11 Does a spring send out from the same opening both [a]fresh and bitter water? 12 (A)Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, bear olives, or a vine bear figs? Nor can salt water produce [b]fresh.

Wisdom from Above

13 Who among you is wise and understanding? (B)Let him show by his (C)good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter (D)jealousy and [c]selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against (E)the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down (F)from above, but is (G)earthly, [d](H)natural, (I)demonic. 16 For where (J)jealousy and [e]selfish ambition exist, [f]there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom (K)from above is first (L)pure, then (M)peace-loving, (N)gentle, [g]reasonable, (O)full of mercy and good fruits, [h](P)impartial, free of (Q)hypocrisy. 18 And the (R)fruit of righteousness is sown in peace [i]by those who make peace.

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Footnotes

  1. James 3:11 Lit sweet
  2. James 3:12 Lit sweet
  3. James 3:14 Or strife
  4. James 3:15 Or unspiritual
  5. James 3:16 Or strife
  6. James 3:16 I.e., in that place
  7. James 3:17 Or willing to yield
  8. James 3:17 Or unwavering
  9. James 3:18 Or for

11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs?(A) Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Two Kinds of Wisdom

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it(B) by their good life, by deeds(C) done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition(D) in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.(E) 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven(F) but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.(G) 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition,(H) there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven(I) is first of all pure; then peace-loving,(J) considerate, submissive, full of mercy(K) and good fruit, impartial and sincere.(L) 18 Peacemakers(M) who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.(N)

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