James 3:17-18 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits… What a change passes on the scene! A bright, celestial form appliers. A fair and fragrant landscape bursts upon the view. 1. The apostle commences his description of "the wisdom that is from above" with the statement, "It is first pure." It avoids and excludes what is false in doctrine, and what is vile in character and action; and this process leads the way and regulates the rest. 2. It is "then peaceable." It leads him who possesses it to "follow peace," to maintain peace, and to promote peace. The voices of the world are constantly exclaiming, "We are for war." 3. It is "gentle." It leads him to deal mildly with the broken heart, and even to use meekness towards "such as oppose themselves." 4. It is "easy to be entreated." 5. It is "full of mercy and good fruits." It awakens and sustains a practical kindness in the heart. 6. It is "without partiality" — a representation, probably, referring to the case of "respect of persons," as animadverted on in the second chapter. 7. It is "without hypocrisy." Itself genuine and true, it prompts and inclines to strict and consistent honesty in speech, and conduct, and profession. (A. S. Patterson, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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