James 3:16

For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work.

For {G1063} where {G3699} envying {G2205} and {G2532} strife {G2052} is, there {G1563} is confusion {G181} and {G2532} every {G3956} evil {G5337} work {G4229}.

For where there are jealousy and selfish ambition, there will be disharmony and every foul practice.

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.

For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed.

James 3:16 delivers a stark warning about the natural consequences of ungodly attitudes and behaviors, particularly those stemming from a lack of spiritual wisdom. This verse succinctly explains that internal discord inevitably leads to external chaos and moral decay.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discourse in James Chapter 3 concerning the nature of wisdom. Following a detailed exposition on the immense power of the tongue and its potential for destruction or blessing, James contrasts two types of wisdom: earthly and heavenly. Verses 14-15 describe the characteristics of earthly wisdom as "bitter envying and strife in your hearts," which is "earthly, sensual, devilish." Verse 16 then serves as the direct consequence of embracing such a flawed perspective.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Destructive Nature of Envy and Strife: James highlights that jealousy (envying) and contention (strife) are not merely minor faults but destructive forces. They corrupt individuals and communities from within.
  • Consequences of Earthly Wisdom: The verse explicitly links these negative traits to "confusion" (disorder, instability) and "every evil work" (all kinds of wickedness). This demonstrates that a mind governed by selfish ambition and rivalry cannot produce anything good or stable.
  • Contrast with Heavenly Wisdom: Implicitly, this verse sets the stage for the description of heavenly wisdom in James 3:17-18, which is pure, peaceable, gentle, and productive of righteousness. The absence of envy and strife is a hallmark of true spiritual wisdom.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "envying" and "strife." In the original Greek, "envying" comes from zelos (ζῆλος), which can mean zeal, jealousy, or fervent rivalry. In this context, it carries the negative connotation of selfish ambition or jealousy. "Strife" comes from eris (ἔρις), meaning contention, quarreling, or disputation. These two words together describe the atmosphere of bitter rivalry and discord. "Confusion" translates akatastasia (ἀκαταστασία), signifying instability, disorder, or tumult. This is a strong term, indicating a state of chaos and disarray, contrary to the order God desires, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:33, which states "God is not the author of confusion."

Practical Application

For believers today, James 3:16 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-examination and fostering godly attitudes. If jealousy, selfish ambition, or contention are present in our hearts or communities, we can expect to see disunity, disorder, and various forms of evil emerge. This verse calls us to:

  • Guard Our Hearts: Be vigilant against the insidious roots of envy and strife, recognizing that they lead to profound disarray.
  • Seek Heavenly Wisdom: Actively pursue the wisdom that comes from God, which is characterized by purity, peace, and gentleness, rather than the works of the flesh like "hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife" (Galatians 5:20).
  • Promote Unity and Peace: Work towards environments of peace and order, both personally and within our churches and families, understanding that true love "envieth not" and builds up rather than tears down.

By rooting out envy and strife, Christians can cultivate environments where the fruits of righteousness can flourish.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, 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. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • James 3:14

    But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:3

    For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

  • 1 Corinthians 14:33

    For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

  • 1 John 3:12

    Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

  • Galatians 5:20

    Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

  • Genesis 11:9

    Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

  • Acts 19:29

    And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

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