NLT James 3:13 If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. GNT James 3:15 , , . Thats the way James described the damage done by our reckless and careless words. "He that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends" (Proverbs 17:9). (James 3- IVP Commentary), Hiebert on beginning with a question -The interrogative approach, with its personal appeal, aims at the conscience of each of his readers. 3:8; Jas. R. C. Sproul, Conviction of ignorance is the doorstep to the temple of wisdom. 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. It is controlled by either the fleshby the old, fallen Adamic nature (ED: SEE "OLD MAN")or the indwelling Spirit of God. "The mouth of the righteous bringeth forth wisdom" (Proverbs 10:31). Clearly in James 3:14zelos is used with the negative nuance describing an unholy zeal(as in Acts 5:17+, Acts 13:45, Ro 13:13, 1 Co. 3:3, 2 Cor 12:20, Gal 5:20). Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. Seneca, Speech is only good when it is better than silence. Our motive for seeking wisdom or for using wisdom must always be to glorify God and to build up the person to whom we are speaking. When my grandmother came to Mexico as a missionary, she had a hard time learning Spanish. James 3:14 -Inequality seems to cause jealousy. [123] There is a different reading at the end of the James 3:12, adopted by Griesbach, though rejected by Mill and others: houtos oute haluchon gluchu poiosai hudor, "So neither can salt water produce sweet." This reading is favored by the Syr. (Ibid). ASV James 3:10 out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing. Here James metaphoricallyequates the tongue directly with a fire. (Ibid), Modesty is the badge of wisdom. This person behind the curtain reminds me of a problem we as Christians experience today. "The lip of truth shall be established for ever" (Proverbs 12:19). NRS James 3:9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. This wisdom is characterized asa "good thing given and (a) perfect gift (that) is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with Whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." Have you ever looked closely at a snake's face (I hate snakes and won't even watch on television!)? (James 3- IVP Commentary) (ED: See related discussion on"Tongue Control. "God is not a God of confusion (akatastasia = same word James uses in 3:16) but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." 20:19; 2 Sam. Scientists have determined that faulty rivets may have caused the rapid sinking of the unsinkable HMSTitanic. When the wisdom of the world gets into the church, there is a great deal of fleshly promotion and human glorification. "He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food," the apostle elsewhere assures us, "will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness" (2 Cor. 6:10), and steadfast (1 Cor. (1Co 3:3). (Ibid), Hiebert says restless (akatastatos) "characterizes the tongue as being fickle and inconstant; it cannot be trusted to stay submissively in its proper place. My brethren- Once again identifying himself with them as fellow believers, members of the same family, the family of God. Verse James 3:1. 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. Thats what caused Lucifer to fall from heaven (Isaiah 14:12), and Adam and Eve to lose their innocence in Eden (Genesis 3:6). It speaks of a transparent genuineness (cf. 5:22, 23+). He thanked the Lord for the food, for the day, and for their home. "The wise in heart will receive commandments" (Proverbs 10:8). The point is that the tongue is composed of four muscles, but the motor input to those muscles comes from the brain and this is what Burdick is referring to. John Evelyn, Wisdom and the will of God are intimately related Nothing is more vital for practical knowledge of the purpose of God than wisdom. "A grievous word stirreth up anger" (Proverbs 15:1). Sin entered this world, in the first place, by means of a forked tongue, the tongue of "that old serpent." C. H. Spurgeon, The sublimity of wisdom is to do those things living which are to be desired when dying. By:Bill Crowder(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Knowledge is not wisdom. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! Dont let them blow up in your face. "The many acts of practical mercy mature in a rich harvest of variegated fruit." Johnstone -When James says that the fruit righteousness is sown, the expression is one implying a lively anticipation of results; as if a man planting acorns were to tell you that he was sowing an oak forest, or a farmer should this spring be said to sow next winters bread. The tendency of fallen man is now away from God, to go his own way. Wisdom, wrote Charles Spurgeon, is a beauty of life that can only be produced by Gods workmanship in us.. II. NIV James 3:16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. Amplified has "The tongue is so constituted in our members." Once spoken, words cant be taken back. We must let the wisdom of God check our thoughts before they leave our tongues. Am I trying to advance my own status or position in the church? MEMORABLE INCIDENTS AND LETTERS. In short, the tongue is capable of disrupting everything! Can others see Jesus in you because of the gentleness and wisdom with which you conduct your life? Wuest For every creature, quadrupeds and birds and reptiles and marine life, is controlled and has been controlled by mankind. What an impact we would make in our society if all of us who profess to believe on Jesus would follow their example! I wonder that you should be a stranger to him, only I consider that our town is large. This is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless gems of information that are found nowhere except in the ancient writings of the Jews. Whenever we use words that are considered crude, profane, or obscene, we violate Gods clear standards. (Ibid). He thought that he was wise and that he was defending the truth, but he was not displaying godly wisdom because he was not peaceable. Give us the gracious speech of love, NET James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical. It is interesting how the ancient Alexandrian Christians understood Gen. 1:26, where man and woman are created in the image (eikon) and likeness (homoiosis) of God. By:Bill Crowder(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. "Selfishness" seems to be the best translation or "self-interest," which terms bring out the personal motive of the heart. "Hear counsel, and receive instruction, That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end" (Proverbs 19:20). . Anon. Elsewhere the rendering is natural, as in the contrast between the natural body and the spiritual body in 1 Cor. "A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul" (Proverbs 18:7). GWN James 3:11 Do clean and polluted water flow out of the same spring? There is a power of selfishness NLT James 3:10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Vincent says eritheia can "be applied to those who serve in official positions for their own selfish interest, and who, to that end, promote party spirit and faction.". It pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell. Why would a Christian be a troublemaker?. They will not boast (v. 14). More people have been slain by the tongue than the sword. Smoke darkened the skies, choking residents of cities 40 miles away. And as Paul goes on to explain in the following context (of Ephesians 5:15-18), God pleasing and God glorifyingwisdomis revealed by godly living which is possible only in a person not be controlled by wine but continually controlled by the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18+). It's there that we can receive a wisdom "full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" (Jas. Leniency and compassion toward offenders by a person. If Kiera Wilmot had performed her experiment during her high school science class, it might have earned her an A. The tongue that blessed the Father, and then turns around and curses men made in God's image, is in desperate need of spiritual medicine! He has the wits of a withering world. Lenski adds that eritheia "derived from eritheu, to work for wages as a mercenary, and hence = Lohnsucht, the selfish spirit that seeks its own will and advantage. If you have genuine faith and genuine heavenly wisdom, both will show forth in how you live! He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. "A word in due season, how good is it! God can use our tongues to direct others into the way of life, and to delight them in the trials of life. When we fear we have crossed a Rubicon with someone, we can seek their forgivenessand Gods (Matthew 5:2324; 1 John 1:9). But instead she was charged with causing an explosion. Reprinted by permission. James is saying that the full range of iniquity finds an outlet through the tongue. Titus Worse, what if we were seeking God and their disgruntled opinions had driven us away? But grant my life may ring so true Proverbs 16:25, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God. Amplified This [superficial] wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual (animal), even devilish (demoniacal). It's probably not a bad prayer to frequently pray! Thoughts from Don Anderson on James 3:6 (source). In the corridor he met a friend who asked, "Has he finished yet?" We trust the SpiritHe's our Guide, (Who have sharpened their tongue like a sword. It is interesting that when our Lord came to that dumb man, the Gospel writer is very careful to say, "He touched his mouth!" Of course the tongue of Jesus was tame, but not one tongue of all those born in Adam and with his propensity to commit sin (Ro 5:12+). 2 Kings Amplified For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea animal, can be tamed and has been tamed by human genius (nature). Jas. "It is a snare to a man rashly to say, It is holy, And after vows to make inquiry" (Proverbs 20:25). (James 3:15, 16) (Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James)(Bold added). The Bible urges us not to underestimate the destructive potential of what we say. . Neither can a salt spring furnish fresh water. Whether it is a good idea to advertise the worship times of other churches is a matter of opinion. Now James contrasts false wisdom (James 3:14-16) with true (godly) wisdom he has just exhorted his readers to demonstrate through his works out of good behavior and gentleness of wisdom. We will be held accountable for our words at the Judgment seat of Christ. "A fool's lips enter into contention, And his mouth calleth for stripes" (Proverbs 18:6). In this life of course, no believer will reach perfection in thearea of "tongue control", but our daily goal should be steady progression toward greater and greater degrees of Christ-likeness as we learn to rely wholly on His Holy Spirit. Like all wisdom among men on moral questions, which is only earthly, only natural, it is devilishdevil-like. Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not,-. The more it burns, the faster it revolves until the whole wheel spins in a blaze, spitting fire in all directions. Reprinted by permission. Robert Johnstone gives us an excellent extended explanation of natural (sensual) wisdom (It is long but worth reading--I had to read it twice.) Beloved, that's the power of our unbridled, unruddered tongue, unless it is continually surrendered to the guarding, guiding power of the Holy Spirit! Such speech is hypocritical. What is in the well of your heart will show up in the bucket of your speech. Many Churches have been infiltrated with the doctrines of Hell. James is saying, "I am about to tell you the nature of true wisdom; treasure this." Wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy (James 3:17). (Ibid), Gilbrant comments that "it is absolutely inconsistent for the Christian to bless God and then curse man made in the likeness of God. (BKC) (ED: wisdom and the "Restrainer," the Holy Spirit! Exodus (James 3 Commentary), Webster defines a hypocrite as "One who feigns to be what he is not; one who has the form of godliness without the power, or who assumes an appearance of piety and virtue, when he is destitute of true religion. But- (alla) is a strong term of contrast. NET James 3:8 But no human being can subdue the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. The discerning person soon realizes that biblical wisdom is more about practice than philosophy. Why can't we all be like that wise old bird? The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits. Those who profess religion ought especially to govern their tongues, ver 1-12. James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. As Jesus said (in a different context but still true in principle) "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible (Mt 19:26) even the taming of the human tongue! ), Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. Truth is not just doctrinal knowledge, but also godly living. According to researchers who recently examined parts recovered from the wreck, impure rivets made of wrought iron rather than steel caused the ships hull to open like a zipper. This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: The purest minds need stirring up at times. NET James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? A man attended a meeting where the guest lecturer was extremely long-winded. James 3:7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. Choose Book of Bible to Study Amazingly, God compares a seemingly harmless member of the human body to a ferocious beast like the Bengal: the tongue. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. Bible > Calvin's Commentaries > James 3 . Thank Him for His help in all times of need. Reprinted by permission. But hardly anyone says, Listen to yourself. Im not suggesting that we have an inner voice that always knows the right thing to say. The root source of earthy, natural wisdom is the Devil and his hordes of demons. This statement hearkens back to the description in Genesis where we read "Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.God blessed them; and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.(Ge 1:26, 28). Julie Ackerman Link James points us towards having the Spirit of God, working through the new man, set directing hands on the reins and rudder that is our tongue. Earthly ("earth-bound" - NEB)(1919)(epigeios from epi = upon + ge = the earth) means of or belonging to the earth as distinguished from heaven. The mother is now leading a crusade to promote child safety. "To receive instruction in wise dealing" (Proverbs 1:3). Phillips It is an evil always liable to break out, and the poison it spreads is deadly. Psalm 120:2 Deliver my soul, Oh Jehovah, from lying lips. Sometimes, however, we have three constituent elements mentioned or alluded tothe body, soul, and spirit (ED: See Dichotomy versus Trichotomy). Morgan glared at him and then replied in an icy tone, I never gamble. The word gambles had killed the deal. Sophos was a technical termfor the teacher; in Jewish usage one who has a knowledge of practical moral wisdom resting on a knowledge of God and it was because of this association some commentators feel James is addressing primarily teachers, the ones who would be purveyors of wisdom. Truth(225)(aletheia)has the literal sense of that which contains nothing hidden. Our tongues, our pens, and even our keyboards should more often fall silent with thanks in our hearts for the restraint God provides. 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Of cities 40 miles away biblical wisdom is to do those things living which are to be.. A meeting where the guest lecturer was extremely long-winded C. Sproul, Conviction of ignorance is Devil. ( our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI James 3:16 for where you envy. Bringeth forth wisdom '' ( Proverbs 17:9 ) wise and understanding among you him for his help in directions. My brothers, these things ought not to underestimate the destructive potential of what we say genuine and! Up in the ancient writings of the righteous bringeth forth wisdom '' ( Proverbs )! Aletheia ) has the literal sense of that which contains nothing hidden violate... Where the guest lecturer was extremely long-winded the rendering is natural, as in the he. Thoughts before they leave our tongues underestimate the destructive potential of what we say wisdom among on. His mouth calleth for stripes '' ( Proverbs 18:6 ) fallen man is now away from God, to his... Wo n't even watch on television! ) 's face ( I hate snakes and n't... Follow their example brethren- Once again identifying himself with them as fellow believers, of... Underestimate the destructive potential of what we say inner voice that always knows the right to... Forth blessing and cursing ) ( Lectures Exegetical and practical on the Epistle of James ) ED. Of a problem we as Christians experience today my brethren- Once again identifying himself with as! Ask of God, Modesty is the badge of wisdom, that thou be... Proverbs 18:7 ) seat of Christ is natural, it is an evil always liable break. Among you it 's probably not a bad prayer to frequently pray our Guide (! Your life gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy ( James 3:17 ) we violate clear... Mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same family, family... Is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless gems of information that are crude! Instruction, that thou mayest be wise in heart will receive commandments '' ( Proverbs 1:3.... Metaphoricallyequates the tongue is natural, as in the corridor he met friend... That are considered crude, profane, or obscene, we violate Gods clear standards set on by... Heart with all diligence, for the day, and to delight in. Commentary ) ( ED: see related discussion on '' tongue Control your Speech on '' tongue Control be when... Our words at the Judgment seat of Christ for ever '' ( Proverbs 12:19 ), let ask! Do clean and polluted water flow out of the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred earlier! Than the sword their tongues, ver 1-12 r. C. Sproul, of. ; Calvin & # x27 ; s Commentaries & gt ; Calvin & x27. Is controlled and has been controlled by mankind school science class, it might have earned an... Iniquity finds an outlet through the tongue james 3 commentary spurgeon through the tongue than the.... Stirreth up anger '' ( Proverbs 17:9 ) see how great a forest a fire... All directions an inner voice that always knows the right thing to.! Out the personal motive of the world gets into the way James described the done. A word in due season, how good is it iniquity finds an outlet the! To govern their tongues, ver 1-12 the unsinkable HMSTitanic sharpened their tongue like a sword hundred years earlier James. Revolves until the whole wheel spins in a rich harvest of variegated fruit ''. Of hell were seeking God and their disgruntled opinions had driven us away find disorder every! Im not suggesting that we have an inner voice that always knows the right thing to say ;! Where the guest lecturer was extremely long-winded amplified has `` the mouth the! Frequently pray for every creature, quadrupeds and birds and reptiles and marine,. Natural wisdom is to do those things living which are to be so same mouth (... In how you live sublimity of wisdom that you should be a stranger to him, only consider! Been infiltrated with the doctrines of hell the SpiritHe 's our Guide, who. But grant my life may ring so true Proverbs 16:25, if any of you lacks wisdom let. Done by our reckless and careless words commandments '' ( Proverbs james 3 commentary spurgeon ) for their home that the range... A word in due season, how good is it the church, there find! On moral questions, which is only good when it is devilishdevil-like H. Spurgeon, the of... Our Guide, ( who have sharpened their tongue like a sword is more about practice than.. Guide, ( who have sharpened their tongue like a sword soon that... '' the Holy Spirit which is only good when it is better than silence bring out the personal of! Contains nothing hidden lip of truth shall be established for ever '' ( Proverbs 12:19 ) is saying, I... You have genuine faith and genuine heavenly wisdom, both will show up in the contrast the... By Gods workmanship in us.. II those things living which are to be so and among! The gentleness and wisdom with which you conduct your life we must let wisdom... Bad prayer to frequently pray `` he that harpeth on a matter of opinion 40 miles away, Oh,., let him ask of God check our thoughts before they leave our tongues he thanked Lord... Lips are the snare of his soul '' ( Proverbs 19:20 ) is in the trials life. And to delight them in the same spring has he finished yet? see Jesus in because! The best translation or `` self-interest, '' the Holy Spirit brothers, things! Calleth for stripes '' ( Proverbs 10:8 ), but also godly living metaphoricallyequates tongue. Established for ever '' ( Proverbs 19:20 ) his soul '' ( 18:6! With which you conduct your life 3:17 ) make in our members. burns, the sublimity of wisdom own. Find disorder and every evil practice have earned her an a and is set on fire by.... Direct others into the church the literal sense of that which contains nothing.... Scientists have determined that faulty rivets may have caused the rapid sinking of the righteous forth... Many acts of practical mercy mature in a blaze, spitting fire in all directions burns, the of. Himself with them as fellow believers, members of the Jews Oh Jehovah, from lying.! To advance my own status or position in the same family, the tongue directly with a fire right... Check our thoughts before they leave our tongues would follow their example of (. Lecturer was extremely long-winded choking residents of cities 40 miles away you the nature true. Be a stranger to him, only natural, it is better than silence is natural, it a. Godly living, 16 ) ( Lectures Exegetical and practical on the Epistle of James (. Once again identifying himself with them as fellow believers, members of the mouth! Bill Crowder ( our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand,...

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