James 3:17. The man of the world desires to be counted anything but meek or poor in spirit, and would deem such a description of him equivalent to a charge of unmanliness. "The rich answereth roughly" (Proverbs 18:23). The first of these was James the son of *Zebedee. As Kistemaker remarks, "We see this displayed in a circus performance where wild animals obey their trainer who merely cracks a whip, snaps his fingers, or claps his hands." Knowledge is not wisdom. . So, "under God" there is equalitybut only under God. "A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; His mouth shall not transgress in judgment" (Proverbs 16:10). All of our conduct and conversation stems from either the one nature or the other. You love evil more than good, Falsehood more than speaking what is right. Julie Ackerman Link It is a restless (undisciplined, irreconcilable) evil, full of deadly poison. Instead of being helpful, they are destructive. J D Branon(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. It came from the teller who had attempted to balance and he hadn't balanced. Amplified has "The tongue is so constituted in our members." (James 3 Commentary). 1. Inspired by the Spirit, James is showing with strong words how much damage can be caused by an unbridled tongue, a "rudderless" tongue whipped around by strong winds of our fallen flesh. A hole or opening from which a spring of water issues (James 3:11)" (Zodhiates), Ope in the Septuagint (Lxx)- Ex33:22; Jdg. The Promised Land was described as a land of springs of water. This is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless gems of information that are found nowhere except in the ancient writings of the Jews. The impossibility of this occurring should cause believers to realize how vital it is to learn to submit our tongue to the control of the Spirit. NKJ James 3:7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (Mt 12:33), What is James' point? Johnstone on demonic/devilish -But something more awful still has to be said of this wicked wisdom. "According to his Doom: He would have spoke, THOUGHT - Just from this simple analysis of who can and cannot tame their tongue, can you see why it is dangerous for a believer to knowingly marry an unbeliever? In short, the one with wisdom that is reasonable knows when to yield rights or opinions, including when he is proven wrong (THAT'S WHEN WE REALLY NEED TO RELY ON THE HOLY SPIRIT'S SUPERNATURAL ENABLEMENT!). The washerman replied that according to the rules of his vocation he would need a vessel large enough to hold the elephant, where-upon the king commanded the jealous potter to provide one. Without making any excuses for your words, ask the Holy Spirit to forgive you for any words that have brought harm. Anon. "Be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause" (Proverbs 24:28). READ: James 3:1-12 The person who displays godly wisdom that is reasonable is willing to defer to others and is open to adoptsomeone else's position, belief or course of action when given sufficient reason and when so doing would not violate basic Biblical doctrines or moral principles. Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist- Amplified - "For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition).". Regrettably, out of the same mouth that blesses can come words of cursing. It is a closed system, a circumscribed box, as it were, of man's own making and choosing under satanic prompting. Instead of failing in business, as he had at one time feared, he became the richest merchant of his country. NIV James 3:10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. (THEY COULD NOT BRING FORTH "FRESH WATER"!) It is not wisdom that God gives by His Spirit! Men read what you write, whether faithless or true Whenever we use words that are considered crude, profane, or obscene, we violate Gods clear standards. JAMES 3:6Does the course of nature refer to reincarnation? Feelings of insignificance are rampant these days, even among Christians, and some do hurtful things to make themselves feel important. (Pr 4:23+), Robert Johnstone -James probes here to the quick for the patients good. (Ibid), Mattoon on eritheia -The Greeks used this word to describe a politician that was out canvassing for votes at any cost. MacArthur on thing (pragma) -The idea is that absolutely nothing of any ultimate good results from human wisdom. We have a far better best seller to help us to live harmoniously: the wisdom of Gods Word. This is hypocrisy. (Jim Wilson - Fresh Illustrations), Warren Wiersbe -My wife and I once drove through a safari park, admiring the animals as they moved about in their natural habitat. The important thing, of course, is the heart; for it is "out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaketh" (Matt. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. The true wisdom is so cleansed of all ulterior motives and of self that it has become pure enough to see God. "Maybe what I said will do him some good. Wesley. In Scripture the term "wisdom" ordinarily signifies the knowledge and fear of God, especially that enlightening of the mind which flows from the word and spirit of Christ; and the superior excellence of this wisdom may be well expressed in the words of Solomon ( Proverbs 3:13, 14 ). "The many acts of practical mercy mature in a rich harvest of variegated fruit." "Excellent speech becometh not a fool: Much less do lying lips a prince" (Proverbs 17:7). When she mixed chemicals inside a plastic bottle, it exploded and she unintentionally unsettled some fellow students. No one (oudeis) means absolutely no one (absolutely no exceptions) in reliance on his or her own natural power. When I became a Christian as a young teenager, I remember watching closely the men of our church. . Set a guard on my lips. NKJ James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The word suggests the vice of a leader who creates a party for his own pride: it is partly ambition, partly rivalry. Is sown(present tense= the customary practice)(4687)(speirofromspao= draw out, pull) literally means to scatter (seed) and the opposite of reaping or gathering. 141:3). Lord and Father- Surprisingly, this is the only place we find this specific title for God. James 3:17, In ancient Greek dramas, a person behind a curtain spoke the lines while the performer on stage acted out the role. James 3:10. James 3:5. In a twelve-page statement, the court said, "The court agrees that if derogatory, insolent, and impertinent (words) are used toward the superior officers directly it would construe a serious misconduct on the part of (the woman)". Guzik -A woman once came to John Wesley and said she knew what her talent was and she said, I think my talent from God is to speak my mind. Wesley replied, I dont think God would mind if you buried that talent. Speaking forth everything that comes to mind is unwise, poisonous speech. But James said, No man can tame the tongue. 11:29+)Prausis also used in the beatitude Mt 5:5+"Blessed are the gentle (praus), for they shall inherit the earth." And according to James, this is the wisdom that enables us to avoid the pitfall of jealousy. All rights reserved, Summary of Study of James from chapter 1-3. The only other NT use is Jude 1:23+ "save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garmentpolluted (spiloo in perfect tense) by the flesh." How, then, can I best honor God and help others? . But the true wisdom at all times brings people closer to one another and to God. By:David H. Roper(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. And they go down into the innermost parts" (Proverbs 18:8). Sin entered this world, in the first place, by means of a forked tongue, the tongue of "that old serpent." KJV James 3:7 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: ESV James 3:7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind. If the tongue is inconsistent, there is something radically wrong with the heart. Matthew Henry. 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. But the tongue no one in the human race is able to control. (MacArthur New Testament Commentary James). "Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? You can do both with the mouth you have. Are there people even now who are hurt or angry because of something you have said? When our words are right, they can be a powerful force for good. The word does not necessarily mean domesticate, but to subdue or subjugate. All rights reserved). If you use these words and sincerely mean what you say from your heart, you will find that God will use you to be a blessing and encouragement to others. My friend, if He has touched you, He has touched your mouth also. Sproul elaborates on this epistle's view of the person and work of Jesus Christ, the importance of dealing with afflictions from the st Life is short. Matthew Henry -How absurd is it that those who use their tongues in prayer and praise should ever use them in cursing, slandering, and the like! Haggai The monument cites a gladiator as he gloats over a defeated foe. But James used the word in a specific context. (MacArthur New Testament Commentary James). Ambrose. 2:14. But because of selfishness, pride, and jealousy, many Christians have used the Bible to attack others and to justify themselves. Anon. (Ibid). What is wrong with wanting revenge? The more it burns, the faster it revolves until the whole wheel spins in a blaze, spitting fire in all directions. I expect the students to learn from their errors and avoid them the next time. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:8). 1 Corinthians 15:42-44,47,48). But the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. He has just portrayed how destructive a fire can be, spreading rapidly, destroying everything in its path. (Burdick), Zodhiates adds that "The verb epistamaifrom which this participle is derived does not refer only to theoretical knowledge, but also to the doing of things. "A worthless witness mocketh at justice" (Proverbs 19:28). Utley on without hypocrisy -This term implies free from prejudice or divided loyalties and may relate to 2:4 or even 1:6. Believers should not only refrain from cursing but also bless those who curse and persecute them (Luke 6:28; Romans 12:14). It is used only here in James 3:15 and describes this wisdom as "demon-like" or "devilish" (of the devil). They know how to act; they pursue justice and evade evil. James uses the present tenseand the perfect tense. The only way to keep jealousy and envy from turning into major disasters is to draw on the wisdom that comes from above, wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, and full of mercy and goodness. Pseudomai means means to tell a falsehood, attempt to deceive by lying, to speak falsely or deceitfully. 7 The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding. Talk of orthodoxy and Christian experience, however fluent and animated and clever, does not of itself prove wisdom; the really wise man will show his works. Out of a good conversation [CONDUCT], James continues. It is that temper of spirit which at all times says, "Yes, Lord, Thou knowest best." NET James 3:10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. He said to me, "Vernon, I hope you are going to be a genuine preacher and a genuine servant of God." Hagnosdescribes wisdom that is morally undefiled and not corrupted by any form of evil in this fallen world. Most of them answered no. YLT James 3:18 and the fruit of the righteousness in peace is sown to those making peace. Jeremiah 1:3; Zech. She showed her shopping list to the girl helping her and said, Its in two tongues(lenguas). But she meant to say that she had written it in two languages(idiomas). "A grievous word stirreth up anger" (Proverbs 15:1). Bruo isordinarily used of the swelling buds of plants and so figuratively of various kinds of fullness. By law, no Roman general could lead armed troops into Rome. (Col 3:1-4+). The tongue itself is kindled with the very "FIRE OF HELL." He was probably the most outspoken in expressing his commitment to the Lord. In addition kosmos is a system or arrangement (in context a system of evil). It is notoriously unreliable, constantly prone to break out in vicious words. Men that have any dealings with him say it is better to deal with a Turk than with him; for fairer dealing they shall have at their hands. Thomas Brooks, Of all the members in the body, there is none so serviceable to Satan as the tongue. 5:29; Matt. Wisdom is the beauty of holiness. It cannot be controlled by both at the same time. 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. All rights reserved). Let the words of Paul help you to rearrange and prioritize what type of wisdom you allow into your mind and heart -, "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. MacArthur on selfish ambition -It was used of personal gratification and self-fulfillment at any cost, which are the ultimate goals of all fleshly endeavors. They have all come to God as sinners and have found forgiveness in the cross of Christ. Gods righteousness results in His children living right. NJB James 3:17 whereas the wisdom that comes down from above is essentially something pure; it is also peaceable, kindly and considerate; it is full of mercy and shows itself by doing good; nor is there any trace of partiality or hypocrisy in it. Children are colorblind until they hear adults making unfounded statements or see them shunning people of a different race. Reprinted by permission. Proverbs 21:23, The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof" (Proverbs 18:21). The spirit of self-seeking creates rivalry and division in the church and the home. Obadiah Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 5. The same can be said of its use in 1 Corinthians (e.g., 15:40; at the same time, the contrast is developed to highlight the superiority of the heavenly; cf. Amen. So as the tree--the cross of Christ--becomes real in our lives, as we trust in the Lord Jesus and walk in faith with Him, the bitter waters of Marah will become sweet, and our tongues instead of producing evil will be a blessing to all about us. (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. Hiebert -Behind this "wisdom," marked by jealousy, crafty party factions, and egotistical boasting, James detects the work of the demons in seeking to corrupt the harmony and very life of the Body of Christ. 16:2). Francis Burkitt, The vice of the tongue spreads and prevails over every part of life. The adjective suggests the picture of "some caged but unsubdued wild animal, ever pacing uneasily up and down its den." We have all kinds of devices to help us communicate. Here James metaphoricallyequates the tongue directly with a fire. I tear down homes, break hearts, and wreck lives. He cannot speak well who cannot hold his tongue. To do it, he goes straight for the heart (Mk 7:14-15; Ps51:10) and the mind (Ro12:1-2). ; Jas. how much of real knowledge and mental power has been wasted in such bitterness! What an impact we would make in our society if all of us who profess to believe on Jesus would follow their example! Why, indeed! In this context it means to take a position, to come forward, to appear. But if I refuse to listen and pray instead, the water of the Spirit douses the fire of hell, and the conversation dies. And so I agree with John MacArthur's analysis of James 3:13-18- "Some interpreters believe the phrase who among you refers only to the teachers, or would-be teachers, addressed in James 3:1. But according to news reports, neither wanted to give way to the other. "If a wise man hath a controversy with a foolish man, Whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest" (Proverbs 29:9). Click the Commentary tab or pulldown menu for a full selection of commentaries over any Bible passage you are researching. The thing that impressed him most was the magnificent and spotless show windows. (Mark 5:2-4). All rights reserved), Lord, cleanse our hearts so what we speak The tongue is not only a "FIRE" but it is: "THE SUM TOTAL OF INIQUITY". 4:6; Isa. Finally, even if there were some question as to how this verse should be interpreted, an unclear passage should always be understood in the light of a clear one. And of course legalism will short circuit the flow of grace in our lives. The answer will reveal not only your inner character but the spiritual condition of your soul." 21:11; Rom. Reprinted by permission. ESV Study Bible -Evil speech destroys because it comes from Satan himself. The tongue sets our lives on fire, and is itself set on fire from hell. (Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James). Beloved, that's the power of our unbridled, unruddered tongue, unless it is continually surrendered to the guarding, guiding power of the Holy Spirit! Elsewhere the rendering is natural, as in the contrast between the natural body and the spiritual body in 1 Cor. This is a sobering thought which we all do well to pause and ponder. James says, Where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there (3:16). David lied to Ahimelech the priest and occasioned his murder by King Saul (1 Sam. Let us, then, each morning, resolve to send the day into eternity in such a garb as we shall wish it to wear forever. 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Wicked wisdom ( Luke 6:28 ; Romans 12:14 ) in our lives is partly ambition, partly rivalry no! Meant to say that she had written it in two tongues ( lenguas.! And mental power has been wasted in such bitterness of a good conversation [ conduct ] James... Tongue itself is kindled with the mouth you have said buds of and... Do well to pause and ponder hurt or angry because of selfishness, pride, and,... ; his mouth shall not transgress in judgment '' ( Proverbs 24:28 ) in! `` fire of HELL. the one nature or the other idea is that absolutely nothing any.