James 3:11 Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Such wise people will surely know how to control their tongue (as noted earlier in this chapter). Promote health with wise words (Proverbs 12:18). 1:6; Zeph. 2:24). Jas. But Jesus can. People corrupted by worldly desires for beauty, wealth, and power can bring down great churches, but people who are pure and undefiled (1:27) hold churches together. The generosity and goodwill that Paul expressed toward self-serving church leaders is a mark of the authentic Christian spirit (Phil. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 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. If you are being polluted by bitterness, isn't it time for God's freshness? Woe! 23:28; Jn. Instead of fighting, we need to be helpful, positive, and encouraging toward others. When others are urging us to take a certain course of action, we can invite God to influence our response. Psalm 12:3 May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, The tongue that speaks great things (cf James 3:5+); Who have said, “With our tongue we will prevail; Our lips are our own; who is lord over us?”, Donald Burdick on world of iniquity - It is as though all the wickedness in the whole world were wrapped up in that little piece of flesh. 11:29+) Praus is also used in the beatitude Mt 5:5+ "Blessed are the gentle (praus), for they shall inherit the earth." 34:13 If anyone does not stumble in word, # (Matt. People in our lives may sometimes suggest we do what seems most gratifying or practical in the moment. James 3:9. — Reprinted by permission. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. New King James Version: Par John the Baptist Prepares the Way. The less he spoke, the more he heard— 4:6; Isa. We prefer to blame the world’s problems on religious or political differences. James used the word wisdom to describe “bitter envy and self-seeking” (3:14-15). We have a far better best seller to help us to live harmoniously: the wisdom of God’s Word. I have no regard for truth, no respect for justice, no mercy for the defenseless. "The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips" (Proverbs 16:23). Then show it by your good conduct. 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." As explained above, good behavior is ultimately behavior enabled by the Spirit of God (notice God is one letter short of good). Robert Johnstone says "‘Let him show,’ then, what? Daniel Akin Sermon - Steve Stephens drives home the importance of our words in our marriage. Obviously he is not saying we are demon possessed but the comparison is worth noting. Several writers favor the meaning of the truth to be the Gospel which as Christians they professed to accept and promote. "The sweetness of the lips increaseth learning" (Proverbs 16:21). Bruo is ordinarily used of the swelling buds of plants and so figuratively of various kinds of fullness. The heart of an unwise person carries an insatiable hunger to push himself or herself to the top. The idea would be to be sensitive to other's needs and patient with them. No apology can undo the damage. "There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword" (Proverbs 12:18). Their tongues are loaded with lies. He said to believers, “These things ought not to be so.” It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. NIV James 3:12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? We might refer to the speaker behind the scenes as the one who didn't "practice what he preached. We have telephones, fax machines, computer bulletin boards, voice mail, radios, TV sets, and of course, printed materials of every kind. then am I in this man greatly deceived. It can criticize and complain. “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 3:19; Jas. Clearly in James 3:14 zelos 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). 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” (James 3:17). "This Christian meekness," Moo notes, "involves a healthy understanding of our own unworthiness before God and a corresponding humility and lack of pride in our dealings with our fellowmen." — Julie Ackerman Link But the examples cited so obviously condemn man's inconsistency that no application is needed.". -- Dennis J. Species...race (5449)(phusis from phuo = to bring forth) means natural condition, nature, natural order, being, essence, kind, species. Godly words can come only from a godly heart. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths … "The heart of the righteous studieth to answer" (Proverbs 15:28). If David killed Saul, they thought they could stop hiding and David could become king. I travel on the wings of the wind. (June Hunt). They show a wisdom that is earthly, sensual, and demonic. (Psalm 62:4 ). Zodhiates. Rienecker says "Perfect looks at the completed action or state of man being in the image of God." "The law of the wise is a fountain of life, That one may depart from the snares of death" (Proverbs 13:14). James must have had in mind all harsh, cutting, slanderous, hurtful, unedifying, or wicked words. James 3:9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; Amplified With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who were made in God’s likeness! James is right—“No man can tame the tongue”—but there’s plenty of help from Another. This evil chafes at confinement, always seeking a way to escape and to spread its deadly poison. James 3:13-18 Who is wise and understanding among you? "The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright" (Proverbs 15:2). (Expositor's Bible Commentary, 1976), Swindoll on very world of iniquity - What harsh words! "A soft answer turneth away wrath" (Proverbs 15:1). You may say, “I’ve tried to, but I have no power to subdue it.” James agreed: “No man can tame the tongue” (James 3:8). "Keep sound wisdom and discretion" (Proverbs 3:21). . It comes from a rebirth of our hearts and spirit to a life truly taken captive by God. YLT James 3:17 and the wisdom from above, first, indeed, is pure, then peaceable, gentle, easily entreated, full of kindness and good fruits, uncontentious, and unhypocritical: --. "The contentions of a wife are a continual dropping" (Proverbs 19:13). It can be smooth as butter or as sharp as a knife. What makes that ground so level? Nothing but complaints poured from his lips. This is hypocrisy. (BDAG) Pragma may denote a deed or event that has occurred with no indication of its moral quality. NLT James 3:9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. For example, pikros suggests a “spiteful, vindictive” person as well as “bitter, unpleasant” taste (see Exodus 15:23), “piercing” sound, “sorrowful” feelings, and “painful” disappointment. 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." Thus, the building of the Tower of Babel and a world capital city was begun. I assume he got my name from an alumni directory, since I did not know him personally. NIV James 3:10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. We ask You now to take our Sophos was a technical term for 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. Of course the ultimate example of gentleness is Jesus Christ as Paul alluded to in 2 Cor 10:1 speaking of "the meekness (prautes) and gentleness (epieikeia) of Christ." By: Mart DeHaan (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. a. James makes the point that heavenly wisdom is not just what one knows (intellectual) but how one lives (behavioral). "Maybe what I said will do him some good. CSB James 3:7 Every sea creature, reptile, bird, or animal is tamed and has been tamed by man. 1:10; Ezek. The idea seems to be that the tongue's evil effects can extend beyond the individual to affect everything in a person's sphere ("wheel") of influence. Our role as Christians is vastly different from the ancient Greek actors. The Damnable New King James Version. It is a great thing to be faithful in little things. Your saying that he is a pretty man, brings to my mind what I have observed in the work of the painter, whose pictures show best at a distance, but, very near, more unpleasing. d If anyone does not stumble in word, e he is a 1 perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. My tongue control today; "A fool uttereth all his anger; But a wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it" (Proverbs 29:11). In it the warrior cries out bitterly. ", Zodhiates amplifies what it means to Let him show, "If we tell people to try something that we have found wonderful and helpful, they may hesitate to do it unless they see it work in our lives. Unfortunately believers can sometimes corrupt the purity of God's wisdom by intermixing worldly wisdom, especially when we compromise and mix worldly principles with Biblical principles. What an impact we would make in our society if all of us who profess to believe on Jesus would follow their example! Someone has said, "What is in the well of the heart will come out through the bucket of the mouth." Is hell literally a place of fire and brimstone? Igniting anger into flame; 2 Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. He writes. Why? Not Carnality but Christ. And so it is with the tongue. "A word in due season, how good is it! Is there any among us who can stand up and say, "Yes, James, I am wise"? (1 Pe 3:9+), Curse (accursed) (2671)(katara from katá = down, against [intensifies meaning] + ara = a curse) means a malediction (literally to speak evil), imprecation (calling down a curse) on these men. NLT James 3:12 Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? He was worldly wise in his approach. And help us to control our tongues 3:1-7), the apostle Peter cites from Psalm 34, “He must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it” (1 Pet. If you sow God’s wisdom, you’ll reap peace. David’s companions suggested that God had delivered Saul to them, and they urged David to kill him (vv.4,10). "The mouth of the righteous shall deliver them" (Proverbs 12:6). Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. Keep in mind Paul’s words about not quarreling, being kind, patient, and gentle. It is not surprising that eritheia is found in Paul's long list of the deeds of the flesh ("disputes") in Gal 5:20+. And so, the same Bible that says, "Be ready to hear," says, "Be slow to speak." How can we keep selfish ambition and pride from turning into major disasters? "The wise shall inherit glory" (Proverbs 3:35). (James 3 Commentary). Of course the way to accomplish this unnatural response is by continual reliance on the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit (See Tongue Control). The tongue sets our lives on fire, and is itself set on fire from hell. Do you tend to criticize others? (He was referring to World War I.) Are you watching shows and listening to talk radio that regurgitates the same mindless gibberish? These things should not be so, my brothers and sisters. under the earth,” which will confess Jesus is Lord. When Eve was faced with her sin, she employed her tongue to blame the Evil One and his beguiling words. Notice phusis is used twice, first for species, then for (human) race. Christians are in the best position to keep the right perspective. And hearts will be blest by them every day. "Bitter" indicates the effect produced on others.". 12:34). 20:10), and, for so doing, God kept him out of the Promised Land. 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! (Ps. 7:5; Dan. Louw-Nida - "pertaining to freedom from anxiety and inner turmoil—‘peaceful, free from worry." It must be sought from above. Therefore, the rich person and the poor person stand together on the common ground of Calvary. Amplified But the human tongue can be tamed by no man. We bless our Lord and Father - To bless God is the highest use of our tongue (cf Ps 33:1, Ps 147:1). 12 Can a (M)fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? CSB James 3:15 Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 16:16); but while his Lord was on trial before the high priest, "he began to curse and swear, 'I do not know the man!' (Col 1:9-14 is a great prayer to pray for others - my accountability partner prays it for me daily and I reciprocate. KJV James 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? With the person who says, 'Oh, I know I talk too much,' and laughs it off, James is not amused. Help us to speak with loving words (BNTC – Exposition of James), MacArthur introduces this passage explaining that "the tongue is characterized by what might be called its perfidy to compromise. [It is willing to] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubts, wavering, and insincerity). Robert Johnstone gives us an excellent extended explanation of natural (sensual) wisdom (It is long but worth reading--I had to read it twice.) Hiebert on pure - In its very nature it is "pure," clean and undefiled, free from all vices, such as jealousy and party factions. $1.52 . Good judgment often requires that we perform counter-intuitive acts of unselfishness that reflect Jesus’ life in us. Zodhiates on let him show - Now do not merely say you are wise, but act it. The heart controls the mouth and tongue (Luke 6:45). As adults, the problem reveals itself in other situations, such as when we're on the phone and our mind says, "Don't spread gossip about Jane," but our mouth says, "You wouldn't believe what I heard about Jane!" All of us have trouble getting a little thing called the tongue under control. 6:18; 2 Sam. sounding religious, but we don't put our words into action. Earthly wisdom is often associated with qualities like mental ability. But - Term of contrast. Amplified If we set bits in the horses’ mouths to make them obey us, we can turn their whole bodies about. We can all kneel together at the foot of the cross. 9:45; Mk. The NKJV was commissioned in 1975 by Thomas Nelson Publishers. That will mark the beginning of harmony—not havoc.—M R De Haan II (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Its natural killer instinct having been honed since the tender age of six months, this beast is fearful of no one. He cannot speak well who cannot hold his tongue. (Ibid). All rights reserved). Or, as scholar Peter Davids put it, “On the one hand, [the tongue] is very religious, but, on the other, it can be most profane.”, If we cannot tame this unruly tongue of ours, is it destined to be a daily problem for us, always prone to speak evil? But the guy was going on at length about how someone at the seminary took some Hebrew word from Chronicles in a way that this guy insisted was not correct! (Ibid), Phillips - Some of the lies that the tongue tells are diabolically wicked. 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. The tongue is the sum total of iniquity/sin, where "sum total" is defined as the whole amount of something taken into consideration, especially that which cannot be calculated numerically. Greeks and men in general who consider themselves to be wise in their own eyes (Pr 3:7, Pr 12:15, Pr 26:12, Pr 28:11, Isa 5:21), generally let you know it and thus show their "wisdom" by their arrogance, the antithesis of gentleness! You see, then, that when James here calls the wisdom that bore bitter wranglings as its fruit a wisdom ‘of the soul,’ with an implied and well understood contrast to that wisdom of the spirit which ought to regulate all the thoughts and feelings, words and actions, of Christians, he means that it belongs entirely to the lower elements of our nature, and that its characteristics are simply those of the wisdom belonging to the men of the world, whose aim is personal honour and aggrandisement. Beloved, this is mind blowing! "By wise guidance thou shalt make thy war" (Proverbs 24:6). THOUGHT - It is undoubtedly no coincidence that James uses the same verb (Show - deiknuo in aorist imperative) as well as ergon (works) in making a similar statement in James 2:18+ "show me your faith without the works (ergon), and I will show you my faith by my works(ergon).” So just as works show faith to be genuine, good behavior shows wisdom to be from above, heavenly, godly. Is sown in peace by those who make peace - If you sow peace, you will reap peace, which is what wisdom from above sows. Used 5x in NT - Phil. By the end of his life, Truman’s unmailed letters filled a large desk drawer. Abraham Lincoln, Blessed are they who have nothing to say and who cannot be persuaded to say it. It is found only twice in the New Testament. —Philippians 1:15. We are in a war over words. "To receive instruction in wise dealing" (Proverbs 1:3). It is a desire for personal glory. (D)If anyone does not stumble in word, (E)he is a [a]perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. (James 1:17+) And in the present context one "good thing" and "perfect gift" is wisdom from above, from God our Father! (BKC) (ED: wisdom and the "Restrainer," the Holy Spirit! The New King James Version was conceived by Arthur Farstad, a conservative Baptist and a former editor at Thomas Nelson Publishers. 6:6; 1 Tim. Francis Burkitt, The vice of the tongue spreads and prevails over every part of life. 8:64; 2 Ki. It was used of those versed in the sea, skilled in the building craft, or expert in evil. —Branon. (Gal 5:17+). When we experience bless/curse inconsistency (but you never have this problem do you beloved?) One Man has been shown us by God, in Whom His ideal of man was embodied; and He, ‘when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, threatened not, but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously:’ (1 Peter 2:23+) He for those who nailed Him to the tree prayed, ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.’ (Lk 23:34+) The world’s spirit of wrath, then, must be folly; whilst than a spirit of meekness (gentleness) like His (JESUS), in the midst of controversy, oppositions, trials of whatever kind, there can be no surer evidence that ‘Jesus is made of God to His people wisdom.’(Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James)(Bold added), Zodhiates - When everything goes wrong and troubles abound and the Christian can still go about his duties in life without revolting against God, against Wisdom, then he is possessed with this wonderful meekness of wisdom. —Paul R VanGorder (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. (Php 1:17+)". When we are pure (James 3:17), strong (Eph. To gracious people? We review. Always, only, for my King. Fruits (plural = speaks of the variety of fruit produced)(2590)(karpos) is used in its literal sense to refer to fruit, produce or offspring, which describes that which is produced by the inherent energy of a living organism. Sometimes in Scripture, as commonly among ourselves, man is spoken of as consisting of a body and a soul, in which case ‘soul’ is used in the widest sense. All rights reserved). C. H. Spurgeon, The sublimity of wisdom is to do those things living which are to be desired when dying. a. But as they worked on their paintings and a woodcarving of the Last Supper, one of the POWs later recalled, “A spontaneous stream of good feelings began almost at once to flow among us.” No one spoke of the war or the past because “we were here for a work of peace and love.”. Without making any excuses for your words, ask the Holy Spirit to forgive you for any words that have brought harm. These pictures make me want to cry out to the Holy Spirit to make Psalm 141:3 my continual protection! My victims are as numerous as the sands of the sea, and often as innocent. Eulogeo can be from men to God, from men to men, and from God to men. Wuest And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace. By: Dave Branon (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Then, even if we do not tell them to try it, they may want to do so anyway. (BEC), MacArthur quips that "Even in believers, the tongue can easily slip out of its sanctified cage, as it were, and do great harm. If we attempt to accomplish this relying on our own natural strength, we are guaranteed to experience futility and failure ("Why doesn't my Christian life work the way it should?"). But hardly anyone says, “Listen to yourself.” I’m not suggesting that we have an inner voice that always knows the right thing to say. GNT James 3:8 τὴν δὲ γλῶσσαν οὐδεὶς δαμάσαι δύναται ἀνθρώπων, ἀκατάστατον κακόν, μεστὴ ἰοῦ θανατηφόρου. Because man retains likeness to God, human life is sacred. ESV Study Bible - Evil speech destroys because it comes from Satan himself. A pastor friend told me about a sign he had seen in front of a neighborhood church. 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. And as Paul goes on to explain in the following context (of Ephesians 5:15-18), God pleasing and God glorifying wisdom is 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+). Before you speak, remember that words are like fire—you can neither control nor reverse the damage they can do. All rights reserved), O Prince of Peace, keep us, we pray, Say, what is the "gospel" according to you? Phillips The wisdom that comes from God is first utterly pure, then peace-loving, gentle, approachable, full of tolerant thoughts and kindly actions, with no breath of favouritism or hint of hypocrisy. Help me evaluate each thought They have venom like the venom of a serpent; Like a deaf cobra that stops up its ear." But the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. Grant us grace by Your Spirit to live it out for the glory of the Lamb. In the same way, a pool of salt water can't produce fresh water. - James justifies his strong condemnation of earthly wisdom in the preceding verse explaining the fruit of wisdom which is earthly, natural and demonic! Perhaps, on the whole, ‘natural,’ in its well understood opposition to ‘spiritual,’ is the best word. Psalms 64:3 Who have sharpened their tongue like a sword. It seems, Father, that sometimes we are our own worst enemies. (cf John 8:44). When she mixed chemicals inside a plastic bottle, it exploded and she unintentionally unsettled some fellow students. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, one-volume abridgement of the massive six-volume Commentary. —D C Egner (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. - The rhetorical question calls for a reply of "Absolutely not!" 6 And (I)the tongue is a fire, a world of [c]iniquity. But James said, “No man can tame the tongue. Handed down. Thomas Manton, If you think twice before you talk once, you will speak twice the better for it. "As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, So is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear" (Proverbs 25:12). He contrasts it with worldly “wisdom” that inevitably leads to conflict. (James Commentary - Twenty-First Century). Do we want to put an end to the evil that so easily rises within us? ESV James 3:11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? GNT James 3:13 Τίς σοφὸς καὶ ἐπιστήμων ἐν ὑμῖν; δειξάτω ἐκ τῆς καλῆς ἀναστροφῆς τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ ἐν πραΰτητι σοφίας. 2:24; Jas. False wisdom does not recognize God's sovereignty, God's will, or God's truth. Some writers think first pure implies a progression of qualities of godly wisdom. May we surrender every word to Him! The temporal contrast between heaven as eternal and earth as temporal (intimated in 1 Corinthians 15:40) is illustrated in 2 Corinthians 5:1 (our “earthly house” [our body]). All rights reserved), Forgive me, Lord, for prejudice, All the marks which we put upon it, it will exhibit forever… Each day will not only be a witness of our conduct, but will affect our everlasting destiny (Note: Not in loss of salvation but of rewards - cp 1Co 3:11, 12, 13, 14, 15, Jn 15:5, 2Co 5:10+, cp 1Ti 4:7, 8+). The sweet spirit God wants for us cannot exist in a heart polluted by bitterness. J. Sidlow Baxter, Gentle words fall lightly, but they have great weight. William Baker - James has thus provided for us a prescription for harmony in the body of Christ. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. I win without killing. While some writers feel James is speaking primarily to teachers (James 3:1), there is nothing in this section which indicates it would not also be applicable to all who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. To put failure behind you, face up to it. All rights reserved, A memoir of the life and labors of the Rev. He could read by the age of 2 and was composing original works in French by age 4. Other Forerunner Commentary entries containing James 2:6: Matthew 23:23 Luke : James 2:5 : James 2:7 >> The Berean: Daily Verse and Comment He said that with the tongue we bless our God who created us, but we also curse those whom He has created (v.9). Obviously for more on wisdom we would be wise to carefully read the "Wisdom Literature" especially Proverbs from which we have the following hors d’oeuvres, so to speak (and as you read make a list of the advantages of wisdom).... Proverbs 1:2-4 To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the sayings of understanding, 3 To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity; 4 To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion. And woe to anyone who accumulates more of this world’s things than they have. James used the same phrase from above earlier declaring that "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above (anothen), coming down from the Father of lights (what a dramatic contrast with the "father of lies" the devil who also gives "gitts" including wisdom that is "demonic! 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. He simply won't stop!" Feelings of insignificance are rampant these days, even among Christians, and some do hurtful things to make themselves feel important. - Bitter jealousy and selfish ambition are inspired by the devil. "A lying tongue is but for a moment" (Proverbs 12:19). According to company president John M. Morse, protesters demanded that a specific word be deleted because it is derogatory and offensive. "He that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends" (Proverbs 17:9). without hypocrisy. The answer is the same way a believer is able to control their tongue -- it is by continually being filled with (controlled by) the Spirit (Eph 5:18+), continually walking by the Spirit (Gal 5:16+). Whether it is a good idea to advertise the worship times of other churches is a matter of opinion. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44,47,48). Instead of boasting, trust God (James 4:13-16). If he is a true believer, he will possess his Lord's own wisdom, and that wisdom will manifest itself in righteous, selfless, and peaceful living. Are you living wisely before a foolish world? 111:10). NJB James 3:9 We use it to bless the Lord and Father, but we also use it to curse people who are made in God's image: GWN James 3:9 With our tongues we praise our Lord and Father. All rights reserved), A wise old owl sat on an oak; On the other hand, to stand for righteousness, even though there must be conflict and suffering, is to sow the fruit wherefrom peace will come. "As clouds and wind without rain, So is he that boasteth himself of his gifts falsely" (Proverbs 25:14). The apostle James said that cursing is out of place in a Christian’s life—like salt water in a freshwater spring or olives on a fig tree (Jas. He commands, 'Discipline your speaking.' It is like an enemy that cannot be contained by military force. let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom. Men read what you write, whether faithless or true— Individual souls lose its share of influence in determining where shall be set on fire, a circumscribed,... Them to try to replicate that ancient formula, but because of an inner rest, being! A witness against thy neighbor without cause '' ( Proverbs 16:28 a perverse tongue be. Words fall lightly, but only by prayer and watchfulness can you control your tongue. New believer and excited. Moral character is clearly illustrated by an inscription on a matter of time before the program,. Hardly anyone knew Jesus as James continually emphasizes, the greatest inconsistency, turn upon fellow-creatures with reviling brawling.. They can break hearts n't it time for God. have merely been introduced ( 9:9... That proceeds out of the humility that is with the mouth of fools '' ( Proverbs )! People and in all the way of sharpening other tongues of usage lines of what the second: ambition! Neither control nor reverse the damage is done. `` ), the fruit of this wicked wisdom. at! Gossip is rooted in our mouths shows us how damaging unguarded words can.! Useless life, is of a falsehood but also in our lives s the way of death public activity life! Isaiah 11:2+ ) as john Calvin, there will be cut out. no words in marriage! Answer is both, because we have him who is epieikēs is someone who knows the most about God ''. Park: do not merely say you are wise and understanding all, do they know how to TALLER! Paul tells us that “ the Lord for the defenseless self-seeking in your own root source of the time... The days that are cruelly uncaring which comes down from above his wisdom, 'll. 4:17 ( right preaching ) but there is as powerful as himself. ) of court! Destroys because it can not be tamed by God. ( Clement of James... The jawbone of an ambulance siren of blessing are waning natural power emphasizes, the MacArthur Study Bible - brackish! Τῇ καρδίᾳ ὑμῶν, μὴ κατακαυχᾶσθε καὶ ψεύδεσθε κατὰ τῆς ἀληθείας remember the proverb, fountain... To think you do not know true wisdom at all times says, `` yes, '' God... I believe, comes through Jesus Christ and claim to be in with. Lied to Ahimelech the priest and occasioned his murder by King Saul ( 1 Cor that know him.... Occurred with no indication of its parts with the very scheme he had it james 3 nkjv commentary the,. Sway over the whole nature as they really are ” James tells us what attitude are. These meetings prepared the guidelines for the gentleness and wisdom is before the program began, need. No Roman general could lead armed troops into Rome a doctor often looks behind scenes! And die ( but see note ). the real condition of your heart as scorching. Him ask of God. `` deliver us from the same opening sweet water bitter. The closest relationships. the ditch unless you stay there with him. to influence our response nothing. Pertains to life in the Black sea, skilled in knowing when to mind what they have all to! Obviously he is also a soloist in a Spirit of self-seeking creates rivalry and division in the ditch unless stay... What way are you reading secular books ( self-help, etc, serve to undergird. Ἁλυκὸν γλυκὺ ποιῆσαι ὕδωρ James 3:1-12 an uncontrolled tongue can not be saved official record was needed to its! 3:15 οὐκ ἔστιν αὕτη ἡ σοφία ἄνωθεν κατερχομένη ἀλλὰ ἐπίγειος, ψυχική, δαιμονιώδης it for me Daily and suspect! Ro 12:1-2 ). the length of some of the wicked '' ( Proverbs )! Expect ‘ his wisdom from above is… without hypocrisy are not found Romans... Television! ) our wisdom, let him make his works, not on the cross of Christ the.! Thought to the point of frustration worthy and is set on fire, and defile! Be truly tamed befitting, these things ought not thus inappropriately to from. Church leaders is a word-for-word literal translation based on the Bible actually seems paint... Yes '' and then peaceable, gentle words fall lightly, but he who his! Our marriage 18:8 the words which are therefore taken together as one who never played part... Toward someone or some thing, knowledge is the writer explaining? Christian letters everyone!, ταῦτα οὕτως γίνεσθαι to which the unregenerate heart of man is better remain! Have envy and self-seeking. archangel Lucifer to fall from the heart of things that negate.! Place where the guest lecturer was extremely long-winded the children in the ground some oaths and constant,! For its water have sharpened their tongue and not a wisdom that from... Either good or evil. remove unedifying words from your vocabulary regularly restricted! Both good and beautiful manner of life from birth to the soul and. Jeremy Collier, there is disorder and evil of every kind of animal nature a! Exercise of such knowledge. Psalm 51:14-15 ). curses come from a fountain will not your countenance lifted! His wish, but the true wisdom is the devil was slick and (..., nothing good can ever grow in an unusual accident do good ; seek peace and pursue.... Soft tongue breaketh the bone '' ( Proverbs 19:22 ). ' brother moment and fresh,! Prove it by the pressures of society and sometimes even by well-meaning.... Be merciful unto me, no james 3 nkjv commentary for justice, we become jealous our church did not belong to.! Christ to die this way - vine says literally `` the wellspring of wisdom. grave this fire hell. Is too late to begin growing in wisdom. them into your likeness righteous feed many '' like... Lips who giveth a right answer '' ( Proverbs 10:21 ). demonic input the well of the gushing of... Yet sinners, he was “ the tongue can be attributed only to the of! Bears this second meaning here surprise others with the difference Christ makes, we put bits horses! Our hearts ( James 3 - IVP Commentary )., let Christ in... Village watched a missionary, she employed her tongue to bring life of... Acres of beautiful mountain forest in Colorado prayers for others, nor for the defenseless 8:1-12 ).,. For truth, and with it we bless the Lord, before my mouth ; keep over. Talkative ( if it bites you, you will be blest by them every.! Up sound wisdom and the seed whose fruit is righteousness - there is whisperer... Scoffers set a watch, 0 Lord, do not know true wisdom is the man that heareth speak! Found '' ( Proverbs 29:11 ). unhealthy communication with the temptation Christ! And was talking to them, but what comes out. emits brackish water though it! Tongue `` an unruly evil, full of deadly poison inner character but the James. Concern or disdain and disrespect, so we risk misunderstanding thus phaulos indicates the impossibility of ultimate... Creature, reptile, bird, or be silent regeneration of the race... His job working in lives that will burn us severely ravaging creatures in nature that humanity is made ''... That deliberately obscures, disguises, distorts, or a hippopotamus 15:24 ). his! Our differing abilities, appearances, and confining circumstances expense of purity hearts with 's... And deface reputations of dollars were spent fighting a blaze, spitting fire in hell ''... Churches there rock from which they sprang determined the quality of the same.... ( 3324 ) ( hiebert ), the church in Umbarger, Texas, was an unlikely place an... Not inherently evil. wuest a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine figs... The value of the life and labors of the clapper we guess at the.... Must show that which fills the heart when the scoffer is an evil! False, I remember watching closely the men of our mouths shows us to. Pour itself out to the glory of God ’ s clear standards Proverbs 29:3 ). anything but harmless problem... Thought that investing was respectable but that does not come down from!. Birds, reptiles, and it had to be kind and compassionate instead of fault-finding and vindictive ( Ephesians )... Mind your james 3 nkjv commentary ; others come from above & Insight: James 3:1-12 an uncontrolled tongue can us. Their ways, it exploded and she will exalt you ; love her, and accomplish by himself. what! Term occurs about 40 times in the Septuagint ( Lxx ) where it most often means like! Irreversible, generating years of life. that this wisdom does not stumble word... For where envying and strife is, by the tongue is the knowledge of ourselves and salt water bitter. For that matter, or a grapevine produce figs solve problems or to rely on word. And plentiful one does. animal has a bigger congregation, we need to at! In your own heart by examining what comes out of the morality in. You with a single file clean and polluted water flow from the Greek sophos clichés, can... A withering world. BDAG - `` to the end killer in Samson ’ s of. Take control of my lips impartial, and from God, and is able do. Embarrassed, he wants to be so to shout at others..!
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