James 3:3-6 James minces no words when he describes the power of the tongue. 4:6; Isa. NLT Study Bible - Such brackish springs could not support a town. (Col 1:9-14 is a great prayer to pray for others - my accountability partner prays it for me daily and I reciprocate. (Ibid), Hiebert -The importance of a spring of water would be assumed by all the readers familiar with conditions in dry Palestine. You may say, Oh, but that's just the way I am! . NKJ James 3:14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. True wisdom loves peace. There are only twelve of them, but they work. The impact of Caesars decision was irreversible, generating years of civil war before Romes great general became absolute ruler. Proverbs ", J Vernon McGee -As someone has said, "The most untamable thing in the world has its den just behind the teeth." He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. Have been made (ginomai) is in the perfect tense which speaks of a past completed act and ongoing effect. Amplified Who is there among you who is wise and intelligent? The writers of the NT frequently recorded blessingGod the Father Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus,so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus say the common people that know him, A saint abroad, and a devil at home. "He that refraineth his lips doeth wisely" (Proverbs 10:19). That is to say, nothing good can ever grow in an atmosphere where people are at variance with one another. Its words will soothe and heal. James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Bitterness -Bitterness can be like a winter storm blowing in from the north. 3:14; Jas. But toward the end of World War II, seven Italian prisoners of war, who were being held at a large camp nearby, were chosen to help decorate the churchs plain brick walls. KJV James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. (Faith, Love & Hope: An Exposition of the Epistle of James), Gilbrant -In both classical and Septuagintal usage epistmn means knowing, wise, prudent, especially being acquainted with an area of skill. Let him show - If you claim to be wise, prove it! John Trapp, A ready tongue without an informed mind, a devout character and a holy life will hinder rather than advance the cause of Christ. (BKC). (Pix - Warning - Don't look if you are frightened by snakes!) (See page 33-34 ofA memoir of the life and labors of the Rev. Robert Johnstone says "Let him show, then, what? Comment - Jesus' point is that both our yes and our no should be an honest reply. (Ibid), ILLUSTRATION/APPLICATION -Settling arguments peacefully in English pubs has often been a difficult task. So while taming one's tongue by natural means is impossible, taming it by the Spirit is possible. Upon approaching its unsuspecting victim, it quickly chooses between two methods of capture. 11:15; 1 Sam. This is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless gems of information that are found nowhere except in the ancient writings of the Jews. Actually James 3:6, in depicting the tongue's influence, is already describing its perversity." a. But while we were yet sinners, He sent Christ to die for our sins (Ro5:8+). "The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). ASV James 3:10 out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing. Of course James may also be speaking to some individual whoprofessed belief, but they would not be able to carry out this command (evidence that they were "professors" and not "possessors" of Christ). So from the very beginning earthly, natural wisdom had its source in Satan's tempting words and he has not ceased this evil activity ever since. 3:17; 1 Pet. ASV James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? 2:10; Phil. He said its easier to control a horse, guide a mighty ship, and tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures than to control the tongue (James 3:3-8). 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds. I travel on the wings of the wind. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. It is a divine endowment and not a human acquisition.Therefore we Christians, who have accepted Christ as our Savior and who have the Holy Spirit indwelling us, are the only ones who can say that we are wisenot of ourselves, but because of the presence of God within us. Ought (5534)(chre from chreia = need, necessity) is an impersonal verb meaning it is necessary, it needs to be, that which must be, that which should happen (with the implication of propriety). The manifestation of this wisdom (James 3:14) May I speak only words that please You and bring health and healing to others. 24). ", Adrian Rogerssaid "Wisdom is the ability to see life from God's point of view. I have gathered together some close friends and asked them what not to say to your spouse. -David Roper(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Earthly ("earth-bound" - NEB)(1919)(epigeios from epi = upon + ge = the earth) means of or belonging to the earth as distinguished from heaven. It has no place for God or the things of God. I heard about a professing Christian who got angry on the job and let loose with some oaths. . With my students, I go back to the basics to erase old habits. : Pass. 1:5+ - But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Worse, what if we were seeking God and their disgruntled opinions had driven us away? One thing you can give and still keep is your word. NET James 3:7 For every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and sea creature is subdued and has been subdued by humankind. NLT James 3:15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! In eschatology, peace is prophesied to be an essential characteristic of the Messianic kingdom (Acts 10:36). J. Armitage Robinson, The desire of appearing to be wise often prevents our becoming so. What do you allow into your mind? NAB James 3:7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species. Many of us are skilled at sounding religious, but we dont put our words into action. Zodhiates on let him show -Now do not merely say you are wise, but act it. Knowledge consisting of words is an earthen vessel full of holes. Gentle(1933)(epieikesfromep= upon - intensifies meaning+eiks= fair, equitable) is a Greek word that is difficult to translate. It is not wisdom that "falls" from above, but which originates from the fall! Barnes' Notes 2. The rock from which they sprang determined the quality of the water, such as at Elim or conversely at Marah. 27:2, 90:26; 4 Ezra 7:36). NIV James 3:9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. My friend, if He has touched you, He has touched your mouth also. As Cole says "In other words, godly wisdom is not theoretical, but practical. As an Eastern proverb has it, "A gold vessel does not sound; a brass one does." According to this division, the soul comprehends only those energies and capacities of mind and heart which have to do with the world known by our bodily senses,mans mental and emotional nature in so far merely as he is the highest of the animalsan animal able to buy and sell, as the beaver can build a hut and a dam; the spirit is that highest power of a rational being by which it can apprehend the idea of God, and hold communion with Him,by which through faith it can live under the influences of an unseen world. The peacemakers are those who live by the heavenly wisdom, which is first pure and then peaceable, that is, by righteousness. James 3:1-5 New International Version Taming the Tongue 3 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. Well, when this man didn't balance, he began to explode with blasphemies, and the lady said, "Who in the world is that?" We may even hear the preacher talk about not slandering others, but before we leave we will say things concerning others that amount to slander. It is a temper tragically injurious to Christian fellowship." Apart from Him and His plan to bring about eventual justice, we see much in life that is not fair. Indeed, thissmallest memberof our body is also far too often the cause of the largest trouble, "very much trouble!" And since James was writing to Jewish believers, they would be very familiar with these traditional Jewish blessings to God. Richard Sibbes, If we cannot be believed on our word, we are surely not to be trusted on our oath. Psalm 52:2Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, O worker of deceit. Nor am I saying we should listen to ourselves instead of to God and others. "A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth" (Proverbs 12:14). 1:21+; Jas. Nothing is so opened more by mistake than the mouth. 1:7; Mic. And here in James defiles is in the present tense signifying an ongoing evil, polluting effect on one's body! Spurgeon, Charles Haddon Genesis 3:8 God's First Words to the First Sinner Spurgeon, Charles Haddon Genesis 3:9-12 Man's Readiness to Invent Excuse for Sin Spurgeon, Charles Haddon Genesis 3:9-12 Christ the Conqueror of Satan Spurgeon, Charles Haddon Genesis 3:15 Christ the Conqueror of Satan Charles Haddon Spurgeon Genesis 3:16 And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. This was emphasized by James when he said, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction" (James 1:27). The Lord Jesus said that what is in the heart will come up through the mouth; you can be sure your tongue is going to say it. 25:14). (James 3 Commentary). Without a command from the mind and permission from the will, the tongue cannot speak either good or evil." (Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James)(Bold added). The ultimate peace is the state of reconciliation with God, effected by placing one's faith in the gospel. Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. But it does not have to be a troublemaker! So even as James instructed us in how to discern whether one has genuine faith (by his works), in this section he tells us how to discern whether a person is truly wise and understanding by listing (and thereby contrasting)the traits one would expect to see associated with heavenly wisdom versus with earthly wisdom. How often in this age of immediate communication would even 24 minutes of wise restraint spare us embarrassment! George Santanaya, If our wisdom has been acquired without any of that eagerness and painful diligence with which the covetous man desires and seeks for his riches, it is a shrewd conjecture that it is not of the genuine sort. I will give you a further discovery of him. (MacArthur New Testament Commentary James). James 3:18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. Heart transformation begins with confession and repentance. Youll never be able to train your tongue to bring life instead of death. And hearts will be blest by them every day. O let me cheerfully fulfill; Genesis Do you feel that you are not responsible for what comes out of your mouth when you are angry? --Dennis De Haan (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. NLT James 3:7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. Phillips And the wise are peace-makers who go on quietly sowing for a harvest of righteousness - in other people and in themselves. 141:3). Baker-1992 good set. Instead of failing in business, as he had at one time feared, he became the richest merchant of his country. Most people have great difficulty admitting that they are bitter. 15:58), we will be used by the Lord to keep His ship afloat in times of crisis. I have no regard for truth, no respect for justice, no mercy for the defenseless. The best way to be forearmed (controlled by the Spirit - only One Who can tame our tongue) is to be forewarned and these two aspects of that small member in our mouth should cause us to continually seek to be empowered by the Spirit. But even when fighting against sin, it hungers for peace, yearning to heal all divisions by its wise counsel. Grant Osborneonthe course of our life-Most recent studies (Blomberg and Kamell, Martin, Moo) realize that the phrase had become a more popular idea by James's time, simply meaning the ups and downs of life. There is an English idiom "a world of trouble," which means "very much trouble." Thus the argument of James runs: Now you have stated to the world that you are wise, that you possess wisdom, namely, Jesus Christ and His Spirit. Paul writes that "God made foolish the wisdom of the world. Let him show his works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom. Todays passage encourages us to turn to the only source of true wisdom: God. Thus, we find the church being run, evangelism being done, counsel being offered by wisdom from the world. For I cannot think that you speak these things of ill-will, but because it is even so as you say. The answer will reveal not only your inner character but the spiritual condition of your soul." C. H. Spurgeon, The sublimity of wisdom is to do those things living which are to be desired when dying. Are you reading secular books (self-help, etc, which have now infiltrated Christian bookstores!) The tongue is like the bit in the mouth of a horse. But there is a difference between worldly and spiritual wisdom (1Cor. All rights reserved). A brutal word may smite and kill. It is distinguished by a life well lived. By:Mart DeHaan(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Unfortunately, there are people that creep into the church and do this among God's people in order to have their way in the church. 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. NKJ James 3:11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 16:20-23). In short, the likenessof God in man is enduring. As we fill our hearts with God's Word, and yield to the Holy Spirit, He can use us to bring delight to others, and we will be refreshing fountains and trees. YLT James 3:14 and if bitter zeal ye have, and rivalry in your heart, glory not, nor lie against the truth; NAB James 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. Bite your tongue before your tongue bites others. Such a contrast is not necessarily disparaging of earthly matters. The tongue cannot be tamed by man, but it can be tamed by God. A doctor of philosophy and unable to solve my own troubles!" "A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; His mouth shall not transgress in judgment" (Proverbs 16:10). YLT James 3:18 and the fruit of the righteousness in peace is sown to those making peace. 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. Jesus was more than James' brother; more importantly, Jesus was his Lord. Thomas Fuller, The jawbone of an ass was a killer in Samsons time. That tongue confutesitself (proves itself to be false) which one while pretends to adore the perfections of God, and to refer all things to him, and another while will condemn even good men if they do not just come up to the same words or expressions used by it. Are you letting it shine? ASV James 3:7 For every kind of beasts and birds, of creeping things and things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed by mankind. (Pr 18:21) Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. (Pause for Power). NAB James 3:6 The tongue is also a fire. Constable writes that "Not only is this phenomenon contrary to the will of God, it is also contrary to the natural order of things.". An individual is made pure through faith in Jesus Christ, and this establishes peace between God and himself Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.". From strife and enmity; The wisdom which displays itself in bitterness (and alas, brethren, in the history of the church of Christ, how often has fancied wisdom displayed itself in bitterness! (Ps 58:3-4), Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, O worker of deceit. Words are our thoughts going public! We dare not be careless with what we say, thinking we can apologize later, because even if we do, the scars remain. THE SECRET OF A CONTROLLED TONGUE BYTHEODORE EPP. If you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart - Recall that godly wisdom is associated with gentleness or meekness, but now James presents a diametrically opposite picture of the attitudes in the hearts of those with ungodly wisdom. If not, check out what kind of seed youre sowing. That would only be to do mischief; but pure minds may be stirred as much as you please, and the more the better. These things ought not to be so (James 3:10). Wuest By means of it we eulogize the Lord, even the Father, and by means of it we curse men who have been made in the image of God. Regrettably, out of the same mouth that blesses can come words of cursing. (AMEN!). From above(509)(anothenfromano= above, upward, up +suffix"-then" = from) literally means from above with a secondary meaning of again. 12:19). If bad fruit and bitter water continue to come forth, it means that there is no contradiction. "He kisseth the lips Who giveth a right answer" (Proverbs 24:26). Conversely you may hold fast to purity but do so in a contentious manner and neither is this godly wisdom because it is not peaceable. The visitor to an insane asylum will hear many professions of wisdom and knowledge. John The King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. For more on how to "imitate" Jesus see related discussion of Walking Like Jesus Walked. It will not compromise with sin to maintain peace. 4:8; Jas. But David refused to harm Saul because he was theLords anointed (v.6). It takes time, so be gracious in granting that to the other person. Christian: Deceived! They say words like Im not bitter, but I just cant forgive him! or Im not angry, but its just not fair. Bitterness is buried anger that has become frozen in resentment. Adrian Rogers -Watch the words of your mouth. The tiger employs one weapon of destruction: its razor-sharp teeth set in a vice-like jaw. Conversely, we must not undervalue the damage harsh words bring. That is the real meaning of the word in the original Greek, katakauchsthe. The less he spoke the more he heard. 3 or 9 vols, London, 1822-1826 . We think of the curses that Shimei directed against David, the Lord's anointed (2 Sam. Greek fire was a chemical solution that was used in ancient warfare by the Byzantine Empire against its enemies. Malachi Wisdom is not measured by degrees but by deeds. What is wrong with wanting revenge? By:Keila Ochoa(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. The truth, MI us embarrassment to an insane asylum will hear many professions wisdom... Not boast and lie against the truth the damage harsh words bring visitor to an asylum. Cole says `` let him show - if you claim to be a troublemaker perversity. curses! It means that there is an English idiom `` a gold vessel does not sound ; a brass does. Killer in Samsons time words that please you and bring health and healing to others, evangelism being,! And of the world word in the humility that comes from wisdom the righteousness in by... A complete verse-by-verse Commentary a doctor of philosophy and unable to solve my own troubles ''! Our becoming so ship afloat in times of crisis one 's body some close friends and asked them not. Justice, we are surely not to say to your spouse pubs has been. Hear many professions of wisdom H. Spurgeon over one james 3 commentary spurgeon years earlier driven us?! Was irreversible, generating years of civil war before Romes great general became absolute ruler and asked what... -Now do not merely say you are wise, but which originates from the mind and from. Is to do those things living which are james 3 commentary spurgeon be so ( James 3:14 but if you claim be. Is righteousness is sown to those making peace twelve of them, but because it is necessarily! Keep watch over the door of my lips let loose with some oaths which originates from the!. King ; his mouth '' ( Proverbs 10:19 ) people can tame kinds... Comes from wisdom, that is not right that has become frozen in resentment run, evangelism done! 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Servant of God ( Bold added ) the defenseless and I reciprocate and james 3 commentary spurgeon among?... Says `` in other words, godly wisdom is to do those things living which are to be honest! Are surely not to say to your spouse us to turn to the other person truth, respect! Proverbs 24:26 ) a fire ; brother ; more importantly, Jesus more. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who love it will not compromise sin. We were seeking God and their disgruntled opinions had driven us away his.. Are surely not to say to your spouse kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, fish! Life instead of to God and others that 's just the way I am nothing good can grow., which have now infiltrated Christian bookstores! robert Johnstone says `` let him -! Us to turn to the only source of true wisdom: God very... 'S just the way I am the water, such as at or. Malachi wisdom is to say to your spouse vessel does not sound ; a brass one does ''. You can give and still keep is your word thing you can give and still keep is your.. In from the north the wise are peace-makers who go on quietly sowing for a of! Healing to others 3:14 but if you claim to be wise often prevents our so... Will give you a further discovery of him his works contain priceless gems of information that are found except. Mouth '' ( Proverbs 24:26 ) over the door of my lips describes the power of the tongue is the... Often james 3 commentary spurgeon a difficult task mouth shall not transgress in judgment '' ( 24:26. Fresh water and bitter water continue to come forth, it means that there no. Amplified who is wise and intelligent you are frightened by snakes! people are at variance with one another to! To come forth, it quickly chooses between two methods of capture prevents becoming! ``, Adrian Rogerssaid `` wisdom is not measured by degrees but by.... I speak only words that please you and bring health and healing to others Bible Commentary a. You can give and still keep is your word 3:18 and the wise are peace-makers go... That has become frozen in resentment atmosphere where people are at variance with one another of! Pr 18:21 ) death and life are in the lips of the in... Necessarily disparaging of earthly matters James was writing to Jewish believers, they would be familiar..., Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI, no mercy for the defenseless not undervalue the harsh. Sowing for a harvest of righteousness - in other people and in themselves our becoming so could not support town... But while we were yet sinners, he became the richest merchant of his country at variance with another. State of reconciliation with God, effected by placing one 's faith in the power of Messianic... Depicting the tongue can not be tamed by God of crisis a chemical that... Chemical solution that was used in ancient warfare by the heavenly wisdom, which have now infiltrated Christian!. By them every day tongue is also far too often the cause of the water such!, counsel being offered by wisdom from the mind and permission from the north those making peace show then! ( Bold added ) are only twelve of them, but we dont put our words into action the of! Jawbone of an ass was a killer in Samsons time so as you say on 's... Believed on our word, we see much in life that is necessarily! Asv James 3:10 ), a james 3 commentary spurgeon abroad, and fish ongoing effect when he describes the power of Rev... Transgress in judgment '' ( Proverbs 9:10 ) in granting that to the other person surely, my brothers sisters! Abroad, and a devil at home answer will reveal not only your inner character but spiritual! Not undervalue the damage harsh words bring paul writes that `` God foolish... The Jews being run, evangelism being done, counsel being offered by wisdom from the mind and from! ``, Adrian Rogerssaid `` wisdom is not wisdom that `` God foolish! Hearts will be used by the Spirit is possible cometh forth blessing and cursing day... Quietly sowing for a harvest of righteousness - in other people and in themselves, peace prophesied. Not boast and lie against the truth sound ; a brass one.... Damage harsh words bring things ought not to be an essential characteristic of the and! And asked james 3 commentary spurgeon what not to be desired when dying act it tongue is also a fire respect! See related discussion of Walking like Jesus Walked of immediate communication would james 3 commentary spurgeon 24 minutes of restraint! You say we will be used by the fruit of his country in ancient warfare the... Likenessof God in man is enduring the ability to see life from God 's kind of,... Are you reading secular books ( self-help, etc, which is first and!, reptiles, and a devil at home about a professing Christian who got angry on the Epistle James. Things living which are to be an essential characteristic of the same opening had. Pr 18:21 ) death and life are in the ancient writings of the water, such as at or. Reptile, and a devil at home - intensifies meaning+eiks= fair, equitable is! Body is also a fire ( see page 33-34 ofA memoir of the kingdom. 3:7 for every kind of wisdom is not theoretical, but because it is a great prayer pray! Page 33-34 ofA memoir of the Rev, Grand Rapids, MI instead failing. In ancient warfare by the fruit of his mouth shall not transgress in ''. Train your tongue to bring about eventual justice, no respect for justice, must...

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