James 3:18
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And the fruit of righteousness is sown - The whole is the principle of righteousness in the soul, and all the above virtues are the fruits of that righteousness. Is sown in peace - When the peace of God rules the heart, all these virtues and graces grow and flourish abundantly. Of them that make peace - The peace-makers are continually recommending this wisdom to others, and their own conduct is represented as a sowing of heavenly seed, which brings forth Divine fruit. Perhaps sowing in peace signifies sowing prosperously - being very successful. This is not only the proper disposition for every teacher of the Gospel, but for every professed follower of the Lord Jesus. Some render this verse, which is confessedly obscure, thus: And the peaceable fruits of righteousness are sown for the practisers of peace. He who labors to live peaceably shall have peace for his reward. 1. Almost the whole of the preceding chapter is founded on maxims highly accredited in the rabbinical writings, and without a reference to those writings it would have been impossible, in some cases, to have understood St. James' meaning. There is one phrase, the rabbinical meaning and use of which I have reserved for this place, viz.. The wisdom that is from above. This is greatly celebrated among them by the terms חכמה עליונה chocmah elyonah, the supernal wisdom. This they seem to understand to be a peculiar inspiration of the Almighty, or a teaching communicated immediately by the angels of God. In Sohar, Yalcut Rubeni, fol. 19, Rabbi Chiya said: "The wisdom from above was in Adam more than in the supreme angels, and he knew all things." In Sohar Chadash, fol. 35, it is said concerning Enoch, "That the angels were sent from heaven, and taught him the wisdom that is from above." Ibid. fol. 42, 4: "Solomon came, and he was perfect in all things, and strongly set forth the praises of the wisdom that is from above." See more in Schoettgen. St. James gives us the properties of this wisdom, which are not to be found in such detail in any of the rabbinical writers. It is another word for the life of God in the soul of man, or true religion; it is the teaching of God in the human heart, and he who has this not is not a child of God; for it is written, All thy children shall be taught of the Lord. 2. To enjoy the peace of God in the conscience, and to live to promote peace among men, is to answer the end of our creation, and to enjoy as much happiness ourselves as the present state of things can afford. They who are in continual broils live a wretched life; and they who love the life of the salamander must share no small portion of the demoniacal nature. In domestic society such persons are an evil disease; therefore a canker in the Church, and a pest in the state.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
"The peaceable fruit of righteousness." He says "righteousness"; because it is itself the true wisdom. As in the case of the earthly wisdom, after the characteristic description came its results; so in this verse, in the case of the heavenly wisdom. There the results were present; here, future. fruit . . . sown--Compare Psa 97:11; Isa 61:3, "trees of righteousness." Anticipatory, that is, the seed whose "fruit," namely, "righteousness," shall be ultimately reaped, is now "sown in peace." "Righteousness," now in germ, when fully developed as "fruit" shall be itself the everlasting reward of the righteous. As "sowing in peace" (compare "sown in dishonor," Co1 15:43) produces the "fruit of righteousness," so conversely "the work" and "effect of righteousness" is "peace." of them that make peace--"by (implying also that it is for them, and to their good) them that work peace." They, and they alone, are "blessed." "Peacemakers," not merely they who reconcile others, but who work peace. "Cultivate peace" [ESTIUS]. Those truly wise towards God, while peaceable and tolerant towards their neighbors, yet make it their chief concern to sow righteousness, not cloaking men's sins, but reproving them with such peaceable moderation as to be the physicians, rather than the executioners, of sinners [CALVIN]. Next: James Chapter 4
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the fruit of righteousness,.... Which is either eternal life, which is the fruit of Christ's righteousness, and shall be enjoyed by all those who are justified by it; and who, in consequence of it, through the grace of God, live soberly, righteously, and godly; see Rom 6:22 or else what is enjoyed in this life, as the fruit and effect of a righteous and holy conversation, which is peace of conscience; and may be truly called the peaceable fruit of righteousness; see Isa 32:17 is sown in peace of them that make peace; that is, either such as are possessed of that wisdom which is peaceable, and makes them so; that peace which they make, pursue after, exercise, and maintain, is a seed, which, being sown by them, will, in the issue, be followed with eternal happiness and felicity; see Mat 5:9 or such who live a godly life and conversation, and are filled with the fruits of righteousness, and, among the rest, with this of making and preserving peace among men, shall enjoy, as what will spring up from such good seed sown, much conscience peace and spiritual pleasure of mind: righteousness and peace promise a large and comfortable harvest both here and hereafter. Next: James Chapter 4
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:18 James uses an agricultural image to emphasize the benefits of living by the wisdom from above: Those who plant seeds of peace in relationships will enjoy a luxuriant harvest of righteousness in those relationships (cp. Matt 5:9).
James 3:18
The Wisdom from Above
17But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Life of Peace
By Zac Poonen1.9K57:13PRO 16:7MAT 5:9ROM 8:62TI 3:13HEB 4:9JAS 3:18This sermon emphasizes the importance of pursuing a life of peace in three key areas: peace with God inwardly, peace with all men, and peace in circumstances and relationships. It encourages listeners to seek a disciplined life, non-judgmental attitude, self-acknowledgement, and a life of peace amidst trials and tribulations.
Walking in Lowliness
By Alan Martin1.7K00:00LowlinessPSA 34:12ISA 58:8MAT 11:28COL 3:12JAS 3:10JAS 3:18In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of speaking both blessings and curses from the same mouth. He emphasizes that this should not be the case, as a spring cannot produce both fresh and bitter water. The preacher also highlights how the law can lead to strife and judgment, but those who are full of the grace of God should not speak evil or treat others with ignorance. The sermon emphasizes the importance of controlling one's tongue, avoiding deceitful speech and strife, and instead turning away from evil and doing good. The preacher also emphasizes the need to learn from Christ, who exemplifies meekness and lowliness, and encourages believers to avoid quarreling and striving.
We Have Been Called to Peace
By Alan Martin1.2K00:00PeacePSA 34:14MAT 5:9MRK 9:50ROM 12:17HEB 12:12JAS 3:181PE 3:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of allowing the peace of God to rule and govern our hearts. He compares it to a governor in an older vehicle that limits its speed to prevent potential crashes. The peace of God is what keeps us from reaching full throttle and prevents conflicts and divisions among believers. The speaker also highlights that Jesus intended for His disciples to have peace and encourages us to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
Seeking the Good of His People, and Speaking
By F.B. Meyer1PeaceKindnessEST 10:3PSA 34:14PRO 16:24MAT 5:9ROM 12:10PHP 4:7COL 3:121TH 5:11HEB 12:14JAS 3:18F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of seeking the good of others and speaking peace into their lives. He encourages adopting a mindset of self-sacrifice and thoughtfulness, suggesting that small acts of kindness can prepare hearts for the Gospel. Meyer highlights the need to soothe troubled souls with words of sympathy and to maintain a law of kindness in our speech. He urges listeners to actively pursue peace and allow God's peace to guard their hearts and minds. Ultimately, he calls for a collective effort to uplift those around us, reflecting the love of Christ.
Gathering or Scattering
By G. Campbell Morgan0The Call to GatherUnity in ChristMAT 12:30JHN 11:52JHN 17:21ACT 17:26ROM 12:101CO 1:10GAL 5:15EPH 4:3HEB 10:24JAS 3:18G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the critical choice every individual faces: to gather with Christ or scatter against Him. He reflects on the dangers of indifference in a tolerant society, contrasting the purity of the persecuted Church with the compromises of a patronized Church. Morgan asserts that Jesus' mission was to gather the scattered children of God, and he challenges listeners to evaluate their influence—whether they are contributing to unity or division. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to actively participate in Christ's work of gathering, urging believers to take sides and live out their faith in a way that draws others to Him.
"...Have Salt in Yourselves, and Have Peace With One another." Mar 9:50 B
By G. Campbell Morgan0ServiceHumilityMAT 5:13MRK 9:35MRK 9:39MRK 9:42MRK 9:50ROM 12:18PHP 2:3HEB 12:14JAS 3:18G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the teachings of Jesus regarding humility and service, as illustrated by the disciples' disputes over greatness. He explains that true greatness in the Kingdom of God is found in being a servant to all, and that the 'salt' Jesus refers to symbolizes the inner purity and passion for holiness that prevents corruption and fosters peace among believers. Morgan highlights the importance of recognizing the value of every individual, especially the 'little ones,' and the need for a community that prioritizes service over ambition. Ultimately, he calls for a personal commitment to purity, which is essential for achieving genuine peace with one another.
Let the Peace of Christ Be Your Referee
By Zac Poonen0Peace of ChristConscience and ObediencePRO 16:7ISA 26:3MAT 5:23JHN 14:27ROM 14:17EPH 4:3PHP 4:7COL 3:15JAS 3:181PE 3:11Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of allowing the peace of Christ to act as a referee in our hearts, guiding us when we stray from God's will. He illustrates this with a football analogy, explaining that just as a referee signals fouls, our conscience alerts us when we have done wrong, requiring us to make amends before moving forward. Poonen stresses that if we ignore this inner referee, our actions, no matter how good, will not be counted until we set things right. He encourages believers to recognize agitation as a sign that the peace of Christ has been disrupted and to take immediate steps to restore that peace. Ultimately, he calls for obedience to this inner peace to ensure we remain aligned with God's will.
Make Peace
By John Wesley0Response to ViolencePeacemakingPSA 34:14PRO 15:1ISA 9:6MAT 5:9MAT 26:52ROM 12:18EPH 4:3COL 3:15JAS 3:181PE 3:11John Wesley emphasizes the call to make peace in a world rife with violence, referencing Jesus' command to put away the sword. He highlights the prevalence of violence in contemporary society, from wars to local acts of aggression, and stresses that Christians must not resort to violence in any form. Instead, they are called to be peacemakers, a role that requires courage and commitment to God's principles. Wesley challenges listeners to reflect on their own responses to conflict and to actively pursue peace in their communities. He concludes with a prayer for guidance in choosing the path of peace.
Influence
By J.R. Miller0InfluencePersonal ResponsibilityPRO 27:17MAT 5:16ACT 5:151CO 15:33GAL 6:7EPH 4:29PHP 2:151TH 5:11HEB 10:24JAS 3:18J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound impact of personal influence, illustrating how every individual casts a shadow that can either uplift or diminish those around them. He draws on biblical examples, particularly the healing power of Peter's shadow, to highlight that our actions and words leave lasting impressions on others, shaping their lives for eternity. Miller warns against the irreversibility of negative influences, urging listeners to strive for goodness and beauty in their interactions. He encourages a life of quiet faithfulness, suggesting that even the simplest acts can inspire significant change in others. Ultimately, he calls for a sincere and pure personal life that reflects Christ, as this will naturally bless and uplift the world.
Instead of the Brier Shall Come Up the Myrtle Tree
By A.B. Simpson0ReconciliationHealingPSA 147:3ISA 55:13MAT 5:9LUK 4:18ROM 12:182CO 5:18GAL 6:1EPH 4:32COL 3:13JAS 3:18A.B. Simpson emphasizes that God transforms our deepest pains and grievances into beautiful memorials of peace and goodness. He encourages us to bring our sorrows, strained relationships, and regrets to God for healing and reconciliation. By allowing God's grace to work in our lives, we can experience joy and blessings from our past hurts. Simpson reminds us that as peacemakers, we reflect Christ's work of reconciling the estranged and healing the brokenhearted. Ultimately, we are called to actively participate in mending the wounds of a sorrowing world.
The Fighting Sailor Turn'd Peaceable Christian
By Thomas Lurting0PeaceTransformationDivine GuidanceISA 2:4MAT 5:9JHN 14:27ROM 12:182CO 5:17EPH 4:3PHP 4:7COL 3:15JAS 3:181PE 3:11Thomas Lurting shares his transformative journey from a fighting sailor to a peaceable Christian, recounting his numerous deliverances during perilous naval battles and the profound impact of his conversion. He reflects on the internal struggles he faced, particularly in relation to the Quakers, whom he initially persecuted but eventually came to respect and join. Lurting emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God's will and the power of divine guidance in overcoming fear and violence. His experiences serve as a testament to God's mercy and the possibility of redemption, encouraging others to seek peace and spiritual truth.
Prayer for Peace
By C.H. Spurgeon0PeacePrayerPSA 122:6ISA 26:3JER 29:7MAT 5:9ROM 12:18EPH 4:3PHP 4:6COL 3:151TI 2:1JAS 3:18C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of praying for the peace and prosperity of the cities and nations where believers reside, as highlighted in Jeremiah 29:7. He urges Christians to actively intercede for their communities and countries, recognizing that their own peace is intertwined with the peace of others. Spurgeon calls for earnest prayers for peace, both locally and globally, and encourages believers to promote unity and harmony among different classes and races. He reminds us that in times of strife and conflict, it is our duty to seek the Lord's intervention for peace.
From the Conference of 1773 to the Commencement of the War in 1776
By Nathan Bangs0EZK 37:7MAT 5:9ACT 2:4ROM 12:181CO 1:10PHP 2:2COL 3:141TI 2:1JAS 3:181PE 3:11Nathan Bangs preaches about the remarkable revival of religion in America from 1773 to 1776, highlighting the powerful work of God in transforming sinners into pious believers. The work spread through various counties, leading to the conversion of many souls and the establishment of new societies. Despite suspicions and opposition, the preachers remained focused on the work of God, emphasizing the importance of unity, peace-making, and purity in the midst of political tensions and hostilities.
The Seeds We Are Scattering
By J.R. Miller0Consequences of ActionsInfluencePRO 11:18ECC 11:6MAT 7:2LUK 6:381CO 3:82CO 9:6GAL 6:7HEB 9:27JAS 3:18REV 22:11J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound impact of the seeds we scatter in the lives of others, particularly through the nurturing influence of a mother and the collective contributions of family and society. He illustrates how every action, word, and thought serves as a seed that can grow into either good or evil, shaping character and destiny. The sermon warns that both positive and negative influences leave lasting impressions, and we must be mindful of the seeds we sow, as they will ultimately return to us in some form. Miller encourages listeners to focus on scattering seeds of love, truth, and goodness, while recognizing the inevitable consequences of our actions. He concludes with the reminder that our lives are interconnected, and we will reap what we sow, both in this life and the next.
Worthy - or Unworthy?
By A.W. Tozer0HOS 8:7MAT 6:26MAT 13:3GAL 6:7JAS 3:18Greek Word Studies delves into the concept of sowing, emphasizing the significance of scattering the seed of the Word of God, the Gospel, into people's hearts. Through various Bible verses, the preacher highlights the importance of sowing righteousness, the consequences of sowing to the flesh, and the principle of reaping what one sows. The sermon emphasizes the need for believers to sow in righteousness, showing that every action is followed by a corresponding effect, and that sowing in righteousness leads to reaping in mercy.
On War - Effects of War.
By Jonathan Dymond0PRO 3:30ISA 2:4MAT 5:9MAT 26:52ACT 5:29ROM 12:18ROM 14:191TH 5:15JAS 3:181PE 3:11Jonathan Dymond preaches about the devastating effects of war, highlighting the intense sufferings, irreparable deprivations, and moral consequences it brings upon society. He emphasizes the immense loss of human life, the financial distress, and the moral degradation that war inflicts on individuals, particularly soldiers. Dymond condemns the immorality, servility, and slavery inherent in military obedience, urging Christians to refuse to participate in war as it goes against the principles of Christianity. He calls for passive resistance and non-compliance with unjust orders, emphasizing the importance of upholding moral agency and rejecting the iniquity of war.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And the fruit of righteousness is sown - The whole is the principle of righteousness in the soul, and all the above virtues are the fruits of that righteousness. Is sown in peace - When the peace of God rules the heart, all these virtues and graces grow and flourish abundantly. Of them that make peace - The peace-makers are continually recommending this wisdom to others, and their own conduct is represented as a sowing of heavenly seed, which brings forth Divine fruit. Perhaps sowing in peace signifies sowing prosperously - being very successful. This is not only the proper disposition for every teacher of the Gospel, but for every professed follower of the Lord Jesus. Some render this verse, which is confessedly obscure, thus: And the peaceable fruits of righteousness are sown for the practisers of peace. He who labors to live peaceably shall have peace for his reward. 1. Almost the whole of the preceding chapter is founded on maxims highly accredited in the rabbinical writings, and without a reference to those writings it would have been impossible, in some cases, to have understood St. James' meaning. There is one phrase, the rabbinical meaning and use of which I have reserved for this place, viz.. The wisdom that is from above. This is greatly celebrated among them by the terms חכמה עליונה chocmah elyonah, the supernal wisdom. This they seem to understand to be a peculiar inspiration of the Almighty, or a teaching communicated immediately by the angels of God. In Sohar, Yalcut Rubeni, fol. 19, Rabbi Chiya said: "The wisdom from above was in Adam more than in the supreme angels, and he knew all things." In Sohar Chadash, fol. 35, it is said concerning Enoch, "That the angels were sent from heaven, and taught him the wisdom that is from above." Ibid. fol. 42, 4: "Solomon came, and he was perfect in all things, and strongly set forth the praises of the wisdom that is from above." See more in Schoettgen. St. James gives us the properties of this wisdom, which are not to be found in such detail in any of the rabbinical writers. It is another word for the life of God in the soul of man, or true religion; it is the teaching of God in the human heart, and he who has this not is not a child of God; for it is written, All thy children shall be taught of the Lord. 2. To enjoy the peace of God in the conscience, and to live to promote peace among men, is to answer the end of our creation, and to enjoy as much happiness ourselves as the present state of things can afford. They who are in continual broils live a wretched life; and they who love the life of the salamander must share no small portion of the demoniacal nature. In domestic society such persons are an evil disease; therefore a canker in the Church, and a pest in the state.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
"The peaceable fruit of righteousness." He says "righteousness"; because it is itself the true wisdom. As in the case of the earthly wisdom, after the characteristic description came its results; so in this verse, in the case of the heavenly wisdom. There the results were present; here, future. fruit . . . sown--Compare Psa 97:11; Isa 61:3, "trees of righteousness." Anticipatory, that is, the seed whose "fruit," namely, "righteousness," shall be ultimately reaped, is now "sown in peace." "Righteousness," now in germ, when fully developed as "fruit" shall be itself the everlasting reward of the righteous. As "sowing in peace" (compare "sown in dishonor," Co1 15:43) produces the "fruit of righteousness," so conversely "the work" and "effect of righteousness" is "peace." of them that make peace--"by (implying also that it is for them, and to their good) them that work peace." They, and they alone, are "blessed." "Peacemakers," not merely they who reconcile others, but who work peace. "Cultivate peace" [ESTIUS]. Those truly wise towards God, while peaceable and tolerant towards their neighbors, yet make it their chief concern to sow righteousness, not cloaking men's sins, but reproving them with such peaceable moderation as to be the physicians, rather than the executioners, of sinners [CALVIN]. Next: James Chapter 4
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the fruit of righteousness,.... Which is either eternal life, which is the fruit of Christ's righteousness, and shall be enjoyed by all those who are justified by it; and who, in consequence of it, through the grace of God, live soberly, righteously, and godly; see Rom 6:22 or else what is enjoyed in this life, as the fruit and effect of a righteous and holy conversation, which is peace of conscience; and may be truly called the peaceable fruit of righteousness; see Isa 32:17 is sown in peace of them that make peace; that is, either such as are possessed of that wisdom which is peaceable, and makes them so; that peace which they make, pursue after, exercise, and maintain, is a seed, which, being sown by them, will, in the issue, be followed with eternal happiness and felicity; see Mat 5:9 or such who live a godly life and conversation, and are filled with the fruits of righteousness, and, among the rest, with this of making and preserving peace among men, shall enjoy, as what will spring up from such good seed sown, much conscience peace and spiritual pleasure of mind: righteousness and peace promise a large and comfortable harvest both here and hereafter. Next: James Chapter 4
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:18 James uses an agricultural image to emphasize the benefits of living by the wisdom from above: Those who plant seeds of peace in relationships will enjoy a luxuriant harvest of righteousness in those relationships (cp. Matt 5:9).