James 3: 14 But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
[ The Great Controversy pp 88] Then God withdrew his protection from them, and removed his restraining power from Satan and his angels. And the nation was left to the control of the leader she had chosen. Her children had spurned the grace of Christ which would have enabled them to subdue their evil impulses, and now these became the conquerors. Satan aroused the fiercest and the most debased passions of the soul.
Men did not reason; they were beyond reason, controlled by impulse, and blind rage. They became Satanic in their cruelty. There was no safety anywhere. The rulers of the people had no power to rule themselves. Uncontrolled passions made them tyrants. The fear of God no longer disturbed them. Satan was at the head of the nation and the highest civil and religious authorities were under his sway.
Friends and kindred betrayed one another. Parents slew their children, and children their parents. The rulers of the people had no power to rule themselves. Uncontrolled passions made them tyrants. The Jews had accepted false testimony to condemn the innocent Son of God. Now false accusations made their own lives uncertain. Now their desire was granted. The fear of God no longer disturbed them.
James 3:16 For where envying and strife is there is confusion and every evil work.
May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!