James 3:15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

◄ James 3:15 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

English Standard Version
This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

New American Standard Bible
This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.

King James Bible
This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

International Standard Version
That kind of wisdom does not come from above. No, it is worldly, self-centered, and demonic.

American Standard Version
This wisdom is not a wisdom that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

Douay-Rheims Bible
For this is not wisdom, descending from above: but earthly, sensual, devilish.

Darby Bible Translation
This is not the wisdom which comes down from above, but earthly, natural, devilish.

Young's Literal Translation
this wisdom is not descending from above, but earthly, physical, demon-like,

Cross References

1 Corinthians 2:6
However, we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nothing:

1 Corinthians 2:14
But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness to him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

1 Corinthians 3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness.

2 Corinthians 1:12
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

2 Thessalonians 2:9
Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no ficklenss, neither shadow of turning.

Jude 1:19
These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

Revelation 2:24
But to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put on you none other burden.

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Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

3:13-18 These verses show the difference between men's pretending to be wise, and their being really so. He who thinks well, or he who talks well, is not wise in the sense of the Scripture, if he does not live and act well. True wisdom may be know by the meekness of the spirit and temper. Those who live in malice, envy, and contention, live in confusion; and are liable to be provoked and hurried to any evil work. Such wisdom comes not down from above, but springs up from earthly principles, acts on earthly motives, and is intent on serving earthly purposes. Those who are lifted up with such wisdom, described by the apostle James, is near to the Christian love, described by the apostle Paul; and both are so described that every man may fully prove the reality of his attainments in them. It has no disguise or deceit. It cannot fall in with those managements the world counts wise, which are crafty and guileful; but it is sincere, and open, and steady, and uniform, and consistent with itself. May the purity, peace, gentleness, teachableness, and mercy shown in all our actions, and the fruits of righteousness abounding in our lives, prove that God has bestowed upon us this excellent gift.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

15. This wisdom—in which ye "glory," as if ye were "wise" (Jas 3:13, 14).

descendeth not from above—literally, "is not one descending," &c.: "from the Father of lights" (true illumination and wisdom), Jas 1:17; through "the Spirit of truth," Joh 15:26.

earthly—opposed to heavenly. Distinct from "earthy," 1Co 15:47. Earthly is what is IN the earth; earthy, what is of the earth.

sensual—literally, "animal-like": the wisdom of the "natural" (the same Greek) man, not born again of God; "not having the Spirit" (Jude 19).

devilish—in its origin (from "hell," Jas 3:6; not from God, the Giver of true wisdom, Jas 1:5), and also in its character, which accords with its origin. Earthly, sensual, and devilish, answer to the three spiritual foes of man, the world, the flesh, and the devil.