James 3:15

This wisdom descendeth not from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, devilish.

This {G3778} wisdom {G4678} descendeth {G2076}{G2718} not {G3756} from above {G509}, but {G235} is earthly {G1919}, sensual {G5591}, devilish {G1141}.

This wisdom is not the kind that comes down from above; on the contrary, it is worldly, unspiritual, demonic.

Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

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

Commentary

Context of James 3:15

James chapter 3 primarily addresses the power and danger of the tongue, highlighting its capacity for both good and evil. Following a discussion on the devastating effects of an uncontrolled tongue, James contrasts two types of wisdom: one that leads to "envying and strife" (James 3:14) and another, "wisdom that is from above" (James 3:17). Verse 15 specifically describes the characteristics of the former, negative kind of wisdom, which is rooted in human nature rather than divine origin.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Nature of False Wisdom: This verse starkly defines a wisdom that is not from God. It's not merely human error but possesses deeply problematic origins and characteristics.
  • Worldliness and Carnality: The "earthly" and "sensual" aspects point to a focus on worldly desires, human intellect divorced from spiritual truth, and carnal inclinations. This type of wisdom prioritizes self-interest, earthly gain, and immediate gratification over eternal values.
  • Demonic Influence: The term "devilish" (or demonic) reveals the ultimate source and destructive nature of this wisdom. It implies that wisdom leading to envy, strife, and disorder aligns with the purposes of evil, sowing discord and confusion.
  • Contrast with Godly Wisdom: This verse sets the stage for the description of true, heavenly wisdom in James 3:17, which is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses three powerful adjectives to describe this false wisdom:

  • "Earthly" (Greek: epigeios): This signifies a wisdom limited to the physical realm and human understanding, devoid of spiritual insight. It is bound by the world's values and perspectives.
  • "Sensual" (Greek: psychikos): This term refers to that which pertains to the natural, unregenerate soul or mind, driven by natural instincts, desires, and human reason apart from divine revelation. It is the wisdom of the "natural man" who does not receive the things of the Spirit of God (see 1 Corinthians 2:14).
  • "Devilish" (Greek: daimoniōdēs): This is the strongest descriptor, indicating that this wisdom is inspired by or characteristic of demons. It is inherently malicious, aiming to create chaos, division, and destruction, much like the schemes of the adversary.

Practical Application

James 3:15 serves as a crucial warning for believers to discern the source of their thoughts, motivations, and counsel. We are challenged to examine whether our "wisdom" is truly from God or if it is rooted in self-interest, worldly ambition, or even darker influences. This verse encourages us to pursue a wisdom that fosters peace, purity, and unity, rather than one that leads to conflict and disorder. Recognizing the signs of this "earthly, sensual, devilish" wisdom—such as envy, contention, and a spirit of division—helps us to reject it and instead seek the wisdom that comes from above, which is first pure, then peaceable.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.
An Introduction to James: Faith that Works James, the Brother of Jesus: A Pillar of the Jerusalem Church 5 Things the Book of James Teaches Us About True Faith What is "Biblical" Wisdom? What the Bible Says About Gossip and the Power of the Tongue

Cross-References

  • James 3:17

    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.

  • James 1:17

    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:19

    For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

  • Philippians 3:19

    Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

  • 1 Corinthians 2:14

    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.

  • 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 Corinthians 11:13

    For such [are] false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
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