But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
the wisdom.
James 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
James 1:5,17 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him…
Genesis 41:38,39 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? …
first.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Malachi 3:3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
peaceable.
1 Chronicles 22:9 Behold, a son shall be born to thee, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quietness unto Israel in his days.
Isaiah 2:4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Isaiah 9:6,7 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace…
gentle.
Isaiah 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, …
2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
full.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
Acts 11:24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
then peace-loving
Peace-loving wisdom seeks harmony and reconciliation, reflecting the biblical call to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). In the context of James' audience, who faced conflicts and divisions, this attribute underscores the importance of unity within the Christian community. It aligns with Paul's exhortation in Romans 12:18, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
gentle
Gentleness, or meekness, is a strength under control, not weakness. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23) and was exemplified by Christ, who described Himself as "gentle and humble in heart" (Matthew 11:29). This quality is essential for leaders and believers, promoting a spirit of humility and patience in interactions with others.
accommodating
Being accommodating involves a willingness to yield and be open to reason, without compromising truth. It reflects a spirit of cooperation and flexibility, essential for maintaining unity and understanding within the body of Christ. This attribute is vital in resolving disputes and fostering a community that values others above oneself (Philippians 2:3).
full of mercy and good fruit
Mercy is a central theme in Scripture, reflecting God's compassionate nature. Believers are called to be merciful, as God is merciful (Luke 6:36). Good fruit refers to the tangible outcomes of living according to God's wisdom, such as acts of kindness and righteousness. This aligns with Jesus' teaching that a tree is known by its fruit (Matthew 7:16-20).
impartial
Impartiality is crucial in reflecting God's justice and fairness, as God shows no favoritism (Romans 2:11). In the early church, impartiality was vital in addressing issues of discrimination and favoritism, as seen in James 2:1-9. This quality ensures that believers treat all people with equal respect and love, regardless of status or background.
and sincere
Sincerity involves authenticity and honesty, without hypocrisy. It is a call to genuine faith and love, as opposed to pretense. This aligns with Paul's exhortation in Romans 12:9, "Love must be sincere." Sincerity in wisdom ensures that actions and intentions are aligned with God's truth, fostering trust and integrity within the community.
“Wisdom from above is first of all pure.” Purity leads the list because everything that follows is built on a heart undivided toward God. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8). John adds, “Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3). Genuine wisdom refuses compromise with sin, seeks holiness in thoughts, motives, and actions, and stays transparent before the Lord and people.
After purity comes peace. “If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). Peacemaking is not passive; it actively bridges divides, echoing Jesus’ blessing: “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9). Hebrews 12:14 urges us to “pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness.” Heavenly wisdom resists the envy and selfish ambition James condemns (James 3:14–16) and instead spreads calm and reconciliation.
True wisdom treats others with tenderness. Paul writes, “Let your gentleness be apparent to all” (Philippians 4:5). Even correction must be gentle: “A servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone” (2 Timothy 2:24). The Lord Himself is “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29), so wisdom patterned after Him carries the same tone.
Some translations read “reasonable” or “submissive”; the idea is being willing to yield when truth and righteousness are not at stake. Titus 3:2 calls us “peaceable and gentle, showing full consideration to everyone.” Wisdom listens, cooperates, and refuses stubborn pride (Philippians 2:3–4). It is flexible, not fickle—anchored in conviction yet approachable in manner.
Heaven-born wisdom overflows with compassion that takes practical shape. “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). Mercy must bear “good fruit,” echoing the Spirit’s produce in Galatians 5:22–23. The Good Samaritan illustrates this blend of heart and action (Luke 10:33–37). Wisdom refuses cold orthodoxy; it stoops to lift the hurting.
God shows no favoritism (Acts 10:34), and neither does His wisdom. Proverbs 24:23 warns, “Showing partiality in judgment is not good.” Whether dealing with rich or poor (James 2:1–4), friends or strangers, wisdom applies truth evenly. It stands for justice without bending to status, race, or personal advantage.
Finally, wisdom is “without hypocrisy.” Paul exhorts, “Love must be sincere. Detest what is evil; cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9). Peter echoes, “Love one another deeply, from a pure heart” (1 Peter 1:22). There is no pretense, hidden agenda, or double-speak. What you see on the outside matches what God sees on the inside.
James 3:17 sketches a portrait of heavenly wisdom: morally clean, peace-pursuing, tender, open to reason, compassionate in deed, even-handed, and utterly genuine. The passage invites believers to reject earthly, self-centered thinking and to cultivate these seven traits so that their lives reflect the character of the “Father of lights” who grants such wisdom “generously to all” who ask (James 1:5).
(17) But the wisdom that is from above . . .--Whereas, in sweetest contrast to all this repulsive foulness and riot, the true wisdom from above is first pure, chaste as the Lamb of God, "the Word made flesh" (John 1:14), then peaceful, gentle, and compliant--easy to be won, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, not double-minded (non duplex), nor hypocritical. Compare with this beautiful description St. Paul's list of the fruits of the Spirit, "love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" (Galatians 5:22), and his discourse on Love (1 Corinthians 13).Truly this wisdom "cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof;" "Happy is the man that findeth her." (Read Job 28:14-19, and Proverbs 3:13-18.)
Verse 17. - The wisdom which is from above; ἡ ἄνωθεν σοφία, equivalent to חכמה עליוגה - an expression not unknown among rabbinical writers (see Schöttgen, 'Horae Hebraicae,' vol. 1. p. 1026). First pure, then peaceable. "The sequence is that of thought, not of time" (Plumptre). Purity must be secured, even at the expense of peace. Gentle, and easy to be entreated (ἐπιεκὴς εὐπειθής). The former of these two terms signifies "forbearing under provocation" (cf. 1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 3:2; 1 Peter 2:18); the latter is found only here. Vulgate, snadibilis; Syriac, "obedient;" R.V. as A.V., "easy to be entreated," i.e. ready to forgive. Thus the conjunction of the two terms ἐπιεικής and εὐπειθής reminds us of the Jewish saying in 'Pirqe Aboth,' 5:17, describing four characters in dispositions, in which the man who is "hard to provoke and easily pacified" is set down as pious. Without partiality (ἀδιάκριτος); here only in the New Testament. The word is used in the LXX. in Proverbs 25:1; and by Ignatius (Ephesians 3; Magn. 15; Trall. 1), but none of these passages throw light on its meaning. It may be either(1) without variance, or
(2) without doubtfulness, or
(3) without partiality; . . .
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