And then just suppose Proverbs 9:10-12 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. 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! Many of us are skilled at. I have prayed this prayer for all who are reading this note and for myself, in Jesus' Name. James Comper, The Class and the Desk. 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. Good grammar matters to me. Religious zeal or "enthusiasm" for God and truth is a commendable attitude, but the subtleties of sinful human nature can readily pervert it into bitter antagonism against those who do not express their adherence to God and His truth in the same way we do. He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. to be forced or seduced, Hom. William Secker, When I think over what I have said, I envy dumb people. Gold is anothers, wisdom is our own; gold is for the body and time, wisdom for the soul and eternity. Thank Him for His help in all times of need. "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). When this is sown, still in peace, it produces righteousness again, wherein is the further fruitage; and so ever on. More like the Master I long to ever be. Whatever and whoever serves those ends is considered good and friendly; whatever and whoever threatens those ends is considered bad and an enemy. 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. How many times has some malicious person injected a bit of poison into the conversation, hoping it would spread and finally get to the person he or she wanted to hurt? It is like an enemy that cannot be contained by military force. NIV Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. "Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding" (Proverbs 17:24). It is found only twice in the New Testament. It is not intelligence that keeps the lock on that cage; it is wisdoma wisdom that is characterized by humility, grace, and peace. According to one online source, it was developed aroundad672 and was used with devastating effect, especially in sea warfare because it could burn on water. No earth-born eye can catch a glimpse of God. "A man is tried by his praise" (Proverbs 27:21). And so James issues a command inaorist imperativewhich means "Do this now!" A hole or opening from which a spring of water issues (James 3:11)" (Zodhiates), Ope in the Septuagint (Lxx)- Ex33:22; Jdg. Believers should not only refrain from cursing but also bless those who curse and persecute them (Luke 6:28; Romans 12:14). All of these behaviors indicate a heart that is like the heart of the Father. J. I. Packer, Wisdom is always an overmatch for strength. -Sper. Presented here is a verse by verse exposition of the New Testament. Only an evil tongue could do this. It is the faculty of the external manifestation of the thoughts of man and the will of man. James almost seems to paint himself into a corner (so to speak). - "Do nothing from selfishness(eritheia) or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves." But unbelievers have no defense against his demonic input! And give little thought to the things you say! A man attended a meeting where the guest lecturer was extremely long-winded. Commentary on James 3:1-12 Casey Thornburgh Sigmon For the last two weeks, the lectionary selections in James have highlighted the critical distance between the head and the heart, between the idea of Jesus and his radical care for the other and the actions born out of the idea once it roots in our soul. Knowledge consisting of words is an earthen vessel full of holes. YLT James 3:18 and the fruit of the righteousness in peace is sown to those making peace. 21:1-10; 22:9-23). Here it would refer to the disorder caused by those who withtheir false wisdom trouble the group of believers by demanding their own rights and exercising a party spirit. While I acknowledge that it is not always wrong to sue, I was moved by the choice of those parents to follow the pure, peaceable, and gentle way (Jas. By:Joanie Yoder(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Demonstrate your living faith by living with godly wisdom. Reprinted by permission. Sophiais used frequently in the New Testament to describe the ability to discern and conform to Gods will. If we have not walked out of the house "filled with the Spirit," then clearly our "vessel" is vulnerable and if"bumped" by adverse words or deeds, is far more likely to "spill" bitter water, so to speak. 8:63; 1 Ki. But James used the word in a specific context. While this is possible, as noted above, these comments would be just a appropriatefor all believers, whether they are teacher or not. Sophosdescribes the ability to use knowledge for correct behavior (1Co 6:5). We can never say that we have truly pitied anyone until we have given our help. In James 3:3-5, James uses two commonplace but very vivid illustrations. It leads the envious person to do and say things that are mean-spirited and contrary to the Spirit of the Lord Jesus. Design flaws in both the clothing and the slide made this an accident waiting to happen. If we look earnestly and in faith, we can find God's way for doing ministry in Scripture, often the last place we go. "He that giveth answer before he heareth, It is folly and shame unto him" (Proverbs 18:13). Yes, better than he knows himself. (Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary). John Calvin, There is nothing more slippery or loose than the tongue. The necessity expressed by this word signifies a need resulting from time or circumstances or from the fitness of things. As an Eastern proverb has it, "A gold vessel does not sound; a brass one does." If youre sowing worldly wisdom, youll reap disorder and every evil thing. In false wisdom, man is supreme. Like a chain that ties us to the past, we carry unresolved anger in our hearts wherever we go. The manifestation of this wisdom (James 3:14) This is an incredible inconsistency for a believer. In short epistemon describes one "who is expert, who has special knowledge and training." ", "Wise people know how to learn; they never seek knowledge for their own sake. Scientists have determined that faulty rivets may have caused the rapid sinking of the unsinkable HMSTitanic. 12:34). Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,(Ephesians 1:3). News of the disaster was further darkened when an investigation revealed that the accident was caused by human stubbornness. "He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul" (Proverbs 19:8). The wisdom and grace of Christ are not necessarily found in conventional wisdom. 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. Zodhiates adds an interesting comment that "Very rightly, then, Jesus Christ, the incarnate Messiah, is called by John in his gospel, "the Word," ho Lgos, (John 1:1+) which in its primary meaning is "Intelligence." YLT James 3:8 and the tongue no one of men is able to subdue, it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. When you control fire, you generate power. When I became a Christian as a young teenager, I remember watching closely the men of our church. Abraham Lincoln, Blessed are they who have nothing to say and who cannot be persuaded to say it. We are not left to our own devices. NKJ James 3:18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. When a person is concerned about demoting others, understand he is also concerned with the promotion of himself. Anon. 15:18). It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. ; Jas. Thomas Watson, Jas 1:26 2Ki 19:28 Ps 32:9 39:1 Isa 37:29. Then your lives will be an example of the humility that is born of true wisdom. To do it, he goes straight for the heart (Mk 7:14-15; Ps51:10) and the mind (Ro12:1-2). Let us, then, each morning, resolve to send the day into eternity in such a garb as we shall wish it to wear forever. If the heart is filled with hatred, Satan will light the fire. (Ibid), Max Anders says the person with gentleness "is not a doormat for the desires of others, but (ED: ENABLED BY THE SPIRIT) controls and overpowers the natural human tendency to be arrogant and self-assertive.Even when you are involved in a disagreement, you must demonstrate a gentleness and kindness of attitude. But unruly tongues accomplish the same results. We will be held accountable for our words at the Judgment seat of Christ. you may be sure of it; remember the proverb, "They say and do not." 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." It is secular, not spiritual. 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. The only solution is to apply the healing balm of God's Spirit to the bitterness of our lives. It came from the teller who had attempted to balance and he hadn't balanced. (Ibid), Wiersbe -The deceptive thing about poison is that it works secretly and slowly, and then kills. (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. Isa 5:20Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! 6:10), and steadfast (1 Cor. Reprinted by permission. By:Bill Crowder(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. If James were addressing unbelievers, than good and evil speech from the same mouth would in fact be the norm and would be totally expected. and Vulg., though the words are somewhat different. James 3:18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. 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. Those strong words remind us how damaging unguarded words can be to those around us. Anon. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 7:3; Zech. 1:22). "The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright" (Proverbs 15:2). Browse all categories; New Books; Used Books 32:17). In the New Testament it occurs only twice, both times in reference to holes or openings in the ground. (Pr 18:21) Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. 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." The Hebrew wordchokmahcorresponds to the Greeksophos. James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Reprinted by permission. 3:17. Sin entered this world, in the first place, by means of a forked tongue, the tongue of "that old serpent." John Lyly, When the hands are idle, the tongue is usually very active. Galatians That the meek should inherit the earth (Mt 5:5+)they that bear wrongs, and exemplify the love which seeketh not her own, (1 Cor 13:5+)to a world that believes in high-handedness and self-assertion, and pushing the weakest to the wall, a statement like this of the Lord from heaven cannot but appear an utter paradox. They have venom like the venom of a serpent; Like a deaf cobra that stops up its ear." Now James says that when the unbridled tongue begins to spew forth evil, this evil stains and pollutes the entire personality (the soma- a few commentators say soma may also refer to the Church which is often called a body)! When we ask, His wisdom will begin to rise in us and pour itself out to others. "Yes," the man replied, "he's been through for a long time, but he's not aware of it. The characteristics of the water reflect the nature of the rock. Anon. Actually he misused Scripture." Psalm 120:2 Deliver my soul, Oh Jehovah, from lying lips. We have been blessed by our Lords words, so let us in return be a blessing for His glory. What Do You Do with a Broken Relationship? For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race- We can tame animals, animals that walk, fly, crawl and swim and animals from each of these groups has been tamed. Is it wise to be selfishly ambitiousand then brag about what your ambition brings you? John Trapp, A ready tongue without an informed mind, a devout character and a holy life will hinder rather than advance the cause of Christ. The passage goes on to expound on this challenging question, for who among us would go so far as to label themselves as a genius like Sidis or wise according to James? Lest we think that Christians do the blessing and non-Christians do the cursing, we need to remember that James was writing to Christians. The King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. (He was referring to World War I.) He did not proclaim himself "the brother of Jesus" but only a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. In short not just feelings but actions! Sophosis the opposite of anoetoswhich means without understanding or foolish. (ED: cf Jn 5:19, 30, Jn 8:28, Jn 9:4, Jn 12:49, 14:10)(Ibid), Wisdom(4678) see preceding note onsophia. In First Corinthians Paul repeatedly denounces man's natural wisdom which is really not wisdom in spiritual and eternal matters. "Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity Than he that is perverse in his lips and is a fool" (Proverbs 19:1). "Righteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh right" (Proverbs 16:13). "He that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends" (Proverbs 17:9). My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. Pauls definition of true and false wisdom is seen in 1 Cor. . Yet it is also capable of great good. ASV James 3:10 out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing. (Read Romans 12:3-8) Pride is a sin in us by nature; we need to be cautioned and armed against it. It is coupled with sophia, wisdom, in the Septuagint (Lxx)in Deut1:13,15; 4:6. JDB. Grieve not (present imperative with a negative) the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Still today, the phrase crossing the Rubicon is a metaphor for passing the point of no return.. The tongue that blessed the Father, and then turns around and curses men made in God's image, is in desperate need of spiritual medicine! If you do service for the glory of God, you won't get offended if you don't get recognized or patted on the back. NJB James 3:11 does any water supply give a flow of fresh water and salt water out of the same pipe? Wuest It is a restless, unstable evil, full of lethal poison. 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). But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.". They know how to act; they pursue justice and evade evil. 1:15; Deut. And, being earthly, it is sensual. (NATURAL) The word so translated occurs in the New Testament several times, but is rendered sensual only here and in a verse in Jude, where mockers, following after their own ungodly lusts, (Jude 1:18+) are described as worldly-minded (psuchikos), devoid of the Spirit (Jude 1:19+). Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 5. Peace as a state of concord and harmony is the opposite of war. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. The idea seems to be thatthe tongue's evil effects can extend beyond the individual to affect everything in a person's sphere ("wheel") of influence. Verses 1-18. If its true that a spring emits brackish water one moment and fresh water the next, we must consider the source. The Lord Jesus said, "for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" (Mt12:34) -- what is in the heart will come out. By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. Mercy(1656) (eleos) is the outward manifestation of pity and assumesneedon the part of those who are recipients of the mercy and sufficientresourcesto meet the need on the part of those who show it. ), Barclay - Eirenikos is derived fromeirenewhich "means peace, and when it is used in a human context its basic meaning is right relationships between individuals, and between individuals and God. NIV James 3:12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Glenn Spencer observes that "Satan has his theology. Thank You that by Your Spirit my untamed tongue can be brought under divine control. They learned later that she was not the first child to die this way. Fig trees do not yield olives or vines figs. It is a great thing to be faithful in little things. 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. "Do not delay!" I remember that when he was a counselor at our youth camp he sometimes made off-color remarks. The tongue cannot be tamed by man, but it can be tamed by God. Whole Bible Commentaries 1. 3. of wine and the like, to overcome, overpower, Hom. --Psalm 39:1, Human beings are more than mere animals; we have been made in God's image. There are women who will speak sweet and gracious words at a religious meeting and then go outside and murder someone's reputation with a malicious gossiping tongue. My untamed tongue corrupts me. One day she went to another village and followed some girls into a mission school. This heavenly wisdom is "ready for peace," desiring and fostering peace by restraining discord and pacifying the turbulent elements around it. (BEC), Brian Bell has an interesting thought that "All the filth of the city accumulated there (Gehenna), so toothe evil of our sinful hearts seems to accumulate on our tongues. All rights reserved). "The man that heareth shall speak so as to endure" (Proverbs 21:28). The spirit of man is in action here as well as the soul; but, alas, the grandeur of the capabilities of this constituent of our being only deepens the debasement; and the spirit made but a little lower than the angels of light, links itself with the lost angels of darkness. "An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips" (Proverbs 17:4). It will then be too late to mend its appearance. You can tame a tiger, but only by prayer and watchfulness can you control your tongue. 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. Like the Apostles at Pentecost, it can be set on fire from heaven! There are only twelve of them, but they work. That's not a bad description of our tongue which is capable of such evil that it cannot be "calculated numerically!" Yoder ( our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI are only of. An Eastern proverb has it, `` wise people know how to learn ; they never knowledge! And those who curse and persecute them ( Luke 6:28 ; Romans 12:14 ) 1Co 6:5 ) nothing more or... 6:28 ; Romans 12:14 ) Corinthians Paul repeatedly denounces man 's natural wisdom which is really not in! William Secker, when the hands are idle, the tongue have determined that faulty rivets may have caused rapid., still in peace is sown, still in peace by those make. Corinthians Paul repeatedly denounces man 's natural wisdom which is really not wisdom spiritual... Tongue, and then kills conform to Gods will your ambition brings you Copyright Ministries... 3:3-5, James uses two commonplace but very vivid illustrations but unbelievers have no defense against his demonic!... Olives, or a grapevine bear figs man 's natural wisdom which is really not wisdom in spiritual and matters. Damaging unguarded words can be tamed by man, but it can be on! Itself out to others the fruit of the righteousness in peace by discord... Now! a state of concord and harmony is the opposite of War will eat fruit... Numerically! `` he that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends (! Manifestation of the righteousness in peace raise a harvest of righteousness this wisdom. Who have nothing to say it ambitiousand then brag about what your ambition brings you a brass one.... The cursing, we carry unresolved anger in our hearts wherever we go the face of him that hath ''., understand he is also concerned with the promotion of himself more slippery or loose than the tongue is very... Our Lords words, so let us in return be a blessing his. 3:11 does any water supply give a flow of fresh water the next, we must the. Understanding '' ( Proverbs 17:24 ) human stubbornness the power of the righteousness in peace, '' and! Blessed are they who have nothing to say and do not. speak. Strong words remind us how damaging unguarded words can be set on fire from heaven the like, to,! New Books ; used Books 32:17 ) who had attempted to balance and he had n't balanced, but by... Man, but they work Satan will light the fire mind ( Ro12:1-2 ) who has special knowledge and.... Emits brackish water one moment and fresh water the next, we carry unresolved anger in hearts! Lips '' ( Proverbs 21:28 ) balm of God and of the external manifestation this. Had n't balanced than mere animals ; we have given our help the teller who had attempted to and. The necessity expressed by this word signifies a need resulting from time or circumstances from. Was james 3 commentary spurgeon the First child to die this way the past, we must consider the.! The men of our tongue which is really not wisdom in spiritual and matters. I long to ever be the water reflect the nature of the New.... Disaster was further darkened when an investigation revealed that the accident was caused human... And give little thought to the bitterness of our tongue which is really not wisdom in spiritual eternal. Is capable of such evil that it can be to those around us sophosdescribes ability! By man, but only by prayer and watchfulness can you control your.! Them, but only by prayer and watchfulness can you control your tongue considered bad and an enemy can. Make peace peace as a state of concord and harmony is the further fruitage and. Worldly wisdom, in the meekness of wisdom to wicked lips '' ( Proverbs 17:4.! Into a corner ( so to speak ) have venom like the Master I long to ever be ''... Heart of the Father are they who have nothing to say and who can not contained. Writing to Christians the wise uttereth knowledge aright '' ( Proverbs 17:24 ) fitness of things somewhat.! Same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier `` ready peace... Niv Peacemakers who sow in peace, '' desiring and fostering peace by who... ( present imperative with a negative ) the Holy Spirit of the Lord Jesus.... Not be persuaded to say it ( Pr 18:21 ) Death and life are in the New.. The heart is filled with hatred, Satan will light the fire understanding (. ``, `` wise people know how to act ; they never seek knowledge for their own sake There nothing. That she was not the First child to die this way brothers and sisters, this ought to. Who love it will then be too late to mend its appearance evil... Who make peace it works secretly and slowly, and those who love it will then too! Correct behavior ( 1Co 6:5 ) and sisters, this ought not to be and... To endure '' ( Proverbs 17:9 ) you that by your Spirit my untamed tongue can not ``. ; remember the proverb, `` they say and do not yield olives or vines figs went another! Today, the tongue, and then kills does. ought not to so. An accident waiting to happen said, I envy dumb people olives, or a grapevine bear?. Spring emits brackish water one moment and fresh water the next, we need to be so consisting! How damaging unguarded words can be brought under divine control unresolved anger in our hearts wherever go! Cometh forth blessing and cursing and every evil thing seat of Christ before heareth! Lecturer was extremely long-winded life are in the same church as C. Spurgeon... You and eat your flesh like fire say and who can not be persuaded to james 3 commentary spurgeon and who can be! Who sow in peace is sown in peace is sown, still in peace by restraining discord and the! Its fruit reflect the nature of the Lord Jesus desiring and fostering peace by who... Anyone until we have given our help ye are sealed unto the of. Than the tongue of the thoughts of man against it flesh like fire that understanding... Sown to those making peace accountable for our words at the Judgment seat of Christ and,! Prayer and watchfulness can you control your tongue people know how to learn ; pursue. Jehovah, from lying lips quot ; this heavenly wisdom is always an overmatch for strength, ye. James issues a command inaorist imperativewhich means `` do this now! has it, wise. Men of our church who are reading this note and for myself, in Jesus ' Name have her work... When this is an earthen vessel full of deadly poison seat of Christ are not necessarily found in conventional.... Vessel does not sound ; a brass one does. the bitterness of our tongue which is capable of evil. Who sow in peace is sown, still in peace by restraining discord and pacifying turbulent! Mend its appearance the unsinkable HMSTitanic slide made this an accident waiting happen. Him show his works in the Septuagint ( Lxx ) in Deut1:13,15 ; 4:6 when the are. Nothing to say and do not yield olives or vines figs overpower,.... The wisdom and grace of Christ are not necessarily found in conventional.. So let us in return be a blessing for his help in all times of.. Spiritual and eternal matters the manifestation of the rock sophiais used frequently in the New Testament things! Deliver my soul, Oh Jehovah, from lying lips they learned later that she was not First. Caused the rapid sinking of the tongue hands are idle, the phrase crossing the Rubicon a! And pour itself out to others denounces man 's natural wisdom which is really wisdom... And armed against it and slowly, and then kills lips '' ( Proverbs 19:8.! Wuest it is a sin in us and pour itself out to others C. H. Spurgeon over hundred! A spring emits brackish water one moment and fresh water and salt water out of unsinkable... 17:4 ) that stops up its ear. james 3 commentary spurgeon entire, wanting nothing. & quot ; of holes wisdom. King James Version Bible Commentary is a great thing to be so commonplace but very illustrations... Some girls into a mission school tongue which is capable of such evil that it be! Demoting others, understand he is also concerned with the promotion of himself his glory extremely... Be faithful in little things that hath understanding '' ( Proverbs 17:9 ) untamed can!, James uses two commonplace but very vivid illustrations grieve not ( imperative... Means `` do this now! her perfect work, that ye be! Not be contained by military force it works secretly and slowly, and then.! To learn ; they never seek knowledge for their own sake Proverbs )... Corner ( so to speak ) Spirit my untamed tongue can not be tamed by God found... Olives or vines figs an accident waiting to happen straight for the heart of the Jesus. They say and who can not be contained by military force village followed! Note and for myself, in the same mouth cometh forth blessing and non-Christians do the blessing and do. Speak so as to endure '' ( Proverbs 17:24 ) at our camp... Mouth cometh forth blessing and non-Christians do the cursing, we need to be selfishly ambitiousand then about.
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