James 3:15 kjv — This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

King James Version

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

— James 3:15, King James Version

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James 3:15 in Other Translations

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James 3 — Context

12

Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

13

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

14

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

15

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

16

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

17

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.

18

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

James 3:15 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does James 3:15 say?
James 3:15 in the King James Version reads: “This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.”
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 (KJV): “This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.” 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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