This wisdom - in which ye “glory,” as if ye were “wise” (Jam 3:13, Jam 3:14).
descendeth not from above - literally, “is not one descending,” etc.: “from the Father of lights” (true illumination and wisdom), Jam 1:17; through “the Spirit of truth,” Joh 15:26.
earthly - opposed to heavenly. Distinct from “earthy,” 1Co 15:47. Earthly is what is IN the earth; earthy, what is of the earth.
sensual - literally, “animal-like”: the wisdom of the “natural” (the same Greek) man, not born again of God; “not having the Spirit” (Jud 1:19).
devilish - in its origin (from “hell,” Jam 3:6; not from God, the Giver of true wisdom, Jam 1:5), and also in its character, which accords with its origin. Earthly, sensual, and devilish, answer to the three spiritual foes of man, the world, the flesh, and the devil.