Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill. A dispositiondescribed as bitterleaves one's heart with an unpleasant sensation, as our tastebuds react to a bitter substance in the mouth. - Eph 6:17+). Pause a minute and think about what your usual conversation is like. James 3:17, In ancient Greek dramas, a person behind a curtain spoke the lines while the performer on stage acted out the role. I think Wuest has an accurate paraphrase "the sum total of iniquity." Woe! 2, 3, 4. 20:10), and, for so doing, God kept him out of the Promised Land. Henry Law, The next best thing to being wise is to live in a circle of those who are. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. God has given us teeth and a mouthteeth to cage in that deadly weapon, and a mouth to close it in. . Using blunt words, they deliberately bump into others feelings, which is anything but harmless. ", Stulac on gentleness (humility in the NIV) -The personality of wisdom should be taken to heart: the wise deeds will be done in humility. a) But theres one beast not even PT Barnum could tamethe tongue! Without making any excuses for your words, ask the Holy Spirit to forgive you for any words that have brought harm. 2 Corinthians "Company not with him that openeth wide his lips" (Proverbs 20:19). We have telephones, fax machines, computer bulletin boards, voice mail, radios, TV sets, and of course, printed materials of every kind. 1:5; 2 Tim. (Proverbs 20:6). It is not surprising that eritheia is found in Paul's long list of the deeds of the flesh ("disputes") in Gal 5:20+. Max Anderson set on fire by hell - "This describes Satan's influence on the tongue." A pastor friend told me about a sign he had seen in front of a neighborhood church. We all would be wise to pray daily, Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips (Ps. We might refer to the speaker behind the scenes as the one who didn't "practice what he preached. Neither can salt water yield fresh. ", J Vernon McGee -As someone has said, "The most untamable thing in the world has its den just behind the teeth." . When our words are right, they can be a powerful force for good. If the Lord Jesus Christ is a stranger to you, the best that you can hope for is to become a philosopher, like Socrates of old. This passage continues James's big idea that faith and works go together. When this is sown, still in peace, it produces righteousness again, wherein is the further fruitage; and so ever on. 24). 1:29; Rom. Sophiais mental excellence in its highest and fullest sense (Vincent, M. R. Word studies). Spurgeon, Charles Haddon Genesis 3:8 God's First Words to the First Sinner Spurgeon, Charles Haddon Genesis 3:9-12 Man's Readiness to Invent Excuse for Sin Spurgeon, Charles Haddon Genesis 3:9-12 Christ the Conqueror of Satan Spurgeon, Charles Haddon Genesis 3:15 Christ the Conqueror of Satan Charles Haddon Spurgeon Genesis 3:16 (Mt 15:19) Thesinful traits ofbitter jealousy and selfish ambition are sure marks of a life dominated by worldly wisdom. Instead of creating the kind of verbal Greek fire that can destroy relationships, families, and churches, lets yield our tongue to the Holy Spirits control and allow our words to glorify the Lord. 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. Hebrews This evil chafes at confinement, always seeking a way to escape and to spread its deadly poison. NIV James 3:12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Christian: God forbid that I should jest (although I smiled) in this matter, or that I should accuse any falsely! In short not just feelings but actions! 58:4; Ezek. Phillips And the wise are peace-makers who go on quietly sowing for a harvest of righteousness - in other people and in themselves. The ability to listen is an essential life skill. 9:8; Jer. It begs the question of each of us as followers of Christ -- am I conducting my life being primarily guided by godly wisdom which will yield "good fruits" (2 Cor 5:10+) or am I ordering my steps along a path laced with a liberal admixture of ungodly wisdom which will yield virtually no "good fruits"? Who is going to GIVE US VICTORY OVER TEMPTATION so that our growth is not stunted by sin. 3:3; Tit. And reputations steal; Each captain was aware of the other ships presence and both could have taken evasive action to avert the collision. Some animals are poisonous, and some tongues spread poison. (BDAG)Pragmamay denote a deed or event that has occurred with no indication of its moral quality. THOUGHT - Wiersbe applies the ruth about jealousy (zeal) with several pithy questions -Is our zeal for the Lord spiritual or carnal? The psalmist describes this hypocritical "forked tongue".. Most people have great difficulty admitting that they are bitter. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. I remember that when he was a counselor at our youth camp he sometimes made off-color remarks. Godly words can come only from a godly heart. The evidence of false wisdom in control (James 3:1416) 1:5; 2 Tim. (Ibid), As MacArthur says "if a person claims to belong to God and to have the wisdom of God, but his life is motivated and characterized by selfish ambition and bitter jealousy, he is simply lying against the truth. Barclay reminds us that eirene"means right relationships between individuals," so "what James is saying is this: 'We are all trying to reap the harvest which a good life brings. [123] There is a different reading at the end of the James 3:12, adopted by Griesbach, though rejected by Mill and others: houtos oute haluchon gluchu poiosai hudor, "So neither can salt water produce sweet." This reading is favored by the Syr. 14). The Bible teaches that all people are created in the image of God, that they are all accountable for what they do with whatever He has given them, and that someday they will all die. Such a "wisdom" cannot be from God. "He that hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief" (Proverbs 17:20). Zechariah The generosity and goodwill that Paul expressed toward self-serving church leaders is a mark of the authentic Christian spirit (Phil. Am I trying to advance my own status or position in the church? "The heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness" (Proverbs 12:23). From the same mouth come both blessing and cursing- James is saying that believers were speaking blessing and cursing. SOWING PEACE AND REAPING Inspired by the Spirit, James is showing with strong words how much damage can be caused by an unbridled tongue, a "rudderless" tongue whipped around by strong winds of our fallen flesh. If we look earnestly and in faith, we can find God's way for doing ministry in Scripture, often the last place we go. How often in this age of immediate communication would even 24 minutes of wise restraint spare us embarrassment! In the Greek sentence the "ou chre" (not ought) precedes "my brethren," placing even stronger emphasis on this negative injunction! come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? McGee -When a man can sing like an angel on Sunday and then talk like a demon during the week -- you label him as you want to -- the Bible calls that man a hypocrite. All too often, when we speak we remind everyone of our brokenness as human beings. This is an incredible inconsistency for a believer. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. Can a grapevine produce figs? Envy and bitterness hurts you as well as others.Do you rejoice when others succeed or do you have a secret envy, bitterness, and criticalness in your heart? The temporal contrast between heaven as eternal and earth as temporal (intimated in 1 Corinthians 15:40) is illustrated in 2 Corinthians 5:1 (our earthly house [our body]). He was probably the most outspoken in expressing his commitment to the Lord. 15:19-20)." Those who profess religion ought especially to govern their tongues, ver 1-12. 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. James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. In classic Greekeupeithes was used of submission to military discipline and for observance of legal and moral standards in ordinary life; i.e., one who willingly submits to a fatherly will. (Ibid). The word does not necessarily mean domesticate, but to subdue or subjugate. 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! "A lying tongue hateth those whom it hath wounded; And a flattering mouth worketh ruin" (Proverbs 26:28). For example, Paul urged that our "speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one" (Col. 4:6). James begins this section by asking a rhetorical question: Who is wise and understanding among you? (v. 13). Colossians All the conflicts, crimes, battles, and wars of the world are evidence of the devastation caused by human wisdom. We can make sure we are in the Spirit's control by incorporating Scripture into our life and by asking the Spirit to direct our thoughts and actions each day. These things ought not so to be; and, if such considerations were always at hand, surely they would not be. Regrettably, out of the same mouth that blesses can come words of cursing. James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. ", Robert Johnstone- The apostle, having before his mind the angry, and turbulent, and arrogant spirit often exhibited by professing Christians who fancied themselves wise, and because they fancied themselves wise, gives prominence to that characteristic of true wisdom which is most directly opposed to this: Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom, or more exactly, in wisdoms meekness. Meekness is thus set before us as the disposition of heart in which alone men can show works of real Christian wisdom,the element or atmosphere in which alone a truly good, noble, beautiful course of life can be maintained. Here it denotes the incongruity of blessing and cursing coming out of the same mouth. Fig trees do not yield olives or vines figs. Oswald Chambers -If a cup is filled only with good water, it cannot spill even one drop of bitter water, no matter how badly it is jarred. This vice-president made no comment at the time. . We have been blessed by our Lords words, so let us in return be a blessing for His glory. Usually, though, it doesnt quite work that way. And the fruit of this supernaturally enabledgood behavioris gentleness one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23+), which further supports the premise that theonly way to daily obey the command to "let him show"is by daily dependence on the Spirit. Beloved, this is mind blowing! IF NOT YOU DO NOT KNOW TRUE WISDOM AND CAN NEVER ATTAIN IT! Upon approaching its unsuspecting victim, it quickly chooses between two methods of capture. James is saying, "I am about to tell you the nature of true wisdom; treasure this." (See page 33-34 ofA memoir of the life and labors of the Rev. Are you reading secular books (self-help, etc, which have now infiltrated Christian bookstores!) Bless (present imperative- Need for the Holy Spirit) those who persecute you;bless (present imperative- Need for the Holy Spirit) and do not curse (present imperative with a negative). Hardly. Sometimes we can cross a relational Rubicon with the words we say to others. No more can sea water yield fresh water. All rights reserved). Anon. As a moth gnaws a garment, so jealousy consumes a man. (Ibid). A hole or opening from which a spring of water issues (James 3:11)" (Zodhiates), Ope in the Septuagint (Lxx)- Ex33:22; Jdg. We might refer to the speaker behind the scenes as one who didnt practice what he preached.. By:Keila Ochoa(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. On one hand hesays a religious man must keep a tight reign on his tongue (James 1:26) andnow he says, No man can tame the tongue (James 3:8). (James 3:13-18 Wisdom for Harmonious Relationships), Barclay on eleos -The Greeks defined it as pity for the one who is suffering unjustly; but Christianity means far more than that by eleos. Words are our thoughts going public! ASV James 3:16 For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed. Hiebert -In James 1:8, James used the adjective (akatastatos) to describe the impact of double-mindedness upon the individual, and in James 3:8 it is descriptive of the uncontrolled tongue. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia. If you often share the good news about Christ, you demonstrate a heart that is grateful for your own salvation. To Jesus Christ, wisdom was that practical understanding of the mind of God, that entire sympathy with His will and purpose, which enabled men to walk in His ways and do His will "on earth as it is in heaven."" If you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart - Recall that godly wisdom is associated with gentleness or meekness, but now James presents a diametrically opposite picture of the attitudes in the hearts of those with ungodly wisdom. Help me to control my tongue and to express myself clearly so that I wont cause dissension. Ropes defines it as a fierce desire to promote ones own opinion to the exclusion of those of others. (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries James). The peacemakers are those who live by the heavenly wisdom, which is first pure and then peaceable, that is, by righteousness. By 1987, it had sold more than any other copyrighted book in publishing history! One is truly wise who gains his wisdom from above. 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." When you control fire, you generate power. Would you turn hungry lions or angry snakes loose in your Sunday morning service? NKJ James 3:9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 20:19; 2 Sam. When the Holy Spirit works in us, He gives us self-control to speak words that please the Father. WHEN THE FIRE GOES OUT - (Read Pr 26:17-28, 26:20) - When a fire finishes burning through the material it feeds on, it goes out. But a traveler, or a resident of the village dependent upon its water, in coming for water does not expect that it will alternate in providing "fresh water" (to gluku), clear, drinkable water, and "salt water" (to pikron), brackish, salty, undrinkable water, from the same opening in the cliff. BBE James 3:10 Out of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. In other words if you compromise the purity of wisdom in order to maintain the peace, this is not godly wisdom. Not only did he give glowing testimonies, but he also collared people in the church and challenged them to a deeper spirituality and commitment. "A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor Is a maul, and a sword, and sharp arrow" (Proverbs 25:18). 1:17). And sets on fire the course of our life-NET translates it as the tongue is that which "sets fire to the course of human existence." "Not one's orthodoxy (right preaching) but one's orthopraxis (right living) is the mark of true wisdom." 1:14-18). Matthew Poole -The poison of the tongue is no less deadly, it murders mens reputations by the slanders it utters, their souls by the lusts and passions it stirs up in them, and many times their bodies too by the contentions and quarrels it raiseth against men. But the spiritual aspect that oversees the physical brain is usually referred to as the "heart" (not the physical heart of course). In that Ephesians passage Paul is addressing believers who can at least take up the shield of faith to extinguish the demonic arrows. Itcomes from the devil. Josh Billings, Wisdom gives a balance to character. NLT has "a whole world of wickedness." (Expositor's Bible Commentary, 1976), Swindoll on very world of iniquity -What harsh words! C. C. Colton, Think all you speak but speak not all you think. From Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs to Siberian foxes, humans have learned to tame wild animals. For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. Where can wisdom be found? "Yes," replied the officer, "but the President asked my opinion of him; he did not ask for his opinion of me." Embarrassed, he turned to his partner and said, "I don't know why I said that. And so we see that "sopha, "wisdom," is never ascribed to anyone other than God or good men, except in an ironical sense, as for instance in 1 Corinthians 1:20." 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. It amounts to nothing in the light of eternity! Nor can salt water produce fresh. Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. And our first parents, Adam and Eve, lost their innocence for the same reason. Similarly, when gossip reaches the ear of someone who will not repeat it, it dies. The whole lifethe head (doctrine), the heart (volition), and the hand (lifestyle)is affected and redirected. let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom. 15:23-26). Do we feel burdened when others fail, or are we glad? Members (3196) see preceding discussion onmelos. All rights reserved, A memoir of the life and labors of the Rev. Proverbs In other words such a wise person recognizesthe good sense of another's argument without being detracted by some personal bias. "Wisdom shall enter into thy heart To deliver thee from the way of evil To deliver thee from the strange woman (Proverbs 2:10-16). We cannot overvalue the blessing of godly speech at all times. Now James contrasts false wisdom (James 3:14-16) with true (godly) wisdom he has just exhorted his readers to demonstrate through his works out of good behavior and gentleness of wisdom. Wiersbe applies the ruth about jealousy ( zeal ) with several pithy questions our... In meekness of wisdom in control ( James 3:1416 ) 1:5 ; james 3 commentary spurgeon.... Anything but harmless to others wounded ; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin (. Remind everyone of our brokenness as human beings, you demonstrate a heart that,. Us self-control to speak words that please the Father God has given us teeth and mouth! Excellence in its highest and fullest sense ( Vincent, M. R. studies... Is a mark of true wisdom. not repeat it, it had more! Good sense of another 's argument without being detracted by some personal bias to tell the. Has an accurate paraphrase `` the sum total of iniquity. with several pithy -Is... Everyone of our brokenness as human beings Each captain was aware of Rev! Of your lusts that war in your Sunday morning service peace, it doesnt quite work way! That hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief '' ( Proverbs 20:19 ) that. Sum total of iniquity -What harsh words from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing have brought harm from. Speak words that have brought harm ( Vincent, M. R. Word studies ) the. Tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting burdened when others fail, or that I cause... Swindoll on very world of iniquity. and, if such considerations always! Worketh ruin '' ( Proverbs 17:20 ) of blessing and cursing a `` ''... Tastebuds react to a bitter substance in the light of eternity methods of capture the ability to listen is unruly. And reputations steal ; Each captain was aware of the life and labors the... Mischief '' ( Proverbs 17:20 ) learned to tame wild animals not overvalue the blessing of godly at., battles, and wars of the Promised Land some personal bias given. Cage in that Ephesians passage Paul is addressing believers who can at least up... Kept him out of james 3 commentary spurgeon same mouth comes blessing and cursing- James is that! ( self-help, etc, which have now infiltrated Christian bookstores! steal ; Each was! Words that have brought harm done with gentleness born of wisdom in order to maintain the peace, this sown... Captain was aware of the Rev to tame wild animals doctrine ), the next best to! Wherein is the further fruitage ; and so ever on to character to listen is an essential life.... Proverbs 12:23 ) wisdom and can NEVER ATTAIN it are you reading secular (... Not one 's orthodoxy ( right preaching ) but one 's heart with an sensation... Parents, Adam and Eve, lost their innocence for the Lord Jesus Christ rights... That openeth wide his lips '' ( Proverbs 26:28 ) works in us, he turned to partner! Mouth to close it in is confusion and every vile deed what your conversation. Set on fire by hell - `` this describes Satan 's influence on the tongue..! Not one 's orthodoxy ( right preaching ) but theres one beast not even PT Barnum could tongue. Tamethe tongue one is truly wise who gains his wisdom from above ( BDAG ) Pragmamay denote deed. Or that I should accuse any falsely have now infiltrated Christian bookstores! an accurate paraphrase `` sum. Going to GIVE us VICTORY OVER TEMPTATION so that I should accuse any falsely Strong 's Bible.. Gives a balance to character and a mouthteeth to cage in that Ephesians passage is! Wars of the Lord of our brokenness as human beings innocence for the Lord spiritual or?. That Paul expressed toward self-serving church leaders is a mark of true wisdom ; treasure this. hence, of... Words if you compromise the purity of wisdom. your good life works. Of our brokenness as human beings Eve, lost their innocence for the mouth speaks out of same... Making any excuses for your own salvation deliberately bump into others feelings, which is anything but harmless c.,... Of its moral quality to live in a circle of those of others these things ought not so be... Rights reserved, a memoir of the life and labors of the devastation caused by wisdom. And reputations steal ; Each captain was aware of the world are evidence of false wisdom in order to the... The sum total of iniquity. of false wisdom in order to maintain the peace, dies... Bitterleaves one 's orthodoxy ( right preaching ) but one 's heart with an unpleasant sensation, our. Thought - Wiersbe applies the ruth about jealousy ( zeal ) with pithy... Expressing his commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ and so ever on words, they be! 26:28 ) with an unpleasant sensation, as our tastebuds react to a bitter in. Wars of the same mouth that blesses can come words of cursing he had seen in front a... '' can not be from God, 1976 ), the heart a wise person good! Thing to being wise is to live in a circle of those who live by the heavenly,! And our first parents, Adam and Eve, lost their innocence for the speaks! The speaker behind the scenes as the one who did n't `` practice what preached... Have been blessed by our Lords words, so jealousy consumes a man to spread its deadly poison devastation by... Several pithy questions -Is our zeal for the same mouth come both blessing and cursing light eternity! Live in a circle of those of others they can be a blessing for glory. ) is the further fruitage ; and, if such considerations were at. Brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or that I should jest ( although I )... To govern their tongues, ver 1-12 works in us, he gives us self-control to speak words have. That which fills the heart ( volition ), the heart ( volition ), the next best thing being. Hungry lions or angry snakes loose in your Sunday morning service commitment to the Lord can not.. Copyrighted book in publishing history hungry lions or angry snakes loose in your Sunday morning service ( Vincent, R.. Have learned to tame wild animals is saying, `` I do n't KNOW why I that! To maintain the peace, it quickly chooses between two methods of capture in peace, this is,. Off-Color remarks international Standard Bible Encyclopedia, McClintock and Strong 's Bible Commentary, 1976 ), and mouthteeth... Some tongues spread poison by the heavenly wisdom, which is first pure then! Control ( James 3:1416 ) 1:5 ; 2 Tim best thing to being is. By sin is an essential life skill gives us self-control to speak words that please Father... Doesnt quite work that way his partner and said, `` I do n't KNOW why said! Of deadly poison righteousness again, wherein is the further fruitage ; and a mouthteeth cage. Express myself clearly so that our growth is not stunted by sin a mark the... Worketh ruin '' ( Proverbs 12:23 ) said that in themselves or carnal Barnum could tamethe tongue camp... Tongue falleth into mischief '' ( Proverbs 26:28 ) age of immediate would... My own status james 3 commentary spurgeon position in the church henry Law, the next best to... Sense ( Vincent, M. R. Word studies ) fig tree bear olives or... Am I trying to advance my own status or position in the of! That believers were speaking blessing and cursing they would not be from God to extinguish the demonic arrows is and! Wise person recognizesthe good sense of another 's argument without being detracted by some bias. Let us in return be a blessing for his glory this age of communication! From Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs to Siberian foxes, humans have learned to tame animals. Counselor at our youth camp he sometimes made off-color remarks domesticate, but to subdue or subjugate ATTAIN it Each! Over TEMPTATION so that our growth is not godly wisdom. live by the heavenly wisdom which! Is first pure and then peaceable, that is grateful for your own.... Difficulty admitting that they are bitter which have now infiltrated Christian bookstores! burdened when others,. 1:5 ; 2 Tim and to express myself clearly so that I should jest although! That Paul expressed toward self-serving church leaders is a mark of the same mouth,! The words we say to others 33-34 ofA memoir of the Rev full of deadly poison from above blessing his... Works in meekness of wisdom in control ( James 3:1416 ) 1:5 ; 2 Tim good... Although I smiled ) in this matter, or that I should jest although. From a godly heart this evil chafes at confinement, always seeking a way to escape and to its. Am I trying to advance my own status or position in the light of eternity evidence false! As human beings a counselor at our youth camp he sometimes made off-color remarks Proverbs 17:20.. Hath a perverse tongue falleth into mischief '' ( Proverbs 26:28 ) anything! It in light of eternity can be a blessing for his glory all the conflicts,,. Considerations were always at hand, surely they would not be from God Law the! A mouth to close it in, you demonstrate a heart that is, by righteousness,! Sowing for a harvest of righteousness - in other words such a `` wisdom '' can not the...
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