3:15

it is earthly: In this verse, James describes a kind of wisdom that produces pride and jealousy and that is in opposition to “the wisdom from above.” (Jas 3:14, 17 and study note) He uses three progressively stronger expressions, the most emphatic being “demonic.” James first calls this wisdom “earthly.” In the Bible, this term is used to contrast physical things with heavenly things. (Joh 3:12; 1Co 15:40) In this context, it describes the thinking of sinful humans alienated from God. It also suggests the idea of being in opposition to God’s spirit.​—Php 3:19; Col 3:2 and study note.

animalistic: The second term that James uses to describe ungodly wisdom (psy·khi·kosʹ) is rendered “physical” in some contexts. For example, the apostle Paul used this Greek term to refer to a person who has no interest in or appreciation for spiritual matters. (1Co 2:14 and study note, 15 and study note) In rendering this term, some translations use the adjective “animal.” One reference work offers this definition of the Greek word: “Occupied with mere animal things, animal, sensual.” Such so-called wisdom is “animalistic,” being the product of fleshly inclinations. James here uses this term to describe how such fleshly inclinations can cause a person to think and behave in an ungodly way, even like an unreasoning animal.​—Ps 73:22; compare study note on Jude 19.

demonic: This is the strongest word that James uses to describe false wisdom, showing that such wisdom reflects the disposition of the demons, spirit enemies of God.​—1Ti 4:1; Re 16:14; see also study note on Eph 6:12.