16. envying--So English Version translates the
Greek, which usually means "zeal"; "emulation," in
Ro 13:13.
"The envious man stands in his own light. He thinks his candle cannot
shine in the presence of another's sun. He aims directly at men,
obliquely at God, who makes men to differ."
strife--rivalry [ALFORD].
confusion--literally, "tumultuous anarchy": both in society
(translated "commotions,"
Lu 21:9;
"tumults,"
2Co 6:5),
and in the individual mind; in contrast to the "peaceable" composure of
true "wisdom,"
Jas 3:17.
James does not honor such effects of this earthly wisdom with the name
"fruit," as he does in the case of the wisdom from above.
Jas 3:18;
compare
Ga 5:19-22,
"works of the flesh . . . fruit of the
Spirit."
JFB.
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