James 3:17

“But the wisdom that is from above, etc.] Which has God for its author; which is infused into the soul by the Spirit of God; and leads into the knowledge of things that are above, of heavenly things; and which only is true wisdom and knowledge; and those who are possessed of it are the only true Gnostics; for which, (See Gill on “<590313>James 3:13”) namely, the grace of God: this wisdom is first pure; it is pure in itself, it is free from everything that is earthly, carnal, or sensual, or devilish; it produces purity of heart, of life, and conversation; and is the means of keeping persons pure and chaste, and free from impure lusts, lusts of uncleanness, pride, envy, wrath, etc. which…”

“first pure--literally, "chaste," "sanctified": pure from all that is "earthly, sensual (animal), devilish" (Jam 3:15). This is put, "first of all," before "peaceable" because there is an unholy peace with the world which makes no distinction between clean and unclean. Compare "undefiled" and "unspotted from the world," Jam 1:27; Jam 4:4, Jam 4:8, "purify . . . hearts"; Pe1 1:22, "purified . . . souls" (the same Greek). Ministers must not preach before a purifying change of heart, "Peace," where there is no peace. Seven (the perfect number) characteristic peculiarities of true wisdom are enumerated. Purity or sanctity is put first because it has respect both to God and to ourselves; the six…”

“But the wisdom that is from above - Compare the notes at 1 Corinthians 2:6-7. The wisdom which has a heavenly origin, or which is from God. The man who is characterised by that wisdom will be pure, peaceable, etc. This does not refer to the doctrines of religion, but to its spirit. Is first pure - That is, the first effect of it on the mind is to make it pure. The influence on the man is to make him upright, sincere, candid, holy. The word here used (ἁγνη hagnē) is that which would be applied to one who is innocent, or flee from crime or blame. Compare Phi 4:8; 1 Timothy 5:22; 1 John 3:3; where the word is rendered, as here, “pure”; 2 Corinthians 7:11; where it is rendered clear, (in this…”

“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. James 3:18”

“the wisdom: Jam 3:15, Jam 1:5, Jam 1:17; Gen 41:38, Gen 41:39; Exo 36:2; Kg1 3:9, Kg1 3:12, Kg1 3:28; Ch1 22:12; Job 28:12, Job 28:23, Job 28:28; Pro 2:6; Isa 11:2, Isa 11:3; Dan 1:17; Luk 21:15; Co1 2:6, Co1 2:7; Co1 12:8 first: Jam 4:8; Mal 3:3; Mat 5:8; Phi 4:8; Tit 1:15; Jo1 3:3 peaceable: Ch1 22:9 \*marg. Isa 2:4, Isa 9:6, Isa 9:7, Isa 11:2-9, Isa 32:15-17; Rom 12:18; Heb 12:14 gentle: Isa 40:11; Co1 13:4-7; Co2 10:1; Gal 5:22, Gal 5:23; Eph 5:9; Th1 2:7; Ti2 2:24; Tit 3:2 full: Joh 1:14; Act 9:36, Act 11:24; Rom 15:14; Co2 9:10; Phi 1:11; Col 1:10 without: Jam 2:4; Mal 2:9; Ti1 5:21 partiality: or, wrangling hypocrisy: Isa 32:6; Mat 23:28; Luk 12:1, Luk 12:2; Joh 1:47; Rom 12:9; Pe1…”