In what James has thus far said, his main object has been to oppose the contentious spirit of this conceit of wisdom. He now brings the opposite trait more prominently forward, by asserting that it is only in peace, in unity, that every Christian interest can prosper. "And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace, of them that make peace." "Fruit of righteousness" may, in biblical usage, be variously understood. It may denote either the blessing which righteousness brings with it, -- fruit for life eternal; or the fruits of righteousness in the works which it produces. But though the words are true in both senses, the latter seems to be the one intended by James, -- and his meaning is: the seeds of all that is truly good in action, proceeding from righteousness, can only prosper where there is peace, and with those whose conduct tends to peace. Where all is strife, nothing truly Christian can prosper.