Definition: But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from James 3:14. It’s a really important one about how we should feel when we’re struggling with negativity – specifically, envy and conflict. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the verse is saying: Don't gloat or lie against truth because that’s not good for you. Let’s unpack it a little: “But if ye have bitter envying…” – This means you’re feeling resentment or anger towards someone else. It's like when you think someone else is succeeding more than you are, and that makes you feel bad about yourself. It's about having a negative thought about others. “…and strife in your hearts…” – This refers to internal conflict, arguments, disagreements, or fighting within yourself. It’s like having a battle going on inside of you. “Glory not…” - The verse advises not to boast, show off, or brag about the things that are causing this negativity. It's not about being proud; it's about focusing on something that's wrong and harmful. “…and lie not against the truth.” – This is the crucial part. It means you shouldn’t deliberately try to trick, deceive, or misrepresent the truth. It's about staying honest and truthful in your own thoughts and words. So, what does this mean for us? It suggests that when we’re dealing with negativity – whether it's envy or conflict within ourselves – it can be really damaging. It can cloud our judgment, cause problems in our relationships, and even lead to a bad attitude. Instead of focusing on the negative, it’s better to cultivate peace, kindness, and truthfulness. In short, James 3:14 encourages us to overcome negativity by choosing to be honest and peaceful. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse from James 3? Discuss the importance of forgiveness in this context? Give a real-life example of how this could apply?