James 3:17

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} the wisdom {G4678} that is from above {G509} is {G2076} first {G4412} pure {G3303}{G53}, then {G1899} peaceable {G1516}, gentle {G1933}, and easy to be intreated {G2138}, full {G3324} of mercy {G1656} and {G2532} good {G18} fruits {G2590}, without partiality {G87}, and {G2532} without hypocrisy {G505}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the wisdom from above is, first of all, pure, then peaceful, kind, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

Berean Standard Bible

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.

American Standard Version

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 3:17 offers a profound description of true wisdom, delineating its divine origin and ethical characteristics. It stands in stark contrast to the "earthly, unspiritual, demonic" wisdom described in the preceding verses, which is marked by selfish ambition and disorder. This verse serves as a crucial guide for believers, illustrating that genuine spiritual wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but a transformative power that manifests in a life of purity, peace, and practical righteousness, fostering harmony and authenticity within the community of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** James 3:17 is the culmination of James's discourse on two contrasting types of wisdom, introduced in [James 3:13](/james/3-13 "James 3:13 - The Wise and Understanding"). Beginning with a challenge to those who claim wisdom, James immediately shifts to describing the fruits of true wisdom—"good conduct" and "meekness of wisdom." He then vividly portrays "earthly wisdom" as inherently linked to "bitter jealousy and selfish ambition," leading to "disorder and every vile practice" ([James 3:14-16](/james/3-14-16 "James 3:14-16 - Earthly Wisdom's Characteristics")). Verse 17 then presents the antithesis, detailing the eight positive attributes of "the wisdom that is from above," directly countering the negative manifestations of worldly wisdom. This section on wisdom follows James's extensive teaching on controlling the tongue ([James 3:1-12](/james/3-1-12 "James 3:1-12 - Taming the Tongue")), suggesting that the way one speaks and interacts is a primary indicator of the source of their wisdom.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of wisdom was highly valued in both Jewish and Hellenistic cultures during the time James wrote. In Judaism, wisdom (חָכְמָה, *chokmah*) was often personified and seen as a divine attribute, deeply connected to the Torah and righteous living, as exemplified in [Proverbs 8](/proverbs/8 "Proverbs 8 - The Praise of Wisdom"). For James, writing to a predominantly Jewish Christian audience dispersed among the nations, he draws upon this rich heritage but reorients it around Christ and practical Christian living. The early church faced internal strife and external pressures, making the cultivation of peace, gentleness, and impartiality crucial for its survival and witness. The challenges of favoritism (as seen in [James 2:1-4](/james/2-1-4 "James 2:1-4 - Warning Against Favoritism")) and judgmental speech ([James 4:11-12](/james/4-11-12 "James 4:11-12 - Do Not Speak Evil Against One Another")) underscore the practical necessity of the divine wisdom described in this verse.

* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to the theme of **genuine faith expressed through righteous living** that permeates the entire book of James. It emphasizes that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but is demonstrated through observable actions and character. The contrast between earthly and heavenly wisdom highlights the theme of **spiritual discernment**—the ability to distinguish between values and behaviors that originate from God versus those that stem from human fallenness or even demonic influence. Furthermore, the attributes listed in [James 3:17](/james/3-17 "James 3:17 - The Wisdom from Above") contribute significantly to the theme of **community harmony and ethical conduct** within the church. It calls believers to embody qualities that foster unity, compassion, and authenticity, reflecting the very nature of God and His kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wisdom (Greek, _sophía'_):** From G4678, this term refers to higher or lower, worldly or spiritual wisdom. In this context, qualified by "from above," it denotes a spiritual insight and understanding that transcends human intellect, originating from God Himself. It is not mere knowledge, but the ability to apply truth effectively and righteously in life.
* **From above (Greek, _ánōthen'_):** From G509, this adverb means "from above," "from the first," or "anew." Here, it explicitly indicates the divine origin of this wisdom, contrasting it with the "earthly" wisdom mentioned previously. It signifies that this wisdom is not acquired through human effort or worldly philosophy but is a gift bestowed by God.
* **Pure (Greek, _hagnós'_):** From G53, this adjective means "clean," "innocent," "modest," or "perfect." In the context of wisdom, it signifies moral and ethical purity, untainted by selfish motives, envy, or hypocrisy. This wisdom is uncorrupted and undefiled, reflecting the holiness of its divine source.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure":** This clause immediately establishes the divine origin and primary characteristic of true wisdom. It is not humanly contrived but divinely given, and its foundational quality is purity—moral and ethical integrity, free from selfish motives or corruption. This purity sets it apart from the "earthly" wisdom which is inherently impure due to its roots in "bitter jealousy and selfish ambition."
* **"then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated":** Following purity, wisdom manifests in relational qualities. "Peaceable" (G1516, *eirēnikós*) means it seeks and promotes peace, fostering harmony rather than conflict. "Gentle" (G1933, *epieikḗs*) describes a disposition that is reasonable, considerate, fair, and willing to yield, not rigid or harsh. "Easy to be intreated" (G2138, *eupeithḗs*) indicates a willingness to listen, be persuaded by reason, and be compliant, rather than stubborn or unyielding. These qualities collectively describe a wisdom that builds relationships and resolves disputes.
* **"full of mercy and good fruits":** This phrase highlights the active, compassionate nature of divine wisdom. It is not merely a passive disposition but is actively "full" (G3324, *mestós*) of "mercy" (G1656, *éleos*), demonstrating compassion and kindness towards others. This mercy is not abstract but produces tangible "good fruits" (G18, *agathós* and G2590, *karpós*), which are observable acts of righteousness, love, and benevolence. This emphasizes that true wisdom is practical and visible in one's actions.
* **"without partiality, and without hypocrisy":** These final two attributes underscore the integrity and authenticity of heavenly wisdom. "Without partiality" (G87, *adiákritos*) means it treats all people justly and fairly, without favoritism, discrimination, or wavering judgment. "Without hypocrisy" (G505, *anypókritos*) signifies sincerity and genuineness, free from pretense, deceit, or a double standard. This wisdom is transparent and consistent, reflecting an honest heart and genuine character.

#### Literary Devices
James employs several effective literary devices in [James 3:17](/james/3-17 "James 3:17 - The Wisdom from Above") to convey his message. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, as he lists eight distinct attributes of heavenly wisdom. This systematic listing provides a comprehensive and memorable definition, making it easy for the reader to grasp the multifaceted nature of divine wisdom. Furthermore, the entire passage ([James 3:13-18](/james/3-13-18 "James 3:13-18 - Two Kinds of Wisdom")) is built on **Contrast**, setting the "wisdom that is from above" in sharp opposition to the "earthly, unspiritual, demonic" wisdom. This juxtaposition highlights the superiority and distinctiveness of God's wisdom by showing what it is *not* as much as what it *is*. Finally, there is a subtle element of **Personification** as wisdom is described with active, moral qualities ("is pure," "is peaceable," "is full of mercy"), almost as if wisdom itself is an agent or a living entity that embodies these virtues, rather than just an abstract concept.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The wisdom described in James 3:17 is fundamentally theological, stemming directly from the character of God Himself. It is "from above," indicating its divine origin and nature. This wisdom reflects God's own attributes of purity, peace, mercy, justice, and truthfulness. When believers embody these qualities, they are not merely adopting a moral code but are participating in and reflecting the very character of their Creator. This aligns with the New Testament's emphasis on transformation by the Holy Spirit, who produces Christ-like character in believers. The practical, relational, and ethical nature of this wisdom demonstrates that true spirituality is not abstract but profoundly impacts how one lives and interacts with the world, fostering genuine community and a powerful witness.

* [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit"): The attributes of heavenly wisdom resonate strongly with the "fruit of the Spirit" (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control), emphasizing a Spirit-empowered life that produces ethical and relational virtues.
* [Romans 12:9](/romans/12-9 "Romans 12:9 - Marks of the True Christian"): Paul's exhortation to "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good" directly parallels James's call for wisdom "without hypocrisy."
* [Philippians 4:8](/philippians/4-8 "Philippians 4:8 - What to Think About"): This verse encourages believers to focus their minds on "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy," which are precisely the kinds of qualities that characterize the wisdom from above.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 3:17 serves as a powerful mirror, inviting us to examine the source and manifestation of the "wisdom" that guides our lives. Do our actions and attitudes reflect the purity, peace, gentleness, and impartiality that characterize God's wisdom, or are they tainted by the "bitter jealousy and selfish ambition" of earthly wisdom? Cultivating the wisdom from above requires more than intellectual assent; it demands a radical reorientation of our hearts and minds towards God. It calls us to actively pursue peace in our relationships, to extend mercy generously, to act without favoritism, and to live with unfeigned sincerity. This wisdom is not passive; it is dynamic, producing "good fruits" that bless those around us and bring glory to God. Embracing this divine wisdom transforms not only our individual lives but also the communities we inhabit, making them reflections of God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to operate more from "earthly wisdom" (selfish ambition, partiality, hypocrisy) than from "wisdom from above"?**
* **Which of the eight characteristics of heavenly wisdom (pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be intreated, full of mercy, good fruits, without partiality, without hypocrisy) do I find most challenging to embody, and why?**
* **How can I intentionally seek and cultivate the "wisdom that is from above" in my daily interactions and decision-making?**

### FAQ

**How does the "wisdom from above" differ from human intelligence or worldly success?**

Answer: The "wisdom from above" (G4678, *sophía* G509, *ánōthen*) as described in [James 3:17](/james/3-17 "James 3:17 - The Wisdom from Above") is fundamentally distinct from mere human intelligence or worldly success. Human intelligence, while valuable, is often limited by human perspective and can be used for selfish or destructive purposes. Worldly success, similarly, can be achieved through cunning, manipulation, or ruthless competition, which are antithetical to the qualities of divine wisdom. James explicitly contrasts heavenly wisdom with "earthly, unspiritual, demonic" wisdom ([James 3:15](/james/3-15 "James 3:15 - Earthly Wisdom")), which is characterized by "bitter jealousy and selfish ambition" and leads to "disorder and every vile practice" ([James 3:16](/james/3-16 "James 3:16 - Fruits of Earthly Wisdom")). In contrast, divine wisdom is defined by its moral purity, peace-making nature, gentleness, willingness to yield, abundance of mercy and good fruits, impartiality, and sincerity. It is not about accumulating knowledge or power for oneself, but about living righteously and relationally in a way that honors God and blesses others. Its source is divine, not human, and its fruit is spiritual transformation, not just temporal achievement.

**Is this an exhaustive list of wisdom's attributes, or are there others implied?**

Answer: While James 3:17 provides a comprehensive and highly descriptive list of eight key attributes of the "wisdom that is from above," it is likely not intended to be an exhaustive, closed list of every possible characteristic. Rather, it offers a robust and practical definition that highlights the most crucial and differentiating qualities. The phrase "full of mercy and good fruits" suggests a generative quality, implying that this wisdom will naturally produce a wide array of other positive, righteous behaviors and attitudes consistent with its divine origin. Other passages in Scripture, such as [Proverbs 8](/proverbs/8 "Proverbs 8 - The Praise of Wisdom") and New Testament descriptions of Christ's character or the fruit of the Spirit ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")), expand on the multifaceted nature of divine wisdom. James's list serves as a foundational and highly practical guide for discerning and living out true wisdom in the Christian life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 3:17, though written in the context of practical Christian living, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the very **Wisdom of God** personified, as articulated by Paul in [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God"), where Christ is declared "the power of God and the wisdom of God." Every attribute listed in James 3:17—pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy—was perfectly demonstrated in Jesus's earthly life and ministry. His life was **pure**, unstained by sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")); He was the ultimate **peace-maker**, reconciling humanity to God through His sacrifice ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")); He was **gentle and humble in heart** ([Matthew 11:29](/matthew/11-29 "Matthew 11:29 - Take My Yoke Upon You")); He was **approachable and responsive** to the cries of the needy, demonstrating His willingness to be "easy to be intreated" by all who came to Him in faith. His ministry was **full of mercy** towards the sick, the marginalized, and the sinful ([Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - I Desire Mercy, Not Sacrifice")), and His life produced an abundance of **good fruits** in healing, teaching, and ultimately, redemption. He showed **no partiality**, extending His grace to all, regardless of social status or background ([Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality")), and He lived a life of absolute **authenticity and sincerity**, utterly "without hypocrisy" ([John 8:46](/john/8-46 "John 8:46 - Who of you convicts me of sin?")). Therefore, to seek the "wisdom that is from above" is, in essence, to seek Christ Himself, to grow in conformity to His character, and to allow His Spirit to produce these divine virtues in us, making us more like the One who is the embodiment of all true wisdom.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Galatians 5:23

Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Proverbs 2:6

For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and understanding.

1 Corinthians 13:4

¶ Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

1 Corinthians 13:7

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

James 3:15

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

Romans 12:9

[Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.