warns against jealousy, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/14-30.htm">Proverbs 14:30</a>, which states that envy rots the bones. The term "bitter" intensifies the destructive nature of this jealousy, suggesting a corrosive effect on one's spiritual life. In the context of James, this warning is directed at believers who may be struggling with envy within the community, potentially leading to division and strife.and selfish ambition in your hearts Selfish ambition refers to a self-centered drive for personal gain or status, often at the expense of others. This concept is contrasted with the humility and selflessness exemplified by Jesus Christ, as seen in <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3-4</a>, where believers are encouraged to consider others more significant than themselves. The heart, in biblical terms, is the center of one's being, encompassing thoughts, emotions, and will. Thus, harboring these attitudes in the heart indicates a fundamental misalignment with God's will.do not boast in it Boasting in jealousy and selfish ambition suggests a prideful attitude that not only accepts these sins but also takes pride in them. This is contrary to the biblical call to humility and repentance. In <a href="/1_corinthians/13-4.htm">1 Corinthians 13:4</a>, love is described as not being boastful, highlighting the incompatibility of such attitudes with Christian love. Boasting in sin reflects a misunderstanding of true wisdom, which James later contrasts with wisdom from above.or deny the truth Denying the truth involves rejecting the reality of one's sinful condition and the need for repentance. This phrase implies a willful ignorance or refusal to acknowledge the destructive nature of jealousy and ambition. In <a href="/john/8-32.htm">John 8:32</a>, Jesus speaks of the truth setting people free, indicating that embracing truth is essential for spiritual freedom and growth. Denying the truth can lead to self-deception and a hardened heart, preventing the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.<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, offering practical guidance for living out their faith. 2. <a href="/topical/e/early_christian_communities.htm">Early Christian Communities</a> The recipients of the letter, who were facing various trials and temptations, including internal conflicts and the challenge of living out their faith in a hostile environment. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The central hub of early Christianity and the location where James was a prominent leader. The teachings in the letter reflect the moral and ethical concerns of the Jerusalem church.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/guard_your_heart.htm">Guard Your Heart</a> The Greek word for "harbor" implies a deliberate nurturing of negative emotions. Believers are called to examine their hearts and root out jealousy and selfish ambition. <a href="/topical/t/truth_and_integrity.htm">Truth and Integrity</a> Boasting and denying the truth are linked to a lack of integrity. Christians are encouraged to live truthfully, acknowledging their weaknesses and seeking God's help to overcome them. <a href="/topical/c/community_impact.htm">Community Impact</a> Bitter jealousy and selfish ambition can cause division and strife within the church. Believers should strive for unity and peace, promoting a spirit of cooperation and mutual edification. <a href="/topical/h/humility_as_a_virtue.htm">Humility as a Virtue</a> The opposite of selfish ambition is humility. By valuing others above ourselves, we reflect Christ's character and foster a healthy, loving community. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_warfare.htm">Spiritual Warfare</a> Recognize that harboring negative emotions is a spiritual battle. Equip yourself with prayer, scripture, and accountability to resist these temptations.<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/how_does_ambition_serve_god.htm">How does ambition align with serving God?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_ambition.htm">What does the Bible say about selfish ambition?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_blessed_in_the_lord's_name.htm">What advice do the ungodly offer?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_treat_foreigners_here.htm">How does ambition align with serving God?</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>(14) But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts.--Rather, it should be, bitter zeal and party-spirit. "Above all no zeal" was the worldly caution of an astute French prelate. But that against which the Apostle inveighed had caused Jerusalem to run with blood, and afterwards helped in her last hour to add horror upon shame. The Zealots were really assassins, pledged to any iniquity; such were the forty men "who bound themselves under a curse, saying they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul" (<a href="/acts/23-12.htm" title="And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.">Acts 23:12</a>; see Note there). Some of these desperadoes unluckily escaped the swords of the Romans, and fled to the fastnesses of Mount Lebanon. They were probably the nucleus of a still more infamous society, known in the middle ages as that of the Old Man of the Mountain; in fact, our word "assassin" comes from "Hassan," their first sheik. Happily for humanity they were at length exterminated by the Turks.Glory not.--Boast not yourselves as partakers of this accursed zeal; behold already what ruin it is bringing on us as a nation and a Church. And it were well to take care even in these milder days of religious factions, that the strife of creeds be wholly different in kind from the old zealot feuds, and not merely in degree. Able only to rend and overthrow, party-spirit will, if it be gloried and exulted in, lay down the walls of Zion "even to the ground." But "if any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy" (<a href="/1_corinthians/3-17.htm" title="If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.">1Corinthians 3:17</a>), and the words must be translated much more sternly, "If any man destroy . . ."Lie not against the truth.--This is not tautology, nor a Hebraism, but of far deeper import. "What is truth?" said jesting Pilate (<a href="/john/18-38.htm" title="Pilate said to him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, I find in him no fault at all.">John 18:38</a>), and, as Bacon remarks in his Essay on Truth, he would not stay for an answer. Probably he put a question familiar to himself, learned in a certain school of knowledge whose wise conclusion was that mankind could not tell; and the inquirer turned away, unwitting that before him stood the incarnate Truth itself. The world of unbelief repeats the careless utterance of the Roman Governor, and holds with him in its new Agnosticism; and to its self-assurance and pride of life He, Who can only be learned in the doing of His will (<a href="/john/7-17.htm" title="If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.">John 7:17</a>), is alike unknowable and unknown. But the words of the Apostle have a mournful significance for the ignorant of God; and a terrible one for the Christian who knows and sins against the Light. Falsehood is not the hurt of some abstract virtue, or bare rule of right and wrong, but a direct blow at the living Truth (<a href="/john/14-6.htm" title="Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.">John 14:6</a>), Who suffered and still "endures such contradiction of sinners against Himself" (<a href="/hebrews/12-3.htm" title="For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest you be wearied and faint in your minds.">Hebrews 12:3</a>). As the fault of Judas was double--personal treachery against his Friend and Master, and a wider attack on Christ, the Truth manifest in the flesh--so in a like two-fold manner we smite at once God and our brother when we speak or act a lie. All faintest shades of falsehood tend to the dark one of a fresh betrayal of the Son of Man if they be conceived against others, while if they be wrought only to shield ourselves, we are. as Montaigne observed, "brave before God, and cowards before men," who are as the dust of His feet. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 14. - Bitter envying, Ζῆλος in itself may be either good or bad, and therefore πικρόν is added to characterize it. Bishop Lightfoot (on <a href="/galatians/5-20.htm">Galatians 5:20</a>) points out that "as it is the tendency of Christian teaching to exalt the gentler qualities and to depress their opposites, ζῆλος falls in the scale of Christian ethics (see Clem. Romans, §§ 4-6), while ταπεινότης, for instance, rises." It may, perhaps, be an incidental mark of early date that St. James finds it necessary to characterize ζῆλος as πικρόν. Where St. Paul joins it with ἐριθείαι and ἔρις there is no qualifying adjective (<a href="/romans/13-13.htm">Romans 13:13</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">1 Corinthians 3:3</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">2 Corinthians 12:20</a>; <a href="/galatians/5-20.htm">Galatians 5:20</a>). (On the distinction between ζῆλος and φθόνος, both of which are used by St. James, see Archbishop Trench on 'Synonyms,' § 26.). Strife (ἐριθείαν); better, party spirit, or faction (cf. <a href="/romans/2-8.htm">Romans 2:8</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">2 Corinthians 12:20</a>; <a href="/galatians/5-20.htm">Galatians 5:20</a>; <a href="/philippians/1-17.htm">Philippians 1:17</a>; <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Philippians 2:3</a>). The A.V. "strife" comes from a wrong derivation, as if ἐριθεία were connected with ἔρις, whereas it really comes from ἔριθος, a hired laborer, and so signifies (1) working for hire; (2) the canvassing of hired partisans; and (3) factiousness in general (see Lightfoot on <a href="/galatians/5-20.htm">Galatians 5:20</a>). Glory not; i.e. glory not of your wisdom, a boast to which your whole conduct thus gives the lie. <a href="/commentaries/james/3-14.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. if εἰ (ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. you {harbor} ἔχετε (echete) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. your ὑμῶν (hymōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. hearts καρδίᾳ (kardia) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2588.htm">Strong's 2588: </a> Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle. bitter πικρὸν (pikron) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4089.htm">Strong's 4089: </a> Bitter, acrid, malignant. Perhaps from pegnumi; sharp, i.e. Acrid. jealousy ζῆλον (zēlon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> From zeo; properly, heat, i.e. 'zeal' (figuratively, of God), or an enemy, malice). and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. selfish ambition, ἐριθείαν (eritheian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2052.htm">Strong's 2052: </a> Perhaps as the same as erethizo; properly, intrigue, i.e. faction. {do} not μὴ (mē) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. boast [in it] κατακαυχᾶσθε (katakauchasthe) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2620.htm">Strong's 2620: </a> To boast against, exult over. From kata and kauchaomai; to exult against. or καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. deny ψεύδεσθε (pseudesthe) Verb - Present Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5574.htm">Strong's 5574: </a> To deceive, lie, speak falsely. Middle voice of an apparently primary verb; to utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood. the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. truth. ἀληθείας (alētheias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_225.htm">Strong's 225: </a> From alethes; truth. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/3-14.htm">James 3:14 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/3-14.htm">James 3:14 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/3-14.htm">James 3:14 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/3-14.htm">James 3:14 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/3-14.htm">James 3:14 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/3-14.htm">James 3:14 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/3-14.htm">James 3:14 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/3-14.htm">James 3:14 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/3-14.htm">James 3:14 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/3-14.htm">James 3:14 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/3-14.htm">NT Letters: James 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/3-13.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 3:13"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 3:13" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/3-15.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 3:15"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 3:15" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>