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Jam 3:17. Πρῶτον μὲν ἁγνή ἐστιν, first of all is pure) Pure from earthly, animal, and devilish defilements. He here anticipates, as it were. Being about to commend peace, he first removes that unholy peace with the world, which collects together and cements in one indiscriminate mass everything that comes in its way: Jam 1:27, at the end, and Jam 4:4 throughout. Thus also, cleanse your hands, etc.: Jam 4:8; 1Pe 1:22.-(μὲν, indeed) in Jam 3:18, δὲ, but, follows.-εἰρηνικὴ, peaceable) The whole; the parts follow.-ἐπιεικὴς) gentle (indulgent), lenient, not harsh in cases where the question is as to the duties of a neighbour (the duties which a neighbour owes to us).-εὐπειθὴς) tractable, easy, not morose, where the question is as to the fault of a neighbour.-μεστὴ ἐλεόυς, full of mercy) where the question is as to the misery of a neighbour.-καρπῶν ἀγαθῶν, of good fruits) There follow two more distinguished fruits, and worthy of special commendation to those whom he addresses: not judging and without pretence.-ἀδιάκριτος, not judging) It does not make a difference (discrimination or distinction) where it is not necessary; for instance, between the great and the humble. Hesychius ἀδιάφορον, ἀδιάκριτον. It embraces all things which are good and just: it rejects all things which are evil. It acts without any difference (partiality), not harshly esteeming one in preference to others.-ἀνυπόκριτος, without pretence) removed from pretence and flattery, which is exercised directly towards the powerful, indirectly towards the humble, by harshness.