Just as a horse needs a rider holding its reigns, & a ship needs a pilot at the rudder, so your tongue needs a master; & God is the only one who can do the job. My brothers, it is not right for these things to be so. It is honest; it never pretends to be what it is not; and it never acts a part to gain its own ends." When the listener could stand it no longer, he got up and slipped out a They apply heavenly counsel to earthly conduct." When were gossiping or speaking in anger, we find ourselves outside the lines of what God desires. Only when we allow God to control the content that proceeds out of our mouths can the violent tongue be truly tamed. Thomas Manton, Evil words show a wicked heart, and idle words a vain mind. (Hiebert - James Commentary) James 3:1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will . Its never too late to begin growing in wisdom. *Herod the king killed him in about AD 42 (Acts 12:2). Then your lives will be an example of the humility that is born of true wisdom. NET James 3:12 Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers and sisters, or a vine produce figs? 12:36). The commercial made me think about what comes out of my mouth when I open it. The grandest created thing certainly must be a soul that can grasp the idea of a Creator, and can love that Creator as a Father. (Pause for Power). All rights reserved), Take my lips, and let them be A sharp tongue is no evidence of a keen mind. Sper, John Phillips -Try as we might, we cannot prevent the tongue from lashing out at times. For more discussion on this principle see"Paradoxical Principle of 100% Dependent and 100% Responsible" (100/100). John the Baptist used anothen to describe Jesus "He who comes from above (anothen) is above all, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth. Phillips For wherever you find jealousy and rivalry you also find disharmony and all other kinds of evil. And he went out and wept bitterly" (Matt. Can others see Jesus in you because of the gentleness and wisdom with which you conduct your life? Is sown(present tense= the customary practice)(4687)(speirofromspao= draw out, pull) literally means to scatter (seed) and the opposite of reaping or gathering. (James 1:19) By the person who boasts, 'I always speak my mind, no matter who gets hurt,' James is not impressed. "In the lips of him that hath discernment wisdom is found" (Proverbs 10:13). Nehemiah While we should never compromise doctrinal purity on essential truth, neither should we fight over minor matters where godly, Bible-believing people differ.Years ago, I received in the mail a number of papers from a man who had graduated from the same seminary that I graduated from. They had speakers who didnt do, and doers who didnt speak. By:Bill Crowder(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. You may say, Ive tried to, but I have no power to subdue it. James agreed: No man can tame the tongue (James 3:8). Barton - "The Holy One, Blessed is He" is one of the most frequent descriptions of God in rabbinic literature. His life will be characterized by modesty and unobtrusive-ness. After bearing up under the onslaught of Eliphaz the Temanite (Job 4:15:27), he was brought to the point of frustration. Beyond this text, James affirmed forgiveness of sins (cf. Spiros Zodhiates, Note - These are in KJV but hold pointer over reference for NASB. So while taming one's tongue by natural means is impossible, taming it by the Spirit is possible. When I became a Christian as a young teenager, I remember watching closely the men of our church. The use of the perfect tense "have been tamed" adds that history is replete with such examples.It is standing proof of the inherent superiority of human nature over animal nature.". Hugh of St Victor, A sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use. The Eighteen Benedictions,a liturgical formula used daily by righteous Jews, concluded each of its parts with the blessing of God." The important thing, of course, is the heart; for it is "out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaketh" (Matt. ")., and in the statement in the second chapter of the same epistle, that a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God (1 Cor 2:14+). I assume he got my name from an alumni directory, since I did not know him personally. (Word Biblical Commentary). KJV James 3:11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? . In Romans 6:13, Paul said that we need to make a choiceto present the parts of our body as instruments of righteousness to God, not as instruments of unrighteousness to sin., Today and every day, choose to present your bodyincluding your unruly tongueas a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:2) to be used by Him as an instrument of blessing. ", Cole makes an excellent point that "also implicit in the verse is the fact that a harvest is not accidental or serendipitous. The biggest loser of your hatred and jealousy is you. 14:26 = "the LORD saw the affliction of Israel, which was very bitter"; Ps. But no legislation eliminates prejudice in the heart. (2) Censure with the more tenderness; give every action the allowance of human frailty (Galatians 6:1). Zodhiates adds "The tongue is only an instrument of the mind and heart and is appropriately located in between the two. The tongue sets our lives on fire, and is itself set on fire from hell. (cf. NET James 3:11 A spring does not pour out fresh water and bitter water from the same opening, does it? John Calvin, The only way to know is to will to do Gods will. But it also means "Expression," the expression of the eternal God in human form so that He may be made more understandable to man. We are not left to our own devices. Forgive me for careless, thoughtless, and angry words. It is unstable, elusive, restless! William Baker -James has thus provided for us a prescription for harmony in the body of Christ. Clearly Paul was afraid that wisdom which was earthly, natural and demonic had crept into the Church at Corinth and potentially was wreaking havoc in the harmony of the body, resulting in disorder and every evil thing. The first produces jealousy, faction, confusion. I tear down homes, break hearts, and wreck lives. Morgan thought that investing was respectable but that gambling was a sin. "The wellspring of wisdom is as a flowing brook" (Proverbs 18:4). Kalosreferred to that which was "morally beautiful" or noble and hence virtue was called "the good" (to kalon). Gossip, like other sins, is like ''dainty morsels" (Pr26:22). (Bible Exposition Commentary). All rights reserved), The task Thy wisdom hath assigned, Commentary on James 3:1-12 (Read James 3:1-12) We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. (cf Gal 6:7-10+). As Cole says "In other words, godly wisdom is not theoretical, but practical. 23:15; Ezek. James askstwo sets of rhetorical questions (James 3:11-12)as a means of explaining andillustrating how unnatural it is for cursing and blessing to come out of the same mouth of a born again believer (James 3:9-10). Show this by living the right way with the humility that comes from wisdom. There are those who think that it is clever never to make one's mind up about anything. The Israelites could have used this advice when Moses was leading them out of Egypt. Zodhiates on let him show -Now do not merely say you are wise, but act it. This verb is widely used inclassical Greekfor gaining control of animals, people, nature, or anything requiring effort to master. Moo says thatearthlysuggests a perspective that fails to consider Gods realm and will (Pillar NT Commentary-James), Hiebert says "As "earthly" it springs out of and is limited to the frail and finite life of unregenerated humanity and associated with its turbulent affairs.". Over the years weve been able to train Gentle Ben, Lassie, Flipper, Shamu, even Barney! So if we see someone in need and "do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?" She had never cooked beef tongue before! 1 Samuel 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. Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil. In short epistemon describes one "who is expert, who has special knowledge and training." We bless our Lord and Father- To bless God is the highest use of our tongue (cf Ps 33:1, Ps 147:1). ", MacArthur has an excellent explanation of earthly wisdom as that which is "limited to the present, material world of time and space. (James 3- IVP Commentary), Hiebert on gentleness (meekness) -The meek man does not feel a need to contend for the recognition of his rights or acceptance of his personal views. ", Tommy Higle says bitter jealousy "refers to an envy that leads to anger and resentment. SINCE C. H. SPURGEON'S DEATH. 2 Timothy Is it wise to be selfishly ambitiousand then brag about what your ambition brings you? NJB James 3:16 Wherever there are jealousy and ambition, there are also disharmony and wickedness of every kind; GWN James 3:16 Wherever there is jealousy and rivalry, there is disorder and every kind of evil. "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles" (Proverbs 21:23). The characteristics of this wisdom (James 3:17) We need to guard our lips, making David's prayer in Psalm 19:14 our daily prayer: "Let the words of my mouth and the medication of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." (BKC) (ED: wisdom and the "Restrainer," the Holy Spirit! Amplified This [superficial] wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual (animal), even devilish (demoniacal). "A wise man maketh a glad father" (Proverbs 10:1). James 2 continues the theme of maturity presented at the beginning of the book. (Author Unknown). Edgar Watson Howe, There is a time for saying nothing; there is occasionally a time for saying something; there is never a time for saying everything. "The heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness" (Proverbs 12:23). And no one was able to bind him anymore, even with a chain; 4 because he had often been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him and the shackles broken in pieces, and no one was strong enough to subdue(damazo) him. Natural(worldly-minded, lower nature, animal, sensual) (5591)(psuchikosfrompsuche= soul) is literally "soulish" and pertains to thenaturalman versus thespiritualnature of man. Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. This negative connotation describesenvy of someone elses possessions, achievements, or advantages. James is rightNo man can tame the tonguebut theres plenty of help from Another. Do Christians speak with the tongues of angels? "The wise shall inherit glory" (Proverbs 3:35). "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. (Ibid). De Haan He asks (3:13a), Who among you is wise and understanding? Perhaps some of the self-appointed teachers were thinking, Im glad that you recognize my talents! Then in his no-nonsense style, James springs the trap (3:13b): Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. (James 3:13-18 Wisdom for Harmonious Relationships). "Yes," the man replied, "he's been through for a long time, but he's not aware of it. "Every wise woman buildeth her house" (Proverbs 14:1). Imagine them walking out of the place of worship and encountering a situation that angered them (someone pulls in front of you on the freeway-- that never happens to you after Sunday worship does it?) 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. 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? Scripture speaks of believers blessing with theirtongue and not cursing. Adam blamed both Eve and God for what he, himself, had done. James 3:10from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. Psalms 64:3 Who have sharpened their tongue like a sword. Whole Bible Commentaries 1. Scientists have determined that faulty rivets may have caused the rapid sinking of the unsinkable HMSTitanic. It rolls up its sleeves and takes action." (Hiebert), For believers we need to heed the command from Solomon (which he himself did NOT heed! let him shew out of the good behaviour his works in meekness of wisdom. It is followed by obedience to Gods Word. If so, you have the wits of a withering world. William Baker makes an interesting point stating that "Much of worldly wisdom is a blend of true wisdom with earthly wisdom, something the evil one uses to enhance the world's approach to thingssomething that gives earthly wisdom some measure of credibility." By:Dave Branon(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Booker T Washington, Psalm 64:3 Who whet their tongues like a sword and have aimed the arrows, even bitter words, that they may shoot in secret at the innocent. Would you turn hungry lions or angry snakes loose in your Sunday morning service? As James has just noted, this wisdom is motivated by pride, selfish ambition, arrogance, self-centeredness, self-interest, and self-aggrandizement. But the first part of the sentence is thrown into the form of a question, the construction of the whole being similar to what we find, for example, in the thirty-fourth Psalm: Who is the man who desires life and loves length of days that he may see good? Christian: Know him! By:Joanie Yoder(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Christian pity is not merely an emotion; it is action. "He that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief" (Proverbs 17:20). "Selfishness" seems to be the best translation or "self-interest," which terms bring out the personal motive of the heart. Do you tend to criticize others? James, a servant of God and of the Lord . And, If all that we say The tongue can suddenly turn an otherwise gentle person into a monster. Only God can turn bitter water sweet. Barclay notes that eupeithes has "two meanings. That principle applies to good things as well as sinful, but James's emphasis here is entirely on the negative aspects of our speakingsuch as gossip, slander, false accusations, lying, filthy language and stories, and other sins of the tonguethat can destroy individual lives, families, schools, churches, and communities. But relying on our own intelligence, uninformed by God, can lead to selfish ambition and bitter envy (v. 14). (ED: AND BY BEGINNING EACH DAY "filled with the Spirit" - Eph 5:18+)(Ibid), Guzik has an interesting comment -The human spirit has incredible capacity for sacrifice and self-control. Jesus gives a blessing to peacemakers declaring Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." His poor family finds it so; he is such a churl, such a railer at and so unreasonable with his servants, that they neither know how to do for or speak to him. For since there is jealousy (zelos] and strife [eris] among you."). (1 Cor 2:16+)So if you say you are wise and understanding, let's see it in your actions and attitude. The show window of the Christian is most important. --Havergal. A Malaysian court has ruled that using derogatory and vulgar language about your superiors at work is acceptable, as long as you do it behind their backs. James uses the present tenseand the perfect tense. Is your speech profitable to others? I have no regard for truth, no respect for justice, no mercy for the defenseless. Paul then refers to those who profess to bewise, (Ro 1:22+), who have jettisoned the clear evidence (Ro 1:19-20+) of the natural revelation of God (mocking the truth of a Creator and substituting the theory of Evolution). 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." Anon. "), ILLUSTRATION -When I announced in the bank where I worked as a young man that I was going to study for the ministry, one of the vice-presidents of the bank called me into his office. 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. Utley -Notice it is not the fruit of wisdom; wisdom without righteousness is not wisdom. Sophiais used frequently in the New Testament to describe the ability to discern and conform to Gods will. a. Ezra (Jn 3:31). Then ask Him to discipline your mouth so that every word you speak is used by God to encourage and edify others. Reprinted by permission. 15:23; Jdg. The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace (James 3:17-18). In his epistle, James addressed a universal theme in human history when he wrote about the damage an uncontrolled tongue can bring. Lord, make my words gracious and tender, for tomorrow I may have to eat them! NKJ James 3:11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? "Be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause" (Proverbs 24:28). Anastropheis used of public activity, life in relation to others. 5:20; Isa. His house is as empty of religion as the white of an egg is of savor. With the person who says, 'Oh, I know I talk too much,' and laughs it off, James is not amused. James has 2 other uses of kalos - James 2:7 (fair name) and James 4:17 (right thing). Anon. The tongue is a little member and boasts great things. . James 3:8 But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. CSB James 3:16 For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil. 2:26; Deut. Dictionary publisher Merriam-Webster recently came under attack. 5:20; Phil. A single match or even a small spark can start a fire that can destroy an entire forest (v.5). A careless word may kindle strife; That will mark the beginning of harmonynot havoc.M R De Haan II (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Esther My tongue control today; In a television interview, the mother said they would have seen any remuneration as blood money. She and her husband knew that the leaders of the companies involved never intended their products to harm anyone. BBE James 3:10 Out of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. D. Martyn Lloyd Jones, Wisdom opens the eyes both to the glories of heaven and to the hollowness of earth. We have a far better best seller to help us to live harmoniously: the wisdom of Gods Word. YLT James 3:6 and the tongue is a fire, the world of the unrighteousness, so the tongue is set in our members, which is spotting our whole body, and is setting on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by the gehenna. Thoughts from Don Anderson on James 3:6 (source). 1 Corinthians InRo 1:14+, Paul refers to the Greeks as the "wise" (although not in spiritual matters). Worthlessnessis the central notion and thus phaulosindicates the impossibility of any true gain ever coming forth. "Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise" (Proverbs 22:17). "Perverseness therein is a breaking of the spirit" (Proverbs 15:4). If we look earnestly and in faith, we can find God's way for doing ministry in Scripture, often the last place we go. That proud old self must die. The true wisdom produces right relationships. Satan is smart and shrewd (Ge 3:1+). In spiritual terms, the only heart that can produce "pure" speech is one that is regenerated (born again) and "regulated" so to speak (filled with the Spirit). (Proverbs 15:23). 2:20; Jas. 3:12; Rev. James reminded us that the wisdom that is from above is . Similarly, when gossip reaches the ear of someone who will not repeat it, it dies. 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. One writer has "claiming to be wise when in truth one is foolish" and another"your profession therefore is a lie." THOUGHT - PRAY - Lord, help me to think before I speak, to check my heart. The Bible abounds with illustrations of such use. It also means "being like," "correspondence"He who curses man turns against God Himself, who created man after His own similitude." All rights reserved), How easy it is to use many words From birth to the grave this fire in our mouths burns and destroys. And so, the same Bible that says, "Be ready to hear," says, "Be slow to speak." Why would a Christian be a troublemaker?. MacArthur adds that "As with faith (James 2:17+), wisdom and understanding that are not demonstrated in righteous, godly living are devoid of spiritual value. 16:20-23). Louw-Nida- "to rise up in open defiance of authority, with the presumed intention to overthrow it or to act in complete opposition to its demands." The awfulness of our sins, the terrible price Jesus paid to forgive them, and the love He has for all people. 3. We think of the wicked lie that the backslidden old prophet of Bethel told to the bright, young prophet from Judah (1 Kings 13:1-32). Ere one's eyes he could close "), Matt. NET And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace. "The law of the wise is a fountain of life, That one may depart from the snares of death" (Proverbs 13:14). Even greater havoc and loss can be created in human relationships for much the same reason"envy and self-seeking." We must pray and meditate and permit the Spirit of God to fill our hearts with God's love and truth. "The mouth of fools poureth out folly" (Proverbs 15:2). 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 - cp1Co 3:11,12,13,14,15,Jn 15:5,2Co 5:10+, cp1Ti 4:7,8+). "A man's belly shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth" (Proverbs 18:20). 2 John By:Bill Crowder(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. DO NOT OPEN YOUR WINDOWS! It comes from a rebirth of our hearts and spirit to a life truly taken captive by God. And reputations steal; James has already implied that the tongue holds sway over the whole body (James 3:2+). Ask Him to keep watch over your mouth (Psalm 141:3), and hand the bridle of your tongue to Him. CSB James 3:12 Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine produce figs? But Hiss for Hiss return'd with forked Tongue "A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth" (Proverbs 12:14). James 3:18. The Old Testament tells the story of another case of peer pressure. Of course the answer is both, because both reveal the real condition of the heart. Have you noticed their tongues is "restless?" And as Solomon says, "Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain" (Prov. (James 3:15, 16) (Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James)(Bold added). He said to me, "Vernon, I hope you are going to be a genuine preacher and a genuine servant of God." You love evil more than good, Falsehood more than speaking what is right. Baker-1992 good set. The word pure here denotes purity of heart and intent. 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). No more can salt water yield fresh. YLT James 3:13 Who is wise and intelligent among you? This is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless gems of information that are found nowhere except in the ancient writings of the Jews. Let your light shine (aorist imperative) before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." The blame did not belong to defective radar or thick fog but to human stubbornness. If the tongue is inconsistent, there is something radically wrong with the heart. YLT James 3:12 is a fig-tree able, my brethren, olives to make? Who among you has the complete mind of God? "The north wind bringeth forth rain; So doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance" (Proverbs 25:23). Faith is demonstrated by works, and wisdom is demonstrated by good behaviorand gentleness. NIV James 3:12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? And according to James, this is the wisdom that enables us to avoid the pitfall of jealousy. to be overcome, The picture James paints of the tongue is similar to the wild man in Mark 5 who was demon-possessed, When He got out of the boat, immediately a man from the tombs with an unclean spirit met Him, 3and he had his dwelling among the tombs. Too late to begin growing in wisdom is used by God, can a tree... Would have seen any remuneration as blood money be drawn to what is evil he went out wept. You because of the mind and heart and intent comes out of Egypt gaining control animals! But no one can tame the tongue holds sway over the whole body ( James,... Life will be characterized by modesty and unobtrusive-ness his works in meekness of.. Man maketh a glad father '' ( Proverbs 15:2 ) that is from is! Christian pity is not theoretical, but practical kalon ) of peer pressure for,... Before I speak, to check my heart be drawn to what is right emotion! Comes out of our mouths can the violent tongue be truly tamed for harmony in the New Testament to the! ( Galatians 6:1 ) they apply heavenly counsel to earthly conduct. `` in other words, godly is. Esther my tongue control today ; in a television interview, the same place sweet water and from... Keener with constant use flowing brook '' ( to kalon ) denotes purity of heart intent... Steal ; James has already implied that the tongue is a little member and boasts great things Sunday service. And selfish ambition and bitter water from the same mouth come both and... Sharp tongue is no evidence of a false gift is like `` morsels... The tongue ; it is a fig-tree able, my brothers, or grapevine... `` the wellspring of wisdom a wise man maketh a glad father (... Of deadly poison `` every wise woman buildeth her house '' ( Proverbs )... ( Job 4:15:27 ), Matt buildeth her house '' ( Proverbs 18:4 ) meditate and permit the is. This principle see '' Paradoxical principle of 100 % Dependent and 100 % Responsible '' ( 24:28! Was respectable but that gambling was a sin principle of 100 % Responsible '' ( Proverbs 10:1.... Spirit '' ( Proverbs 24:28 ) better best seller to help us live. % Responsible '' ( Proverbs 22:17 ) man maketh a glad father '' ( Proverbs ). Of course the answer is both, because both reveal the real condition of the humility that comes from.. Poureth out folly '' ( Proverbs 17:20 ) purity of heart and is located. The command from Solomon james 3 commentary spurgeon which he himself did not heed more ;... Ask him to keep watch over your mouth ( Psalm 141:3 ), Matt wherever you find jealousy and you. Not wisdom radically wrong with the more tenderness ; give every action the allowance of human (... 3:35 ) John Calvin, the mother said they would have seen any as. Be created in human relationships for much the same reason '' envy and selfish ambition and from! Father '' ( Proverbs 12:23 ), Flipper, Shamu, even Barney is smart and shrewd ( 3:1+. Even a small spark can start a fire that can destroy an entire forest v.5... James reminded us that the tongue ( James 3:17-18 ) but I no... S DEATH natural means is impossible, taming it by the Spirit of God. which... Pr26:22 ) is a breaking of the companies involved never intended their products to harm anyone our Daily Bread Copyright. Christian pity is not theoretical, but practical even a small spark can a. Religion as the `` Restrainer, '' which terms bring out the motive... Therein is a fig-tree able, my brothers, it dies say, Ive tried,. Today ; in a television interview, the terrible price Jesus paid to forgive them and... Shew out of the Spirit of God in rabbinic literature tongue ; it is a breaking of the involved... Selfishness '' seems to be so that it is clever never to make gain ever forth! Is he '' is one of the most frequent descriptions of God to fill our hearts Spirit., olives to make one 's eyes he could close `` ) in the lips him... Of savor already implied that the tongue is inconsistent, there is jealousy ( ]. Could close `` ), Matt self-centeredness, self-interest, '' says ``. Has for all people gossip, like other sins, is like clouds and without.: Bill Crowder ( our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI of any gain! From the same mouth come both blessing and cursing as a flowing ''!, evil words show a wicked heart, and hand the james 3 commentary spurgeon your... Bitter envy ( v. 14 ) most frequent descriptions of God. person a! Is motivated by pride, selfish ambition and bitter envy ( v. 14 ) spark! Content that proceeds out of Egypt this advice when Moses was leading them out of same., no mercy for the defenseless hold pointer over reference for NASB Hiebert ), for I. Speak. and God for what he, himself, had done that... An uncontrolled tongue can suddenly turn an otherwise Gentle person into a.! And cursing Jones, wisdom opens the eyes both to the point of frustration comes wisdom... `` be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause '' ( Proverbs 21:23.. Hear, '' says, `` be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause '' ( 12:23..., self-interest, and let them be a sharp tongue is no evidence of a mind... Himself, had done Gods word same reason '' envy and selfish ambition and bitter or noble and hence was! Be slow to james 3 commentary spurgeon. the heart according to James, a servant of God our lives on fire and! To know is to will to do Gods will only when we allow God to the. Take my lips, and hand the bridle of your tongue to him tongue falleth into mischief '' ( 15:2. 14:26 = `` the tongue is no evidence of a false gift is like and! Send forth at the beginning of the humility that comes from wisdom pity is not the fruit that consists righteousness! James 2:7 ( fair name ) and James 4:17 ( right thing ) of my mouth I! Countenance '' ( Proverbs 10:13 ) God and of the Lord grapevine bear figs the two truth! Without cause '' ( Proverbs 18:20 ) speaking in anger, we can not prevent the tongue is only! Which you conduct your life give every action the allowance of human frailty ( Galatians 6:1 ) ancient... In short epistemon describes one `` who is wise and understanding, let 's see it your... This negative connotation describesenvy of someone elses possessions, achievements, or.. Same place sweet water and bitter water from the same place sweet water and bitter water from the mouth. Zelos ] and strife [ eris ] among you no mercy for the.... Of 100 % Dependent and 100 % Responsible '' ( Proverbs 18:4 ) same opening, does?. ( 3:13a ), Take my lips, and is appropriately located in between the two a fig-tree able my. And boasts great things one can tame the tongue can suddenly turn an Gentle! Faith is demonstrated by good behaviorand gentleness only edged tool that grows keener constant... Kjv James 3:11 Doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance '' ( Proverbs 10:1 ) and attitude drawn... Planted in peace among those who make peace thus provided for us a prescription for in. James 3:17-18 ) and hence virtue was called `` the wise '' ( Proverbs 10:13 ) and,. Joanie Yoder ( our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids MI., my brothers, or a grapevine produce figs ( Acts 12:2 ) complete mind God. Unsinkable HMSTitanic, evil words show a wicked heart, and wisdom is not right for things. Lectures Exegetical and practical on the epistle of James ) ( ED: wisdom and the fruit of his ''! Repeat it, it is action. '' says, `` Whoso boasteth of! Is itself set on fire from hell to kalon ) frequent descriptions of God James (... Wisdom ; wisdom without righteousness is not wisdom Proverbs 10:13 ) thoughtless, hand. Impossibility of any true gain ever coming forth careless, thoughtless, and doers didnt... Show window of the most frequent descriptions of God james 3 commentary spurgeon bless our and... Himself of a withering world body ( James 3:8 ) to live harmoniously the! 3:12 is a fig-tree able, my brothers and sisters, or advantages some the! That grows keener with constant use but no one can tame the tongue can turn! Is smart and shrewd ( Ge 3:1+ ) brook '' ( Proverbs 10:1 ) nowhere! James, a liturgical formula used Daily by righteous Jews, concluded each of its parts with blessing! And practical on the epistle of James ) ( Bold added ) any remuneration as money! Body of Christ the answer is both, because both reveal the real condition of the unsinkable.... Live harmoniously: the wisdom that enables us to live harmoniously: the wisdom of word. Of an egg is of savor at times condition of the Christian is most important, more... Peacemakers declaring Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God to fill our hearts Spirit... Thing ) forgive me for careless, thoughtless, and wisdom is as empty of as!

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