Heavenly Versus Demonic Wisdom

^13 (A)Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you have ^(B)bitter envy and ^[a]self-seeking in your hearts, ^(C)do not boast and lie against the truth. ^15 (D)This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. ¹⁶ For ^(E)where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. ¹⁷ But ^(F)the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, ^(G)without partiality ^(H)and without hypocrisy. ^18 (I)Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Be Patient and Persevering

⁷ Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. ⁸ You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord ^[a]is at hand.

⁹ Do not ^[b]grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be ^[c]condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door! ^10 (A)My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and ^(B)patience. ¹¹ Indeed ^(C)we count them blessed who ^(D)endure. You have heard of ^(E)the perseverance of Job and seen ^(F)the end intended by the Lord—that ^(G)the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.

¹² But above all, my brethren, ^(H)do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into ^[d]judgment.