James 3:16?

Question

Someone told me to look this up. But I still don't get it. What's the meaning of James 3:16.

Answer 1

"For wherever jealousy and rivalry exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil." (James 3:16)

Whenever you have any type of strife that results from selfish motives, confusion and disorder reigns. You cannot achieve godliness in the middle of such strife.

Remember, Christians are to be "others centered." When we are jealous or wanting to have our place recognized, we are being selfish, not looking out for others.

Answer 2

I would think that someone wanted you to see the significance of not being Jealous or Selfish because according to James 3:16, where these exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. It is actually a pretty good scripture.

Answer 3

At James 3:14-17 counsel is given in this regard: “But if you have bitter jealousy and contentiousness in your hearts, do not be bragging and lying against the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is the earthly, animal, demonic. For where jealousy and contentiousness are, there disorder and every vile thing are.” Then, note the contrast: “The wisdom from above is first of all chaste, then peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, full of mercy and good fruits, not making partial distinctions, not hypocritical.” Jealousy and rivalry are indications of spiritual sickness and can, like other forms of rebellion, lead one to the loss of life.

Most of the trials we face today involve normal everyday anxieties. Abraham himself had to cope with tensions that had developed between his herdsmen and those of his nephew Lot. (Genesis 13:5-7) In a similar way today, personality differences and petty jealousies can strain relationships and even threaten the peace of the congregation. “Where jealousy and contentiousness are, there disorder and every vile thing are.” (James 3:16) How important it is for us not to give up but to put peace ahead of pride, as did Abraham, and seek the interests of others!—1 Corinthians 13:5; James 3:17.
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Answer 4

I think if you'll read the whole chapter it'll make sense to you.

But here is starting at 15

as 3:15 This wisdom is not a wisdom that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
Jas 3:16 For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed.
Jas 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy.
Jas 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace.

Answer 5

Where envy and self seeking exist. If you are self centered and care not for those around you but want more money or better things than God has given you or that you have earned with hard work then you are worshiping those things not God and are confused about what is truly of value. It is said the root of all evil is money. It cannot be far wrong as that is why most crimes are committed is to get something for nothing or something the easy way.

Answer 6

3:13-18 These verses show the difference between men's pretending to be wise, and their being really so. He who thinks well, or he who talks well, is not wise in the sense of the Scripture, if he does not live and act well. True wisdom may be know by the meekness of the spirit and temper. Those who live in malice, envy, and contention, live in confusion; and are liable to be provoked and hurried to any evil work. Such wisdom comes not down from above, but springs up from earthly principles, acts on earthly motives, and is intent on serving earthly purposes. Those who are lifted up with such wisdom, described by the apostle James, is near to the Christian love, described by the apostle Paul; and both are so described that every man may fully prove the reality of his attainments in them. It has no disguise or deceit. It cannot fall in with those managements the world counts wise, which are crafty and guileful; but it is sincere, and open, and steady, and uniform, and consistent with itself.

Answer 7

Evil produces confusion. on the other hand God brings harmony and wisdom (see 1 Cor. 14:33). anyone who is involved in envy and strife is confused. this confusion corrupts human relationships. it is likely that the Jewish Christians to who, James was writing were going through turmoil because of sinful acts like the ones mentioned here. James wanted his readers to set aside their petty attitudes and see reconciliation.

i hope that helps clear things up

blessings upon you my friend

Answer 8

James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

Would help to know the context in which you were recommended to look it up. (Context matters).

Answer 9

do you mean John 3:16?

Answer 10

"For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder in every evil thing." It means that if your mind and actions portray these feeling and attitudes you will sin and hurt others. Let's face it when we are jealous of someone we have a hard time being nice to them and when we are selfish same deal. God wants us to rid ourselves of these attitudes so that we can act in love not hate!!! God bless!!!