What does James 3:14 mean?

But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. James 3:14

Explanation

James 3:14 speaks to the attitudes and motives that can arise within a community, specifically one of faith. The verse directly addresses the members of the community, admonishing them for harboring bitter envy (jealousy laced with resentment) and strife (contention or conflict) in their hearts. The term “glory not” can be interpreted as a warning against boasting or taking pride in these negative emotions. Additionally, “lie not against the truth” implies that individuals should not deny the genuine truth of the situation by justifying or covering up the unsavoury emotions and disputes that they might be feeling. This verse underscores the disconnect between such feelings and behaviors and the values that are taught in Christian doctrine.

Historical Context

The Epistle of James is traditionally understood to have been written by James, the brother of Jesus and a leading figure in the early Christian community. The letter was likely written between 48-62 AD and is addressed to Jewish Christians scattered outside of Palestine. It bears the hallmarks of wisdom literature and deals with practical aspects of Christian conduct. The epistle focuses on how believers should act in faith, especially regarding speech, social justice, and moral living. This verse, nestled in a passage that discusses the use and misuse of the tongue, reflects the disputes and divisions that were present in the early Christian communities.

Theological Insights

James 3:14 can be interpreted from different theological viewpoints:

• Evangelical Perspective: The verse is taken as a clear command against hypocrisy and false wisdom. It is understood to support the idea that true Christian faith results in good works, including harmony and humility in the community.

• Catholic Perspective: The teachings of James align with the Catholic emphasis on both faith and works. Thus, the verse reinforces the importance of works that reflect true wisdom and integrity.

• Progressive Christian Perspective: This might focus on the social justice implications, seeing the call against envy and strife as a call for building a more equitable and fair community.

• Eastern Orthodox Perspective: Emphasis might be placed on theosis or becoming more like God, which would mean purifying the heart from passions such as envy and strife.

Practical Applications

James 3:14 offers several practical applications for daily life:

• To constantly examine one’s own motives and be honest with oneself.
• To cultivate humility, recognizing the destructive nature of envy and division.
• To strive for peace and understanding in personal relationships and community interactions.
• To avoid boastfulness, especially when it contributes to conflict or is predicated on deceit.

Cross-References

• James 3:16: “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
• Proverbs 14:30: “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.”
• 1 Corinthians 3:3: “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?”

Language Study

• Bitter envying (ζῆλον πικρόν): The Greek word “ζῆλον” (zelon) means “zeal” or “jealousy,” while “πικρόν” (pikron) translates as “bitter,” suggesting a jealousy that is sharp or harsh.
• Strife (ἐριθεία): “ἐριθεία” (eritheia) suggests a selfish ambition, rivalry, or factionalism, often linked to political context.
• Glory not (μὴ κατακαυχᾶσθε): The phrase “μὴ κατακαυχᾶσθε” (me katakauchasthe) can be directly translated as “do not boast against.”

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this verse to other ancient myths and religious interpretations:

• In Stoicism, a philosophy popular in the Roman world during the early Christian era, envy and strife would be considered passions that disturb the soul’s tranquility, much like James calls out these emotions as disruptive.
• In Buddhism, the concept of “Mudita” or sympathetic joy is an antidote to envy. This aligns with the message in James, which suggests turning away from negative emotions.

Scientific Perspectives

• Psychological research often points to the detrimental effects of envy and interpersonal conflicts on mental and physical health. The advice in James 3:14 against these behaviors aligns with modern understandings of well-being.

• The social sciences explore the impact of strife and envy on societal cohesion, supporting the biblical implication that such emotions are destructive to community life.

Commentaries

Different exegetes and theologians have provided their insights on this verse:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary: He emphasizes the inconsistency of such vices with Christian profession and wisdom, as well as the necessity for meekness in wisdom.
• The MacArthur Bible Commentary: It views the verse as a straightforward rebuke of false wisdom, highlighting the dangers of selfishness and deceitful pride.
• The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges: It sees this admonition as part of the broader teaching on true wisdom and the conduct it should produce in believers, in contrast with earthly, sensual wisdom.