James 3:16

“For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”

King James Version (KJV)

Other Translations

For where enuying and strife is, there is confusion, and euery euill worke.
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
- New American Standard Version (1995)

For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed.
- American Standard Version (1901)

For where envy is, and the desire to get the better of others, there is no order, but every sort of evil-doing.
- Basic English Bible

For where emulation and strife [are], there [is] disorder and every evil thing.
- Darby Bible

For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
- Webster's Bible

For where envy and rivalry are, there also are unrest and every vile deed.
- Weymouth Bible

For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.
- World English Bible

For where is enuye and strijf, there is vnstidfastnesse and al schrewid werk.
- Wycliffe Bible

for where zeal and rivalry [are], there is insurrection and every evil matter;
- Youngs Literal Bible

Bible commentary

Wesley's Notes for James 3:16


3:14 If ye have bitter zeal - True Christian zeal is only the flame of love. Even in your hearts - Though it went no farther. Do not lie against the truth - As if such zeal could consist with heavenly wisdom.

3:15 This wisdom - Which is consistent with such zeal. Is earthly - Not heavenly; not from the Father of Lights. Animal - Not spiritual; not from the Spirit of God. Devilish - Not the gift of Christ, but such as Satan breathes into the soul.

3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure - From all that is earthly, natural, devilish. Then peaceable - True peace attending purity, it is quiet, inoffensive. Gentle - Soft, mild, yielding, not rigid. Easy to he entreated - To be persuaded, or convinced; not stubborn, sour, or morose. Full of good fruits - Both in the heart and in the life, two of which are immediately specified. Without partiality - Loving all, without respect of persons; embracing all good things, rejecting all evil. And without dissimulation - Frank, open.

3:18 And the principle productive of this righteousness is sown, like good seed, in the peace of a believer's mind, and brings forth a plentiful harvest of happiness, (which is the proper fruit of righteousness,) for them that make peace - That labour to promote this pure and holy peace among all men.


People's Bible Notes for James 3:16


Jas 3:16 For where envying and strife [is], etc. Where these exist in the heart, every evil work will follow.

Discussion for James 3:16

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