James 3:15 cpdv — For this is not wisdom, descending from above, but rather it is earthly, beastly, and diabolical.

Catholic Public Domain Version

"For this is not wisdom, descending from above, but rather it is earthly, beastly, and diabolical. "

— James 3:15, Catholic Public Domain Version

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James 3:15 in Other Translations

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James 3 — Context

12

My brothers, can the fig tree yield grapes? Or the vine, figs? Then neither is salt water able to produce fresh water.

13

Who is wise and well-taught among you? Let him show, by means of good conversation, his work in the meekness of wisdom.

14

But if you hold a bitter zeal, and if there is contention in your hearts, then do not boast and do not be liars against the truth.

15

For this is not wisdom, descending from above, but rather it is earthly, beastly, and diabolical.

16

For wherever envy and contention is, there too is inconstancy and every depraved work.

17

But within the wisdom that is from above, certainly, chastity is first, and next peacefulness, meekness, openness, consenting to what is good, a plenitude of mercy and good fruits, not judging, without falseness.

18

And so the fruit of justice is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James 3:15 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does James 3:15 say?
James 3:15 in the Catholic Public Domain Version reads: “For this is not wisdom, descending from above, but rather it is earthly, beastly, and diabolical. ”
Where is James 3:15 in the Bible?
James 3:15 is found in the New Testament, in the book of James, chapter 3, verse 15.
Who wrote James?
James is traditionally attributed to James, half-brother of Jesus, leader of the Jerusalem church. It was written c. AD 44–49.
What is the book of James about?
James is the New Testament's closest cousin to Old-Testament wisdom literature — pungent, practical, and uncompromising. Faith without works is dead. The tongue is a fire. The prayers of a righteous man avail much. It calls Christians to walk their talk.
What are the major themes of James?
James explores themes including Faith and Works, Wisdom, Speech, Suffering, Prayer. These themes shape the meaning and context of James 3:15.
What translation should I read James 3:15 in?
James 3:15 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize James 3:15?
James 3:15 reads (CPDV): “For this is not wisdom, descending from above, but rather it is earthly, beastly, and diabolical. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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