Jam 3:13-14 | RWP | e4.org | Who ( Τις ). Rhetorical interrogative like . Common in Paul and characteristic of the diatribe. James here returns to the standpoint of verse about many teachers. Speech and wisdom are both liable to abuse ( , ; ). Wise and understanding ( σοφος κα επιστημων ). Σοφος is used for the practical teacher (verse ), επιστημων (old word from επισταμα , here only in N.T.) for an expert, a skilled and scientific person with a tone of superiority. In , ; , the two terms are practically synonyms. Let him shew ( δειξατω ). First aorist active imperative of δεικνυμ , old verb to show. As about faith in . Emphatic position of this verb. By his good life ( εκ της καλης αναστροφης ). For this literary Koine word from αναστρεφομα (walk, conduct) see . Actions speak louder than words even in the case of the professional wise man. Cf. . In meekness of wisdom ( εν πραυτητ σοφιας ). As in of the listener, so here of the teacher. Cf. ; and Zac 9:9 of King Messiah quoted in . Startling combination.

‏ James 3:13-14

Who ( Τις ). Rhetorical interrogative like Lu 11:11. Common in Paul and characteristic of the diatribe. James here returns to the standpoint of verse 1 about many teachers. Speech and wisdom are both liable to abuse (1Co 1:5, 17; 2:1-3:20).

Wise and understanding ( σοφος κα επιστημων ). Σοφος is used for the practical teacher (verse 1), επιστημων (old word from επισταμα, here only in N.T.) for an expert, a skilled and scientific person with a tone of superiority. In De 1:13, 15; 4:6, the two terms are practically synonyms.

Let him shew ( δειξατω ). First aorist active imperative of δεικνυμ, old verb to show. As about faith in 2:18. Emphatic position of this verb.

By his good life ( εκ της καλης αναστροφης ). For this literary Koine word from αναστρεφομα (walk, conduct) see Ga 1:13. Actions speak louder than words even in the case of the professional wise man. Cf. 1Pe 1:15.

In meekness of wisdom ( εν πραυτητ σοφιας ). As in 1:21 of the listener, so here of the teacher. Cf. Mt 5:5; 11:29 and Zac 9:9 of King Messiah quoted in Mt 21:5. Startling combination.

Bitter jealousy ( ζηλον πικρον ). Ζηλος occurs in N.T. in good sense (Joh 2:17) and bad sense (Ac 5:17). Pride of knowledge is evil (1Co 8:1) and leaves a bitter taste. See "root of bitterness" in Heb 12:14 (cf. Eph 4:31). This is a condition of the first class.

Faction ( εριθιαν ). Late word, from εριθος (hireling, from εριθευω to spin wool), a pushing forward for personal ends, partisanship, as in Php 1:16.

In your heart ( εν τη καρδια υμων ). The real fountain ( πηγη, verse 11).

Glory not ( μη κατακαυχασθε ). Present middle imperative of κατακαυχαομα, for which see 2:13. Wisdom is essential for the teacher. Boasting arrogance disproves the possession of wisdom.

Lie not against the truth ( ψευδεσθε κατα της αληθειας ). Present middle imperative of ψευδομα, old verb, to play false, with μη carried over. Lying against the truth is futile. By your conduct do not belie the truth which you teach; a solemn and needed lesson. Cf. Ro 1:18f., 2:18, 20.