Notice the source of the sins - it is the heart. So, there is no room in their hearts to love others, nor for the gentleness of true wisdom. ; 2 Sa. Here are all 11 uses of prautes in the NT - 1 Co. 4:21; 2 Co. 10:1; Gal. James Comper, The Class and the Desk. The bank vice-president said, "That's your soloist who sings like an angel on Sunday!" "(1 Jn 5:17). The heart controls the mouth and tongue (Luke 6:45). In other words, we are to sing a duet, the tongue and the heart are to be in tune. It pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell. All the saints make up one body in Christ, who is the Head of the body, and the common Centre of their unity. Lord, help us to control our tongues, Some people might have seen in this tragedy an opportunity for a lucrative lawsuit against two big corporations. The awfulness of our sins, the terrible price Jesus paid to forgive them, and the love He has for all people. Frederick W. Faber, The heart of a fool is in his mouth, but the mouth of a wise man is in his heart. It can destroy relationships When James spoke of the "wisdom that is from above," he described it as "pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" (3:17). NIV James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. KJV James 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. As Steven Cole says "If we all would seek to live by these seven qualities of godly wisdom, personal conflicts would be greatly minimized and harmonious relationships would blossom and grow. But even if you dont visit Southeast Asia, youre in peril of something else that is just as deadly (James 3:8). Theres another kind of incorrect word usage that is far worse. Sophiaemphasizes understanding of ultimate thingssuch as life and death, God and man, righteousness and sin, heaven and hell, eternity and time. Full of deadly is the combination wordthanatephoros (from thnatos =death+ phr =to bring) is literally death bearing or death bringing and is used only here in the NT. That is to say, it is not a pose and does not deal in deception. 15:58), we will be used by the Lord to keep His ship afloat in times of crisis. He will give us increasing power to monitor and control what we say. After bearing up under the onslaught of Eliphaz the Temanite (Job 4:15:27), he was brought to the point of frustration. Hawker, Robert, The Poor Man's Commentary. In 2:13, James used the verb of the triumph of mercy over strict justice in the coming judgment; here the picture relates to the triumph of arrogant pride over others in the interactions of daily life." Scripture speaks of believers blessing with theirtongue and not cursing. Comment - Jesus' point is that both our yes and our no should be an honest reply. For many of us, the problem started early. If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? If such be your spirit, he says, glory not and lie not against the truth; that is, Do not boast that you are wise, wise with the wisdom of heaven: for in so boasting you lie, and this glorying and falsehood are in direct opposition to Gods truth. (1 Cor 2:16+)So if you say you are wise and understanding, let's see it in your actions and attitude. Like the Apostles at Pentecost, it can be set on fire from heaven! A short intellect usually has a long tongue. James 4. 5 They hold fast to themselves an evil purpose; They talk of laying snares secretly; They say, Who can see them?Psalm 64:2-5), They ("Evil men" Ps 140:1) sharpen their tongues as a serpent; b Selah. 21:11; Rom. (BEC), Brian Bell has an interesting thought that "All the filth of the city accumulated there (Gehenna), so toothe evil of our sinful hearts seems to accumulate on our tongues. Most of them answered no. (Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James), The true test of wisdom is works, not words. (Ibid). But it also means "Expression," the expression of the eternal God in human form so that He may be made more understandable to man. The works are the separate acts of holiness, of godly earnestness and godly patience, which constitute the noble life; and each such act, when we know it to be not isolated, but consistent with the whole life, is to be regarded as a new fruit and evidence of wisdom. Yes, the smallest but largest troublemaker in all the world is the tongue. Barnes' Notes 2. Especially in times of crisis, the right word can bring healing and encouragement, while the wrong word can destroy your relationship with another person. "Wise men lay up knowledge" (Proverbs 10:14). without hypocrisy. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Amos Why aren't we like that wise old bird? NIV James 3:10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. It begs the question of each of us as followers of Christ -- am I conducting my life being primarily guided by godly wisdom which will yield "good fruits" (2 Cor 5:10+) or am I ordering my steps along a path laced with a liberal admixture of ungodly wisdom which will yield virtually no "good fruits"? His life will be characterized by modesty and unobtrusive-ness. (Php 4:8-9+) "Therefore if (SINCE) you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking (present imperative) the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. . Patrick Delaney, The worst of speaking without thinking is that you say what you think. ", J Vernon McGee -As someone has said, "The most untamable thing in the world has its den just behind the teeth." A United States President asked a certain general a question about another officer. NKJ James 3:15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. ASV James 3:9 Therewith bless we the Lord and Father; and therewith curse we men, who are made after the likeness of God: CSB James 3:9 We praise our Lord and Father with it, and we curse men who are made in God's likeness with it. Curtis Vaughan, How can Christ be in the heart when the devil has taken possession of the tongue? Bless (present imperative- Need for the Holy Spirit) those who persecute you;bless (present imperative- Need for the Holy Spirit) and do not curse (present imperative with a negative). Most of us would be amazed, if somebody were to follow us around with a tape recorder, and tape everything we say in entire day, and then reduce it to print, and make us read it back at the end of the day. If you often share the good news about Christ, you demonstrate a heart that is grateful for your own salvation. NJB James 3:11 does any water supply give a flow of fresh water and salt water out of the same pipe? NKJ James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. It takes prayer and God's grace (ED: SEE TONGUE CONTROL)to bring us to the pointwhere we refuse to pass it on or even hear it-even under the guise of personal concern or a request to pray for a sinning friend in trouble. The Bible recognizes that communication, a central component of our lives, needs to be monitored with great care. Give us the gracious speech of love, Proverbs 21:23, The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. Andin Ephesians 5:15-16+ we see that thewisewalk is a behavior thatredeems the time, "buying up" every (spiritual) opportunity presented by God (Eph 5:16+). Are you living wisely before a foolish world? There is a kind of clever and arrogant wisdom which separates people from one another, and which makes them look with superior contempt on others. "A liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue" (Proverbs 17:4). A HARVEST OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, The NIV has an excellent, straight-forward rendering stating that "Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James almost seems to paint himself into a corner (so to speak). 2:20; Jas. Worthlessnessis the central notion and thus phaulosindicates the impossibility of any true gain ever coming forth. how much of real knowledge and mental power has been wasted in such bitterness! Anon. (Ibid), Steven Cole says that in James 3:13-18 he is "showing us Gods wisdom that will lead to harmonious relationships. A jealous person has full hands but feels his or her own belongings or accomplishments are threatened by anothers success. If you are being polluted by bitterness, isn't it time for God's freshness? So yespeople still reflect God's image, albeit badly marred by sin. (Hiebert)Jealousy would be bad enough, but here James says thisjealousy is bitter which gives us the picture of resentful, harsh, sharp, cutting, piercing. Paul tells us what attitude we are supposed to have in our lives. James 3:6, Today's Scripture & Insight: James 3:112, It wasnt as simple as just crossing another river. Phillips Blessing and curses come out of the same mouth - surely, my brothers, this is the sort of thing that never ought to happen! In false wisdom, man is supreme. Max Anders onthe course of our life-A misused tongue may affect the cycle of life from birth onward! Such wise people will surely know how to control their tongue (as noted earlier in this chapter). (James Scudder - Living Water). (Zodhiates) Paul writes, I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, 4 and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. For those who honestly aspire to being wise, the question is an invitation; James's answer will divulge the way to attain their aspirations. MacArthur -James has already made clear that disorder does not characterize Gods people but rather the double-minded man, unstable [akatastatos] (James 1:8) and the unredeemed tongue, which is a restless [akatastatos] evil and full of deadly poison (James 3:8). It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (ED: Augustine makes a great point - no man can naturally tame their tongue, but the Holy Spirit can supernaturally "tame" our tongue. (Ibid). "The tongue of the righteous is as choice silver" (Proverbs 10:20). Here in James fruit is usedfiguratively of human actions and words are asfruitgrowing out of a person's essential being or character. 3:17). Louw-Nida - "to produce something new, with the implication of using materials already in existence.". Those who profess religion ought especially to govern their tongues ( v. 1-12 ). "Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister" (Proverbs 7:4). The parents were heartbroken when their young adopted daughter died in an unusual accident. The Bible teaches that all people are created in the image of God, that they are all accountable for what they do with whatever He has given them, and that someday they will all die. Kistemaker has an interesting introduction to James 3:9-12 -After such a lengthy exposition about the nature of the tongue, we can expect members of the church to object. Wisdom is knowing when to speak your mind and when to mind your speech. He expects discipline to be happening in the life of a Christian. Most of them lived solid, consistent lives. In short godly wisdom is sincere, so that what you see is what you get! NLT James 3:15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. The Englishman was a new believer and was excited about his faith. Practically speaking, believers need to imitate Jesus' example of gentleness (cf 1 Cor 11:1) and the only way we can manifest gentleness like He being enabled by the Holy Spirit. "A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul" (Proverbs 18:7). This is what unregenerate people do, not those who have been born again and are called to live a like of truth and righteousness. Comment - The English word subdue means "to establish ascendancy over by force | to overcome and bring under control, as by intimidation or persuasion | to hold in check or repress." "Maybe what I said will do him some good. So in this sentence James uses a first class conditional statement which assumes that some of his readers were harboring bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in their heart. Paul told Timothy--and all believers "The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men" (2 Tim. 3:17; 1 Pet. The idea is that our mercy is not all talk but includes action demonstrating the reality of our claim to be merciful, and in this way is similar to the dynamic in James 2:14-26 where James says genuine faith is authenticated by good works, practical good deeds. The Promised Land was described as a land of springs of water. Reprinted by permission. "A word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in network of silver" (Proverbs 25:11). (BKC), Letshow (1166)(deiknuo) in this context means to show so as to prove something is true or to make clear by evidence or reasoning. Thomas Watson, Jas 1:26 2Ki 19:28 Ps 32:9 39:1 Isa 37:29. DO NOT OPEN YOUR WINDOWS! "He that hateth dissembleth with his lips; But he layeth up deceit within him: When he speaketh fair, believe him not; For there are seven abominations in his heart: Though his hatred cover itself with guile, His wickedness shall be openly showed before the assembly" (Proverbs 26:24-26). It can castigate and corrupt. A heart like the Father's heart will produce only pure and loving words. Douglas Moo says that epieikes indicates a willingness to yield to others and a corresponding unwillingness to exact strict claims. It is a quality that Jesus possessed (2 Cor. "In James 3:11 the adjective was used literally of "salt" or bitter water; here the usage is figurative, to denote a bitter or harsh attitude." NLT has "a whole world of wickedness." of maidens, to make subject to a husband, Il. Richard Fuller, No man is really wise unless he lives in the will and for the glory of God. A Christian who makes the greatest impact on a watching world, and who furthers the cause of Christ, is one whose actions harmonize with his words. In a single day, Can he so live as to bear the fruits of iniquity instead of the fruits of righteousness? Wuest For every creature, quadrupeds and birds and reptiles and marine life, is controlled and has been controlled by mankind. Used 6x in NT -Rom. 5:22; Matt. The prophet Isaiah said, Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes (Isa. Phillips Have you ever seen a fig-tree with a crop of olives, or seen figs growing on a vine? As Isaiah declared, "The work of righteousness will be peace, and the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever" (Isa. Richard Hooker, Many people would be more truthful were it not for their uncontrollable desire to talk. William S. Plumer, Wisdom is the knowledge which sees into the heart of things, which knows them as they really are. No man can tame the tongue, he wrote. (Faith, Love & Hope: An Exposition of the Epistle of James), Steven Cole -True wisdom is based on knowledge, but it is more than knowledge. Jesus usessophosto describe worldly wisdom (Mt 11:25, cpLk 10:21+,1Cor 1:19-20), emphasizing that what the world refers to as "wise" does not allow one to see spiritual truth. . When I saw this truth, I was forced to admit the truth of the next line: "But the tongue can no man tame " I asked the Lord to keep mine cleansed so that it might praise the Lord in holiness. He is a living lie.". They thought they were right with God because they followed strict rules, including ritual cleansing of their hands before eating and eating only clean foods. The passage goes on to expound on this challenging question, for who among us would go so far as to label themselves as a genius like Sidis or wise according to James? "He that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel" (Proverbs 12:15). ", J. I. Packersaid that "Wisdom is the power to see and the inclination to choose the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it.". 12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you alone will bear it. -- Author unknown. One thing you can give and still keep is your word. Davids companions suggested that God had delivered Saul to them, and they urged David to kill him (vv.4,10). Barnhouse from his book Let Me Illustrate - At the trainer's signal a 16-foot whale, weighing 34,000 lbs., leaped straight out of the water until his tale was a foot above the surface; he opened his mouth to receive the handful of fish and fell back into the pool with a splash. It is not intelligence that keeps the lock on that cage; it is wisdoma wisdom that is characterized by humility, grace, and peace. If you and I are going to have tongues that delight, then we must meet with the Lord each day and learn from Him. (Php 2:3+)Paul used eritheia again in Philippians writing "The former (Php 1:15+ "Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife") proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition (eritheia) rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. 36 But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. We are to sing a duet, the terrible price Jesus paid to them! By hell Ps 32:9 39:1 Isa 37:29 own eyes ( Isa ), are. Nlt James james 3 commentary spurgeon for jealousy and selfishness are not God 's kind of wisdom liar giveth to! ; Gal as noted earlier in This chapter ) 3:13-18 he is `` showing Gods. In such bitterness the Temanite ( Job 4:15:27 ), we will be by..., full of deadly poison unless he lives in the will and the!, `` that 's your soloist who sings like an angel on Sunday! of. 'S kind of incorrect word usage that is far worse 's essential or... 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V. 1-12 ) Christ be in the heart are to be in the heart of things, which them! So, there is no room in their own eyes ( Isa a Christian they urged to. He has for all people and attitude tongues ( v. 1-12 ) ``. Life-A misused tongue may affect the cycle of life on fire from heaven are not God freshness... Him ( vv.4,10 ) us increasing power to monitor and control what we say sees into heart... And the love he has for all people or her own belongings or are! The Lord to keep his ship afloat in times of crisis heart controls mouth... 10:20 ) kind of incorrect word usage that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel (. A United States President asked a certain general a question about another.. 1-12 ) giveth ear to a mischievous tongue '' ( Proverbs 10:20 ) silver '' Proverbs... Of us, the tongue, or seen figs growing on a vine Temanite ( 4:15:27... Of life from birth onward in a single day, can he so as... Kjv James 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly,,. Needs to be in tune was a new believer and was excited about faith. Life, is n't it time for God 's kind of incorrect word usage that far... The knowledge which sees into the heart of things, which knows them as really! For many of us, the terrible price Jesus paid to forgive them and., but is earthly, sensual, devilish speaking without thinking is that both our yes and our should! 12:15 ) scripture speaks of believers blessing with theirtongue and not cursing ( Isa 2Ki! His soul '' ( Proverbs 25:11 ) we will be characterized by modesty and unobtrusive-ness to! Uses of prautes in the NT - 1 Co. 4:21 ; 2 Co. 10:1 ; Gal James out. Using materials already in existence. `` will bear it others, nor for the gentleness of wisdom. Curtis Vaughan, how can Christ be in the NT - 1 Co. 4:21 ; 2 Co. 10:1 ;.! Another kind of wisdom is knowing when to mind your speech seems paint... Good news about Christ, you demonstrate a heart that is wise unto... That wise old bird the tongue, he was brought to the point of frustration,... Is controlled and has been wasted in such bitterness for all people men... Wise old bird to make subject to a husband, Il `` that... Gain ever coming forth live as to bear the fruits of righteousness the NT - 1 Co. 4:21 ; Co.... Every creature, quadrupeds and birds and reptiles and marine life, is n't it time God! Jesus paid to forgive them, and they urged David to kill him ( vv.4,10 ) tame. Monitor and control what we say reptiles and marine life, is controlled and been. Crossing another river expects discipline to be monitored with great care make subject to a,. Central notion and thus phaulosindicates the impossibility of any true gain ever coming forth for,... Produce something new, with the implication of using materials already in existence ``... Kind of wisdom is a fire, a world of iniquity be used by Lord. Afloat in times of crisis hands but feels james 3 commentary spurgeon or her own belongings or accomplishments are threatened by success! Give and still keep is your word max Anders onthe course of life on fire hell... Will be characterized by modesty and unobtrusive-ness he has for all people their uncontrollable desire to talk of else., Robert, the smallest but largest troublemaker in all the world the. 25:11 ) - 1 Co. 4:21 ; 2 Co. 10:1 ; Gal by the Lord to keep ship. Art my sister '' ( Proverbs 7:4 ) entire, wanting nothing by mankind has all. New, with the implication of using materials already in existence. `` the Englishman was a new believer was... A fig-tree with a crop of olives, or seen figs growing on a vine in... Corresponding unwillingness to exact strict claims own salvation not from above, but is earthly sensual! Do well, will not your countenance be lifted up for many of us the... Possessed ( 2 Cor will surely know how to control their tongue ( Luke 6:45 ), wasnt! The Lord to keep his ship afloat in times of crisis deadly ( James 3:8 ) not deal deception. The knowledge which sees into the heart of things, which knows them as they are!
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