1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. Christian pity is the reflection of God's pity, and that went out to men and women not only when they were suffering unjustly but also when they were suffering through their own fault. (Norman Geisler - When Cultists Ask), He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. (AMEN!). The most ferocious monster in the world has his den just behind the teeth. Notice how James repeats these two negative markers of ungodly, worldly wisdom -Jealousy(seepreceding note on zelos) andSelfish ambition(see preceding note oneritheia). The Eighteen Benedictions,a liturgical formula used daily by righteous Jews, concluded each of its parts with the blessing of God." Promote health with wise words (Proverbs 12:18). GNT James 3:11 ; NLT James 3:11 Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? 9:27). Morse concluded by suggesting that rather than protesting the dictionarys treatment of words, We can choose our own words responsibly and protest the use of the word by those around us and by influential people in the media, the entertainment industry, and elsewhere. Thats good advice! (Faith, Love & Hope: An Exposition of the Epistle of James), Wise(4680)(sophos) is the practical application of acquired knowledge. Spiritual leaders tell us to listen to God. God loves us with an ardent, intense affection that can deliver us from our foolishness if we yield ourselves to Him. 1 Samuel James 3:1-12 EXEGESIS: THE CONTEXT: James seems to be moving in a very different direction after his discourse on works, which concluded, "faith apart from works is dead" (2:14-26). My granddaughter Bree loved the circus, but she was afraid of the tiger. Whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. (Mt 10:42)And let not any poor, and ignorant, and uninfluential Christian think that from the narrowness of his sphere he cannot be full of mercy and good fruits. The Lords mode of reckoning is not like mans. Burdick thinks that "In reality, he is not referring to the tongue of flesh but to the intelligent, communicating mind that uses the tongue as its instrument. When I begin to grade the papers from the students in my college freshman writing class, Im rather lenient about correcting their mistakes, hoping I wont see the same errors again. l Introduced Judaism, Mosaic laws, and circumcision (Acts 15:24), weakening the gospel truth that we are saved by grace alone, l Lived in contradiction to what they taught (Romans 2:17-29), l Taught before they knew anything themselves (1 Timothy 1:6-7), l Catered to people's "itching ears" (2 Timothy 4:3). The rich rejoice that they have discovered the emptiness of material wealth, and the poor rejoice that they have discovered eternal riches. Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. He alone is worthy and is able to give us victory. "), 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. "A man shall be commended according to his wisdom" (Proverbs 12:8). GWN James 3:15 That kind of wisdom doesn't come from above. Morgan thought that investing was respectable but that gambling was a sin. 4:2+; Col. 3:12+; 2 Tim. Here it refers first in rank and which specifically to purity because without purity the wisdom is not from above! Its words will soothe and heal. The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace (James 3:17-18). We have a tendency to solve our problems on our own. Utley -Notice it is not the fruit of wisdom; wisdom without righteousness is not wisdom. This recalls James 2:14-26 where one's "works" show orauthenticateone's "faith" to be genuine. 20:11; Deut. 24:9; Jer. Life Application Study Bible. Or, you want to prove that you are right so that you look good, but you excuse your pride by telling yourself that you are contending for the faith. (Ibid). Biblical Illustrator 4. Christian: He is the son of one Say-well; he dwelt in Prating Row; and is known of all that are acquainted with him, by the name of Talkative in Prating Row; and notwithstanding his fine tongue, he is but a sorry fellow. 2 For we all stumble in many things. This is nature's way of trying to get by contention what it desires to possess,-fighting, and warring, and killing, yet the result of all this is nil. Guzik on lie against the truth -Anyone who shows bitter envy and self-seeking should not deceive anyone especially themselves about how wise they are. 3 or 9 vols, London, 1822-1826 . NAB James 3:13 Who among you is wise and understanding? "The mouth of the wicked swalloweth iniquity" (Proverbs 19:28). Truth(225)(aletheia)has the literal sense of that which contains nothing hidden. It is controlled by either the fleshby the old, fallen Adamic nature (ED: SEE "OLD MAN")or the indwelling Spirit of God. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Besides, he brings up his sons to follow his steps; and if he finds in any of them a foolish timorousness, (for so he calls the first appearance of a tender conscience,) he calls them fools and blockheads, and by no means will employ them in much, or speak to their commendations before others. Jesus usedspeirorepeatedly in His parables (Mt 13:3,18,24,31)We are all sowing some kind of seed. ", "Wise people know how to learn; they never seek knowledge for their own sake. A dark piece of velvet best reveals the glory of the diamond. Glenn Spencer observes that "Satan has his theology. peaceable, gentle, willing to yield . The true wisdom is not rigid but is willing to listen and skilled in knowing when wisely to yield. "The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels. (Louw-Nida)It is anexpression ofa feeling of one's comparative superiority and so to look down upon another, boasting at the expense of another(negative sense inRo 11:18,James 3:14). 6 Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you. I wonder that you should be a stranger to him, only I consider that our town is large. Mattoon -When God's wisdom is at work, there is a sense of humility and submission. "A fool's mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul" (Proverbs 18:7). 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. They aimed bitter speech as their arrow, 4 To shoot from concealment at the blameless; Suddenly they shoot at him, and do not fear. We prefer to blame the worlds problems on religious or political differences. 3:13; Jas. a. MacArthur illustrates how we all have been guilty of blessing and cursing -Peter confessed that Jesus was "the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. Lord, help us to control our tongues, Psalm 1 is a wisdom psalm that serves as the preface to the psalter, sharing literary and theological relationship with the Torah. ESV And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. 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). Burdick says selfish ambition speaks "of a self-seeking attitude bent on gaining advantage and prestige for oneself or one's group." Jesus upsets our pride too. Wuest This wisdom is not the wisdom which comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual [having to do with the natural, physical existence as over against the spiritual world of the supernatural], demonic; f. NET James 3:15 Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, natural, demonic. "Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister" (Proverbs 7:4). Thomas Manton, Evil words show a wicked heart, and idle words a vain mind. 3:2; Jas. Too often we think of wisdom as something we simply possess in our minds, but James teaches us that wisdom is practical and is shown in our daily conduct. Nature reproduces after its own kind. Piety is disgraced in all the shows of it, if there be not charity. Our tongues, our pens, and even our keyboards should more often fall silent with thanks in our hearts for the restraint God provides. Usually, though, it doesnt quite work that way. Morris Gilber, A sanctified heart is better than a silver tongue. It is notoriously unreliable, constantly prone to break out in vicious words. CSB James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy. Instead of failing in business, as he had at one time feared, he became the richest merchant of his country. (Ibid), Heavenly wisdom is full of mercy like our Heavenly Father - "Be (present imperative= only possible by relying on the Holy Spirit to obey) merciful, just as your Father is merciful." We have a choice (and responsibility) regarding how we can respond, but it a mysterious truth that while we are 100% responsible, we are also 100% dependent on the Spirit to work out our salvation in fear and trembling. MacArthur -Hell is Satan's place, prepared for him and his demons (Matt. The word does not necessarily mean domesticate, but to subdue or subjugate. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! When we are pure (James 3:17), strong (Eph. More self-denial, like His in Galilee, NKJ James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The root source of earthy, natural wisdom is the Devil and his hordes of demons. But there are two kinds of wisdom. Winkler writes"A word of evil from the old Serpent consigned our race to death, and, like Satan's tongue, are in a degree the tongues of all his children." Thus say the common people that know him, A saint abroad, and a devil at home. But there were warning signs posted all over the park: DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAR! NET James 3:7 For every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and sea creature is subdued and has been subdued by humankind. The likeness was natural, consisting of intelligence, emotions, and will; and moral, a tendency toward God, though accompanied with the power to make wrong choices. No farmer sits around doing nothing all year, then goes out into the field and says, Whoa, look at that bountiful harvest! If there is a harvest, its in part because he has worked hard to cultivate that harvest. Richards, Warren Wiersbe -MIXED MESSAGES Hiebert saysfull of mercy and good fruits is "the only double characteristic in the list, stands in direct contrast to "every vile deed" in James 3:16." It thus denotes "the malicious triumphing at the least point of vantage gained by one party" over its opponents in their disputes. James 3:7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. A. P. Herbert, There will come a time when three words, uttered with charity and meekness, shall receive a far more blessed reward than three thousand volumes written with disdainful sharpness of wit. So, in 1955, the Guinness brewing company decided that an official record was needed to pacify its customers. 7:26 = I discovered more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets; Isa. Jesus taught in Matthew 12:34-37 that a mans words are a reliable indicator of the state of his heart. Godly wisdom, as weve seen, would listen to the one who raises an objection and consider whether he may have a valid point. Interestingly, my friend didnt think this was impractical or foolish. Lord, my mouth sometimes speaks words that dont honor You. (Zodhiates) Paul writes, I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, 4 and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. The source of this wisdom, he pointed out, is evil. Publilius Syrus, Evil tongues are the devils bellows. Always, only, for my King. Knowledge leads us from the simple to the complex; wisdom leads us from the complex to the simple. Determined to ruin him, the potter induced the king to issue an order requiring the man to wash one of his black elephants white. KJV James 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. And one who is filled with this spiritual wisdom is enabled to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 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. If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? Now are you really confused? One thing you can give and still keep is your word. My brethren, these things ought not thus inappropriately to keep on taking place. Willing to yield, yet resolutely pure Kistemaker has an interesting introduction to James 3:9-12 -After such a lengthy exposition about the nature of the tongue, we can expect members of the church to object. "As a thorn that goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, So is a parable in the mouth of fools" (Proverbs 26:9). (Pr 26:20) So if there is no"wood" (no gossip, put downs, derogatory statements, etc, made by others in your hearing), the tongue is not set on fire! KJV James 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. Sper. It is an uncontrollable evil filled with deadly poison. Eulogeocan be from men to God, from men to men, and from God to men. By them will the reckoning be at the judgment. Reprinted by permission. Christian: Had I known him no more than you, I might perhaps have thought of him, as, at the first, you did; yea, had he received this report at their hands only that are enemies to religion, I should have thought it had been a slandera lot that often falls from bad men's mouths upon good men's names and professions; but all these things, yea, and a great many more as bad, of my own knowledge, I can prove him guilty of. Wuest Out of the same mouth there proceeds eulogies and cursings. It also means "being like," "correspondence"He who curses man turns against God Himself, who created man after His own similitude." Be arrogant(2620)(Katakauchaomaifromkata= against +kauchaomai= to boast) means to boast against. You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue. Bitterness sours our speech. Wisdom is knowing when to speak your mind and when to mind your speech. When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. (Mt 12:33), What is James' point? ", 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. And reputations steal; Will be reflective of Your grace; A gracious word may smooth the way; 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. But therein lies the solution. Hardly. (Php 4:8+). The idea is to imprecate (= to invoke) evil on someone saying that a supernatural power will cause harm to someone or something. It is that ultimate self-elevation rampant in the world today which is the antithesis of what the humble, selfless, giving, loving, and obedient child of God is called to be. Matthew 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. In all my works Thy presence find, One incendiary remark can kindle an inferno of emotional harm. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. Of what the world holds in death's embrace; Righteousness bears fruit after its kind, and that is peace. He would do anything to get people on his side. Brian Bell -In these verses James illustrates the Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde tongues tendency. "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;keep watch over the door of my lips." Lets echo the prayer of the hymn by Frances Havergal: Take my lips and let them be filled with messages for Thee. By:David H. Roper(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. ASV James 3:12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a vine figs? And so lie against the truth- This is an interesting statement because mostlies are "against the truth." . The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our bodies. Unless we douse it with confession and repentance, it will eventually consume us. We Christians will do very well to imitate this large-hearted general. Sad contrast between wild animals that can be tamedand mankind's wild tongue which cannot be tamed. He thanked the Lord for the food, for the day, and for their home. (Exploring the Epistle of James: An Expository Commentary). The apostle James said that cursing is out of place in a Christians lifelike salt water in a freshwater spring or olives on a fig tree (Jas. Wisdom, the wisdom of God, is not something that is acquired by man, but something that is bestowed by God upon His elect. But neither wanted to yield to the other. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of ones life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell (James 3:6). (Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary), Send (only here in NT)(1032)(bruo) means to be full to bursting, to abound, to overflow, to gush forth or "emit voluminously". Reprinted by permission. Ronald Blue -A truly wise person does not seek glory or gain; he is gracious and giving. (Pr 10:19) When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise. Indeed, thissmallest memberof our body is also far too often the cause of the largest trouble, "very much trouble!" Its plans and procedure have all reference to self and to this world of the senses, though the subjects it discusses may belong to the invisible world, the world known to faith. Overhearing his reply (which praised the other), a friend approached him afterwards and said, "General, do you know that the man of whom you spoke is one of your bitterest enemies and misses no opportunity to malign you?" Like all wisdom among men on moral questions, which is only earthly, only natural, it is devilishdevil-like. . (Jon Courson's Application Commentary New Testament), MacArthur explains that "Those whose lives are based on and motivated by human, ungodly wisdom are inevitably self-centered, living in a world in which their own personal ideas, desires, and standards are the measure of everything. Oswald Chambers, Knowledge is the fountain of wisdom. (cf. There is no evil to which the unregenerate heart of man is heir that the tongue cannot promote. 2 Peter 3:1. Anon. MISINTERPRETATION: James refers to the course of nature, which has been translated wheel of beginning. Some take this to be a reference to reincarnation, since they believe life goes around in cycles of birth, death, and rebirth (into another body), and so forth. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, (1 Peter 1:3). Help me to control my tongue and to express myself clearly so that I wont cause dissension. 10:22; Ezek. 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. But his emphasis on consistently speaking blessings rather than mixing blessings and cursings grows naturally out of his concern about works. i. "My brothers, this should not be." No man can tame the tongue, he wrote. 111:10). Heavenly wisdom is better than worldly wealth, and to be preferred before it. She had never heard about Jesus Christ, and when the teacher described the beautiful life of Jesus Christ, she thought she was describing the missionary. 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. EXCUSES and DEFENDS SIN in justifying itself. Ere one's eyes he could close Shortly after saying Amen, he proceeded to fuss about the preacher, the church, his job. But there is a difference between worldly and spiritual wisdom (1Cor. "When the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge" (Proverbs 21:11). Louw-Nida says it means "pertaining to being gracious and forbearing." James says wisdom is reasonable; flexible; forgiving; peaceful; caring; given to friendly visits, small acts of courtesy, and kind words. NET = "the fruit that consists of righteousness" The NET Note adds that this refers to"the fruit of righteousness, meaning righteous living as a fruit, as the thing produced." The idea is that our mercy is not all talk but includes action demonstrating the reality of our claim to be merciful, and in this way is similar to the dynamic in James 2:14-26 where James says genuine faith is authenticated by good works, practical good deeds. "A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth" (Proverbs 13:2). and out of their mouth that had just blessed God came vile curse words! 2:25+; Titus3:2+; Jas. Iosis used in the NT to meanpoisonorvenom. (BKC), Letshow (1166)(deiknuo) in this context means to show so as to prove something is true or to make clear by evidence or reasoning. Members (3196) see preceding discussion onmelos. GWN James 3:17 However, the wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure. "Through wisdom is a house builded" (Proverbs 24:3). Bitter water also can destroy our spiritual lives. The little cup barely affords a draught to the traveller, and yet, because it fails not, what a multitude of weary wayfarers does it refresh and invigorate, generation after generation; and how green and beautiful the little rill that trickles from it keeps a long stretch of the mountain-side! Think of the potential of the tongue which James is depicting with this phrase the very world of iniquity -- it has the power to affect the entire unrighteous, sinful world! If you don't believe this watch some of the current news shows (which really are no longer truly news), the popular fare on television or the box office hits. ", Tommy Higle says bitter jealousy "refers to an envy that leads to anger and resentment. But, as you know, brethren, in man, as he now is by nature, the spirit is darkened, perverted, and weakened; it is dethroned through sin; and only the enlightening and strengthening energy of Gods Spirit can enable our spirits to take their rightful dignity and rule. Branon. Figuratively,karposis used of the consequence of physical, mental, or spiritual action. Knowledge is not wisdom. From above was a rabbinical way of referring to Yahweh (cf every good thing in James 1:17+). 16:13; 1 Chr. In eschatology, peace is prophesied to be an essential characteristic of the Messianic kingdom (Acts 10:36). Scientists have determined that faulty rivets may have caused the rapid sinking of the unsinkable HMSTitanic. 1 Peter Do we feel burdened when others fail, or are we glad? It has no room for others, much less genuine humility. Think about that. Gentle(1933)(epieikesfromep= upon - intensifies meaning+eiks= fair, equitable) is a Greek word that is difficult to translate. Anothencan speak of place or time (from the beginning). 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. 4:3032+). 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