3:18

the fruit of righteousness: James here uses an expression that is also found elsewhere in the Scriptures. (Am 6:12; Heb 12:11 and study note) He contrasts this beautiful fruitage of godly wisdom with the rotten fruitage of false wisdom​—including jealousy, contentiousness, and disorder. (Jas 3:13-17) He indicates that this “fruit of righteousness is sown” by Christians working hard to maintain peace in the congregation. James’ word picture is brief, for he speaks of sowing fruitage instead of seed. The idea may be that Christians both sow and reap righteousness. They sow righteousness by obeying God and living up to his righteous standards; they reap righteous “fruit,” such as peace, because Jehovah blesses their efforts. James goes on to show that such good fruitage results when there are “peaceful conditions” in the congregation.​—See study note on Ga 6:7.

for: Or possibly, “by.” The rendering “for” indicates that the reward for those making peace is “the fruit of righteousness.” (See study note those who are making peace in this verse.) Some Bible translations render this phrase “by those who are making peace,” indicating that those making peace are the ones who sow this fruit of righteousness. It is possible that James had both meanings in mind.

those who are making peace: James has just shown that righteousness flourishes where there are “peaceful conditions.” Here he alludes to the responsibility that each member of the congregation has in helping to create such a climate by “making peace.” The idea seems to be that those who act as peacemakers will also enjoy the fruit of their own work. (Compare Isa 32:17; Zec 8:12.) James’ statement calls to mind Jesus’ words in his famous Sermon on the Mount: “Happy are the peacemakers, since they will be called sons of God.”​—Mt 5:9 and study note; compare Ro 12:18.