JMNT(i)
13 Who [
is]
wise and understanding (adept)
among you? Let him at once exhibit (show; present to the sight and demonstrate)
his works and actions out of beautiful behavior (fine, ideal, excellent and appropriate conduct)
in gentleness of (or: considerateness from)
wisdom.
14 Yet if you folks continuously have bitter rivalry (or: jealousy)
and selfish ambition (or: faction)
in your heart, do not habitually boast (exult)
and lie (speak falsely or deceitfully)
concerning the truth or reality (or: are you not now vaunting against and falsifying the truth?).
15 This is not the wisdom continuously coming down from above, but rather [
is]
upon the earth (or: earthly; terrestrial),
pertaining to or proceeding from the soul (soulful; having the mind, will and emotions as its source; = natural),
pertaining to, or proceeding from, or having the characteristics of demons [Hellenistic term and concept; = influences thought of in that period and culture as being animistic or personified]. [comment: note that the three adjectives "earthly, " "natural/soulish, " and "demonic" are tied together to this same context, as being of the same sphere of being – or, fruit of the same tree]
16 For where [
there is]
jealousy (rivalry)
and selfish ambition (faction; intrigue),
in that place [
is]
instability (disorder; an unsettled state)
and every ignoble (base; vile; worthless)
practice.
17 But the wisdom from above is (constantly exists being)
indeed first (or: primarily)
pure, thereafter peaceable (or: peaceful; pertaining to peace and harmony),
suitable (fair; reasonably lenient; yielding; unassertive; considerate),
compliant (easily persuaded; receptive; reasonable; willing to yield),
full of mercy (= practical help)
and good fruits, non-separating (not discriminatory; undivided in evaluating; unwavering; unprejudiced),
unpretending (or: not hyper-critical; not judging from a low point of view; not focusing on tiny distinctions; not overly judgmental; not under-estimating of reality).