James 3:17
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Context
Contrasting two kinds of wisdom, James describes the heavenly wisdom that shows itself in peace, mercy, and integrity rather than in envy and selfish ambition.
What Does James 3:17 Mean?
James paints a portrait of true wisdom by listing its qualities. He has just described a counterfeit wisdom that is earthly and produces envy and strife; here he shows the genuine article, the "wisdom that is from above." Real wisdom is recognized not by cleverness but by character.
He places purity first: heavenly wisdom is morally clean, undivided in its devotion to what is good. From that root flow its other traits. It is "peaceable," seeking harmony rather than conflict; "gentle," considerate and not harsh; "easy to be intreated," willing to listen and yield where it should. It is "full of mercy and good fruits," overflowing in compassion that takes concrete action. And it is "without partiality, and without hypocrisy" -- it does not play favorites and it is not two-faced. This list reads almost like a description of love in action, and that is the point. The wisdom God gives is not abstract knowledge but a way of living that blesses everyone it touches. Anyone can test his own wisdom against this standard. Where these qualities are present, the wisdom is from above; where envy and strife appear instead, it is not.
In the Original Language
The word "pure" is hagnos, morally clean; "easy to be intreated" renders eupeithes, willing to yield or be persuaded; "without partiality" is adiakritos, undivided and impartial.
Cross References
“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.”
- James 1:5
“For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”
- Proverbs 2:6
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,”
- Galatians 5:22
Application
Measure your wisdom by its fruit: does it produce peace, mercy, and humility, or envy and division? Pursue the kind that blesses everyone it touches.