James 3:14

14 but if ye have bitter emulation and strife in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.

James 3:14 Meaning and Commentary

James 3:14

But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts,
&c.] Though these may not be expressed by words, or actions: envy at the happiness of others, whether at the external blessings of Providence, as riches and honours, or at the internal endowments of their minds, as their wisdom and knowledge, their parts and abilities, is a root of bitterness in the heart, which bears wormwood and gall, and produces bitter effects in the persons in whom it is; it embitters their minds against their neighbours and friends; it is rottenness in their bones, and slays and destroys those who are so silly as to be governed by it; and also in the persons the objects of it; for who can stand before it? and strife in the mind, or an intention to strive end quarrel with others, who are the objects of envy, is very sinful, and of pernicious consequence: and if these be fomented and cherished in the minds and breasts of men, though they may not outwardly show themselves, yet

glory not;
let not such boast of their being Gnostics, wise men, and endued with knowledge; they are far from deserving such a character; and such boasting is contrary to truth, yea, is lying against it, as follows:

and lie not against the truth;
for, for a man to assert himself to be a wise and knowing man, and yet cherishes bitterness in his heart, and quarrelling and contention in his mind, arising from envy, at the equal or superior knowledge of others, he lies both against the truth of God's word and his own conscience, which condemn such things as ignorance, folly, and madness.

James 3:14 In-Context

12 Can, my brethren, a fig produce olives, or a vine figs? Neither [can] salt [water] make sweet water.

13 Who [is] wise and understanding among you; let him shew out of a good conversation his works in meekness of wisdom;

14 but if ye have bitter emulation and strife in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.

15 This is not the wisdom which comes down from above, but earthly, natural, devilish.

16 For where emulation and strife [are], there [is] disorder and every evil thing.

Footnotes

• [a]. 'Against truth' is connected with 'boast,' as with 'lie.'