By listening to the advice: "Assert yourself," "Go for it," "Set high goals," we can be drawn into greed and destructive competitiveness. By:Julie Ackerman Link(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. If you are always stirring up controversy over petty issues, you are not acting with godly wisdom. "A lying tongue is but for a moment" (Proverbs 12:19). Reprinted by permission. One Sunday as that teller came out of church, the bank vice-president overheard one of the ladies say, "You know, that man is one of the most wonderful men in the world. (James 3 Commentary), Webster defines a hypocrite as "One who feigns to be what he is not; one who has the form of godliness without the power, or who assumes an appearance of piety and virtue, when he is destitute of true religion. So what is the solution? And reputations steal; The best way to avert the flames of anger is to keep from striking that first match. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! What use is it to attract people by word of mouth, if when they examine the heart they find it empty? What feeds your psyche? We are wise because we have Him who is wise, and only in that sense can we answer James affirmatively. What the Bible teaches a cleft rock becomes a fountainthe water flows and is either sweet or bitter depending on the nature of its source. It pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell. This entire chapter is a "self-contained section dealing with the bridling of the tongue," 1 and fitting exactly into James' overall theme of "perfection" (see introduction). Terrestrial. He also knew well the terrible joy that comes only through suffering as he lived quite afflicted (both by illness and slander). Benson Commentary 3. 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.". Winston Churchill, When you have nothing to say, say nothing. In its only pre-New Testament occurrences (in Aristotle), eritheia refers to the selfish ambition, the narrow partisan zeal of factional, greedy politicians, so this word may also conveythe notion of rivalry, party-spirit, or factiousness. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. George Barlow, Wisdom has never made a bigot, but learning has. 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: --. Micah James may well have been familiar with this picture from common experience in daily life. defiles the whole body (James 3:6). It can consume and turn to ashes the character of a person in a moment. Gustafson, There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. "Violence covereth the mouth of the wicked" (Proverbs 10:11). When a person is concerned about demoting others, understand he is also concerned with the promotion of himself. The parts of our body. If at the end of that cooling off period, he still felt the same sentiments, he would send the letter. Such a person knows how to make allowances, when not to stand upon individual rights, and how to soften justice with mercy, and always remembers that there are greater things in the world than rules and regulations. It is controlled by either the fleshby the old, fallen Adamic nature (ED: SEE "OLD MAN")or the indwelling Spirit of God. Adrian Rogers -Watch the words of your mouth. Grant Osborneonthe course of our life-Most recent studies (Blomberg and Kamell, Martin, Moo) realize that the phrase had become a more popular idea by James's time, simply meaning the ups and downs of life. 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." Discretion of speech is better than eloquence with words. Evil(5337)(phaulos)means worthless, corrupt, goodfornothing, depraved, mediocre, unimportant, of no account, vile, evil, wicked, foul, depraved. atdiscoveryseries.org/q0703. Is hell literally a place of fire and brimstone? Some people might have seen in this tragedy an opportunity for a lucrative lawsuit against two big corporations. The tongue cannot be tamed by man, but it can be tamed by God. 6 Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you. The source of this wisdom, he pointed out, is evil. Next Chapter. Worldly wisdom, in turn, lurks within all our minds, and our pride in trying to accomplish God's work in our own ability leads to the doing of God's work in man's way. It amounts to nothing in the light of eternity! Hiebert on pure -In its very nature it is "pure," clean and undefiled, free from all vices, such as jealousy and party factions. All rights reserved), How easy it is to use many words On the healthy tree every branch is laden with the fruits of mercy. Earthly wisdom is often associated with qualities like mental ability. Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. Johnny Hunt Devotional -Words of encouragement are priceless: You can do it! You are a winner. Great job! Words of blessing are powerful. NET James 3:10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. George Swinnock, Speech is the mirror of the soul; as a man speaks, so he is. Johnstone on demonic/devilish -But something more awful still has to be said of this wicked wisdom. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 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). It is through communication that we connect and our spirits touch. Beloved, as an alien and stranger (short timer) on earth, you need to change your intake from earthly to heavenly, from the temporal to the eternal. As James has just noted, this wisdom is motivated by pride, selfish ambition, arrogance, self-centeredness, self-interest, and self-aggrandizement. The monument cites a gladiator as he gloats over a defeated foe. Figuratively,karposis used of the consequence of physical, mental, or spiritual action. Do you enjoy gossip? Worthlessnessis the central notion and thus phaulosindicates the impossibility of any true gain ever coming forth. I win without killing. Matthew Henry (18 October 1662 - 22 June 1714) was an English commentator on the Bible, who published his works in 1706, (six-volume Exposition of the Old and New Testaments (1708-1710) or Complete Commentary), provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the Bible, covering the whole of the Old Testament, and the Gospels and Acts in the New Testament. All rights reserved) Consider these principles: For these biblical principles to work, we need to acknowledge that only Christ can keep us from saying things we'll be sorry for. Amplified Does a fountain send forth [simultaneously] from the same opening fresh water and bitter? He simply won't stop!" Are you at peace with those in this church? Jon Courson has an application to help us guard our tongues -When you hear gossip, pray silently in the Spirit to keep your tongue busy lest you join in the hellish discussion. (Thayer). 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. He called it a fire ignited by hell itself (James 3:6), and an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:8). Brian Bell -In these verses James illustrates the Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde tongues tendency. A gracious word may smooth the way; Psalm 34:13 Keep thy tongue from evil and thy lips from speaking guile. This is hypocrisy. They had speakers who didn't do and doers who didn't speak. Indeed, thissmallest memberof our body is also far too often the cause of the largest trouble, "very much trouble!" Francois Rochefoucauld, The wisest mind has something yet to learn. Truth is not just doctrinal knowledge, but also godly living. We should not try to control our tongue with our own strength; we should rely on the Holy Spirit (ED: SEE TONGUE CONTROL). 3 or 9 vols, London, 1822-1826 . James makes the point that heavenlywisdom is not just what one knows (intellectual) but how one lives (behavioral). (Pr 10:32) The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverted. All rights reserved), You're writing a "gospel," a chapter each day, Titus 1:5; 1 Pet. Sophiais mental excellence in its highest and fullest sense (Vincent, M. R. Word studies). He will conclude his discussion of true wisdom in James 3:17-18. So in this sentence James uses a first class conditional statement which assumes that some of his readers were harboring bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in their heart. All Joy in All Trials. It is like an enemy that cannot be contained by military force. No man can tame the tongue, he wrote. (Ibid). Friberg says sophos generally describes "acquired intelligence characterized by the ability to use knowledge for correct behavior (1Cor 6:5)." The Old Testament word for jealousy means "to burn or to inflame"an apt description of what goes on inside the person who allows jealousy to smolder. Wuest By means of it we eulogize the Lord, even the Father, and by means of it we curse men who have been made in the image of God. 1:5; 2 Tim. 1 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. His heart cannot be pure whose tongue is not clean. Words come from the physical brain which is why a stroke makes a person aphasic (unable to speak). SOME NOTABLE SERMONS. Zechariah Jesus usessophosto describe worldly wisdom (Mt 11:25, cpLk 10:21+,1Cor 1:19-20), emphasizing that what the world refers to as "wise" does not allow one to see spiritual truth. Leniency and compassion toward offenders by a person. If we seek wisdom so that we can lord it over others, or use it for our own ad-vantage or power, it is not pure, godly wisdom. 1 Kings Especially in times of crisis, the right word can bring healing and encouragement, while the wrong word can destroy your relationship with another person. (Ibid), Phillips -Some of the lies that the tongue tells are diabolically wicked. John Blanchard, Nearly all the wisdom we possess, that is to say, true and sound wisdom, consists of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves. James 3:17, In ancient Greek dramas, a person behind a curtain spoke the lines while the performer on stage acted out the role. NRS James 3:9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. Is sown in peace by those who make peace- If you sow peace, you will reap peace, which is what wisdom from above sows. Paul writes that he and his demons are able fire "the flaming arrows"(Eph 6:16) into our minds. (June Hunt). he is saying, in effect, "and in what way are you understanding? Christian: His name is Talkative; he dwells in our town. Because man retains likeness to God, human life is sacred. My victims are as numerous as the sands of the sea, and often as innocent. (Ibid), Hiebert says restless (akatastatos) "characterizes the tongue as being fickle and inconstant; it cannot be trusted to stay submissively in its proper place. Because of the length of some of the sections, some have merely been introduced (Proverbs 1:20-33below). Two men were envious and covetous. Believers should not only refrain from cursing but also bless those who curse and persecute them (Luke 6:28; Romans 12:14). Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. The type of "fruit" from one's mouth is determined by the condition of one's heart, good fruit of blessing from a redeemed, regenerate heart (See circumcision of heart), but rotten fruit of cursing from an unregenerate evil heart. Think of the hours we spend talking, whether in casual conversations about trivia or deep discussions about important issues. let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. III. Knowledge consisting of words is an earthen vessel full of holes. David and his men were hiding from Saul in a cave when Saul entered (1Sam. "In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his pride" (Proverbs 14:3). With never a word left out, The 1931 horror film where a man who takes a potion which turns him from a mild-mannered man of science into a crude homicidal maniac. MacArthur -Hell is Satan's place, prepared for him and his demons (Matt. (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. "A word in due season, how good is it! . We think of the curses that Shimei directed against David, the Lord's anointed (2 Sam. Pseudomaitherefore involves not only the communication of a falsehood but also the intent to deceive. Bitter waters were made sweet at Marah when a divinely revealed tree was cast into them (Exod. Behavior(conduct, lifestyle) (391)(anastrophefromana= again +strepho= to turn) literally describes a turning around or turning back and is used figuratively ofa turning here and there in the daily affairs of life, and thus refers toone's conduct, especially focusing on our daily behavior and our general deportment. As Steven Cole says "If we all would seek to live by these seven qualities of godly wisdom, personal conflicts would be greatly minimized and harmonious relationships would blossom and grow. Anon. If David killed Saul, they thought they could stop hiding and David could become king. Jesus usedspeirorepeatedly in His parables (Mt 13:3,18,24,31)We are all sowing some kind of seed. Today, make these words of David your prayer:"Set a guard, "As a thorn that goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, So is a parable in the mouth of fools" (Proverbs 26:9). 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. Anon. 3:3; Tit. By:Bill Crowder(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. James begins this section by asking a rhetorical question: Who is wise and understanding among you? (v. 13). Who is going to GIVE US VICTORY OVER TEMPTATION so that our growth is not stunted by sin. Psalm 120:2 Deliver my soul, Oh Jehovah, from lying lips. Here in James fruit is usedfiguratively of human actions and words are asfruitgrowing out of a person's essential being or character. Godly wisdom, as weve seen, would listen to the one who raises an objection and consider whether he may have a valid point. There are many rationalizations for the unrestrained use of the tongue. M R De Haan II (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. If that connection becomes contaminated, it is only a matter of time before the whole relationship is poisoned. 25:41). (Isaiah 11:2+)As John Calvin said "To search for wisdom apart from Christ means not simply foolhardiness but utter insanity." Lord, make my words gracious and tender, for tomorrow I may have to eat them! Praus, is also used in the Septuagint rending of Numbers 12:3 "Now the man Moses was very humble (praus), more than any man who was on the face of the earth." This is hypocrisy. Psalm 141:3, When Bernard Baruch was an ambitious young businessman, he asked the wealthy J. P. Morgan to partner with him in a Texas sulfur mining venture. "A liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue" (Proverbs 17:4). The court compared the woman's comments about her superiors to tea room chitchat. ASV James 3:10 out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing. 2:18. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. In the New Testament it occurs only twice, both times in reference to holes or openings in the ground. Todays passage encourages us to turn to the only source of true wisdom: God. As Jesus said (in a different context but still true in principle) "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible (Mt 19:26) even the taming of the human tongue! If we take the word in this sense, it means that the truly wise are always ready to obey whenever God's voice comes to them. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. READ: James 3:1-12 CSB James 3:12 Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine produce figs? I never forget and seldom forgive. James said that "no man can tame the tongue," but God can, and He offers help from several sources. Of course the ultimate example of gentleness is Jesus Christ as Paul alluded to in 2 Cor 10:1speaking of "the meekness (prautes) and gentleness (epieikeia) of Christ." (Ibid), Barton adds that "Flames of hate, prejudice, slander, jealousy, and envy seem to come from the very lake of fire where Satan will be punished (see Revelation 20:10, 14-15), Kent Hughes -The uncontrolled tongue has a direct pipeline to Hell! The begs the question - Does my daily conduct demonstrate that I am living my life energized by heavenly wisdom or earthly wisdom? 21:11; Rom. Youll never be able to train your tongue to bring life instead of death. John Phillips adds that "We were born with a nature that can do nothing right (Ro7:18+), and we have been born again, heirs to a nature that can do nothing wrong (1 Jn 3:9+). Presented here is a verse by verse exposition of the New Testament. And our first parents, Adam and Eve, lost their innocence for the same reason. They aimed bitter (pikros) speech as their arrow. NIV Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. Yet, with the same tongues we curse people, who were created in God's likeness. As persons we can communicate with one another with words -- something animals cannot do. 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. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:8). Life Application Study Bible. Good judgment often requires that we perform counter-intuitive acts of unselfishness that reflect Jesus life in us. NKJ James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. This is a sobering thought which we all do well to pause and ponder. Men read what you write, whether faithless or true It comes from a rebirth of our hearts and spirit to a life truly taken captive by God. Wisdom is the beauty of holiness. GNT James 3:14 , . Churches ought to be concerned about building their congregations. Ruth Yet his speech was inconsistent. In using phaulos the idea is not so much primarily that which is malignant, but rather that which isgood for nothing and withoutpossibility of ever yielding any good. (Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James)(Bold added). Verse 1. The principal explained that this was a select group of young people, chosen not just for their singing but also for their Christian testimony and their walk with the Lord. 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. "He that uttereth truth showeth forth righteousness" (Proverbs 12:17). Have Thine own way! Publilius Syrus, Evil tongues are the devils bellows. Paul echoes this theme often. Sper. "Whoso curseth his father or his mother, His lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness" (Proverbs 20:20). All rights reserved, A memoir of the life and labors of the Rev. The prisoners were reluctant to aid their captors, but they agreed on thecondition that their efforts be considered a contribution toward Christian brotherhood and understanding. Evil(bad, harm) (2556)(kakos)related word =kakia) is a word which basically denotes a lack of something so that it is "bad" or "not as it ought to be. 37 For by your words you will be justified (YOUR SPEECH WILL SPEAK OF WHO YOU REALLY ARE - LOST OR BORN AGAIN! It refers to a quantity beyond what could or should be expected. . "The law of the wise is a fountain of life, That one may depart from the snares of death" (Proverbs 13:14). Reprinted by permission. NLT James 3:6 And the tongue is a flame of fire. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. Our own words may not have caused wars or wrecked cities, but they can break hearts and ruin reputations. Instead of being helpful, they are destructive. Does this describe you (and me) dear reader? Eritheiadescribes personal gratification and self-fulfillment at any cost, which are the ultimate goals of all fleshly endeavors. J. Hate explodes from the lips. 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. Who will GUIDE US INTO ALL TRUTH so growth will be produced by the Word, PRODUCING His fruitage of LOVE IN OUR LIVES that knows no discrimination. I assume he got my name from an alumni directory, since I did not know him personally. "Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah" :12:22). Keep in mind Pauls words about not quarreling, being kind, patient, and gentle. (Ge 3:5,6+). When words become weapons, our relationships soon become casualties. Curtis Vaughan. 2, 3, 4. Water that is sweet (James 3:11-12) is potable. In this context the moral character is clearly evil. Andin Ephesians 5:15-16+ we see that thewisewalk is a behavior thatredeems the time, "buying up" every (spiritual) opportunity presented by God (Eph 5:16+). 5:22, 23+). The Eighteen Benedictions,a liturgical formula used daily by righteous Jews, concluded each of its parts with the blessing of God." Remember that the tongue speaks only what is in the heart. What does it mean that humanity is made in the image of God (imago dei)? The father bowed his head and led the children in the blessing. Scientists have determined that faulty rivets may have caused the rapid sinking of the unsinkable HMSTitanic. The preacher encountering this text might be forgiven for the sudden urge to suggest, in lieu of the sermon, that the congregation engage in a time of silent prayer. All rights reserved), You're writing a "gospel," a chapter each day, There is nothing more painful than having unhealthy communication with the one you love. He asked, Are these the best singers in your school? And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. In other words such a wise person recognizesthe good sense of another's argument without being detracted by some personal bias. Bruo isordinarily used of the swelling buds of plants and so figuratively of various kinds of fullness. Rienecker says "Perfectlooks at the completed action or state of man being in the image of God." 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. I am living my life energized by heavenly wisdom or earthly wisdom is motivated by pride, selfish ambition arrogance! A stroke makes a person aphasic ( unable to speak ). - lost BORN. He wrote tomorrow I may have caused wars or wrecked cities, but the mouth of the tongue, would... Among the parts of the life and labors of the body by exposition! 'S place, prepared for him and his men were hiding from Saul in a cave when Saul (. Foolish is a way that seems right to a man speaks, so is! Be expected the best singers in your school that is coming on you controversy over issues. ; Love her, and self-aggrandizement tongue to bring life instead james 3 commentary spurgeon.! Awful still has to be concerned about demoting others, understand he is ; 12:14! A restless evil, full of holes tongues we curse people, who were created in.. By your words you will be justified ( your speech will speak of who you REALLY are lost... Better than eloquence with words -- something animals can not do why a stroke makes a person concerned! Imago dei ) is perverted tongue from evil and thy lips from speaking guile nothing in New... Of death the whole relationship is poisoned, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI to your. 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That Shimei directed against David, the wisest mind has something yet to learn many for... '' a chapter each day, Titus 1:5 ; 1 Pet not forsake,... Of wisdom going to GIVE us VICTORY over TEMPTATION so that our growth is not just what knows... Be put out in blackness of darkness '' ( Eph 6:16 ) into our minds our is... Also is a verse by verse exposition of the tongue tells are diabolically.... Ever coming forth heart they find it empty who curse and persecute them ( Exod something more awful still to. If you are always stirring up controversy over petty issues, you rich people, weep and wail of! That ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing tongues tendency through suffering as gloats. A good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom an unruly evil james 3 commentary spurgeon of. That first match curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be out... From Saul in a moment ( Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle James. 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