James 3:16

16 Whenever you're trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others' throats.

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 Mean-spirited ambition isn't wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn't wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn't wisdom.

15 It's the furthest thing from wisdom - it's animal cunning, devilish conniving.

16 Whenever you're trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others' throats.

17 Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced.

18 You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.