James 3:16

16 For where is envy and strife, there is unsteadfastness and all depraved work [and all shrewd 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 That if ye have bitter envy, and strivings be in your hearts, do not ye have glory [That if ye have bitter zeal, or envy, and strives be in your hearts, do not ye glory], and be liars against the truth.

15 For this wisdom is not from above coming down, but earthly, and beastly, and fiendly [but earthly, beastly, fiendly].

16 For where is envy and strife, there is unsteadfastness and all depraved work [and all shrewd work].

17 But wisdom that is from above, first it is chaste, afterward peaceable, mild, able to be counseled [persuadable, that is, easy to treat, and to be treated], consenting to good things, full of mercy and of good fruits, deeming without feigning.

18 And the fruit of rightwiseness is sown in peace, to men that make peace.