John Calvin Commentary James 3:18

"And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace." — James 3:18 (ASV)

And the fruit of righteousness. This allows for two meanings—either that fruit is sown by the peaceable, which they afterwards gather, or that they themselves, though they meekly tolerate many things in their neighbors, still do not cease to sow righteousness. It is, however, an anticipation of an objection. For those who are carried away to evil speaking by the lust of slandering always have this excuse: “What! can we then remove evil by our courteousness?” Hence James says that those who are wise according to God’s will are so kind, meek, and merciful, yet they do not cover vices nor favor them; but on the contrary, they strive to correct them, and yet do so in a peaceable manner (that is, in moderation), so that union is preserved. And thus he testifies that what he had said until now does not in any way set aside calm reproofs, but that those who wish to be physicians to heal vices should not be executioners.

He therefore adds, by those who make peace, which should be explained in this way: those who cultivate peace are nevertheless careful to sow righteousness; nor are they slothful or negligent in promoting and encouraging good works; but they moderate their zeal with the condiment of peace, while hypocrites throw all things into confusion by a blind and furious violence.