James 3:16

16 For where envy and strife are, there is confusion and every evil work.

James 3:16 Meaning and Commentary

Ver. 16 For where envying and strife is
Where these are cherished in the heart, and especially where they break out into action, in families, neighbourhoods, states, or churches:

there is confusion and every evil work;
these occasion disturbances, raise uneasiness, make disquietude, and cause tumults whenever they appear; and put persons upon doing everything that is wicked, to gratify such insatiable lusts.

James 3:16 In-Context

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

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

16 For where envy and strife are, there is confusion and every evil work.

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of those who make peace.