When others are urging us to take a certain course of action, we can invite God to influence our response. Thus, we find the church being run, evangelism being done, counsel being offered by wisdom from the world. It follows that James is addressing this to believers, for unbelievers lack the supernatural power to obey this command. This person behind the curtain reminds me of a problem we as Christians experience today. (James 3 Commentary), Robert Johnstone on full of good fruits-Heavenly wisdom is full of good fruits: it abounds with them; and hence, whenever it is present, you cannot fail to find them; or, if you do fail, the wisdom must be miserably stunted and blighted by the influence of worldliness. (Luke 6:28+), For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, 22 WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; 23 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously(1 Peter 2:21-23+), Not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. 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. either a vine, figs? It is merciful and without hypocrisy (Jas. They had speakers who didnt do, and doers who didnt speak. He who comes from heaven is above all." According to its derivation, the original word strictly means belonging to the soul. The contrast with spirit and the spiritual, which is expressed in the passages that I have quoted from First Corinthians and from Jude, and implied in that now before us, is the key to the exact meaning. I want to be a blessing to others, to lift them up that they might see Your goodness. Most of us would be amazed, if we just knew how much we rattle on. James A Visit to the Harvest Field February 4, 2018 A Visit to the Harvest Field "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. )this wisdom is not from heaven; but as it displays itself on earth, so it is also of earthly origin. He asserts that every trial we overcome helps us mature as Christians. This truth is true throughout the epistle. He thought that he was wise and that he was defending the truth, but he was not displaying godly wisdom because he was not peaceable. 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. He tears off the tissue of plausibilities (zeal for Gods glory, ardour on behalf of truth, and the like), in which an envenomed, arrogant, bigoted spirit often enwraps itself, and lays bare the moral deformity and defilementbitter envying and strife. We have not here the pleasant water of life (the image of the twelfth verse is perhaps still in the apostles mind), but bitter waters of hatred. My brethren- Once again identifying himself with them as fellow believers, members of the same family, the family of God. The show window is important, but the storehouse is even more so. NKJ James 3:16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. Matthew 12:36. 5:20) and petitionary prayer (5:1518), both of which are contrary to the doctrine of karma behind reincarnation, which affirms that whatever is sown in this life must be reaped in the next life (no exceptions). NLT James 3:16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. Isn't it interesting that the Spirit uses the same verb to describe a demon possessed man and the tongue of men which he has already described as set on fire by hell. "Bitter" indicates the effect produced on others.". If you have genuine faith and genuine heavenly wisdom, both will show forth in how you live! Is it wise to be selfishly ambitiousand then brag about what your ambition brings you? (Ibid). The course of nature refers to ongoing of life in general, not the recycling of individual souls. But David refused to harm Saul because he was theLords anointed (v.6). Peace was used as a greeting or farewell corresponding to the Hebrew word shalom - "peace to you". They have all come to God as sinners and have found forgiveness in the cross of Christ. "In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his pride" (Proverbs 14:3). -David Roper(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. The small church in Umbarger, Texas, was an unlikely place for an international work of art. 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. 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. As long as there is fuel for temptation we cannot be secure; he that hath gunpowder about him will be afraid of sparkles. Why aren't we like that wise old bird? Natural(worldly-minded, lower nature, animal, sensual) (5591)(psuchikosfrompsuche= soul) is literally "soulish" and pertains to thenaturalman versus thespiritualnature of man. Discretion of speech is better than eloquence with words. Wuest It is a restless, unstable evil, full of lethal poison. But unruly tongues accomplish the same results. Titus 3:2 sounds a similar note: "To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.". Reprinted by permission. By:Anne Cetas(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. To tame our tongues, we need Gods help. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 5for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer. 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. Reprinted by permission. (1Co 3:3). The heart controls the mouth and tongue (Luke 6:45). If you see a church or a home where there is peace, it is because the members have worked to cultivate peace. Such inconsistencies are not found in nature, but out of the human being can come both bitter and sweet words. Newspapers reported that the boy genius did not want to think. Some say Sidiss retreat from public attention was intentionalhe wanted to live a normal life. May God enable all of His children to bephilsophos, "philosophers, lovers of wisdom," not lovers of the world's wisdom but of God's heavenly wisdom, in Jesus' Name. Matthew Henry, Such is the degeneracy of human nature that there is no true wisdom to be found with any but those who are born again and who, through grace, partake of the divine nature. That's right! These things ought not so to be; and, if such considerations were always at hand, surely they would not be. (cf Gal 6:7-10+). The same pair appears in the only NT use of the word in James 3:13, where the writer exhorted those who claim the status of being wise and expert to display their virtues in behavior. Here the is used ofthe gushing forth of water. You see, the two are mutually incompatible: A wise old owl lived in an oak Those two words shouldnt go together. Words come from our thoughts, and thoughts come from the mind; therefore, it is possible to control our words by controlling our minds. And then just suppose Gold is anothers, wisdom is our own; gold is for the body and time, wisdom for the soul and eternity. 6:10), and steadfast (1 Cor. Reprinted by permission. Baker-1992 good set. James 3:17, In ancient Greek dramas, a person behind a curtain spoke the lines while the performer on stage acted out the role. His partner wisely replied, "It had to be in you or it couldn't have come out of you." Our tongues, our pens, and even our keyboards should more often fall silent with thanks in our hearts for the restraint God provides. O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips"(Ps. True wisdom is a divine revelation. It is a divine endowment and not a human acquisition.Therefore we Christians, who have accepted Christ as our Savior and who have the Holy Spirit indwelling us, are the only ones who can say that we are wisenot of ourselves, but because of the presence of God within us. Although rivets seem insignificant, they are essential for holding the ship together and keeping it afloat. Anon. Ronald Blue -A truly wise person does not seek glory or gain; he is gracious and giving. NET And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace. It promotes "right relationships between man and man, and between man and God." Restless(182)(akatastatosfroma= not +kathistemi= to settle fromkata= down +histemi= to stand) means unsettled, unsteady, unstable. This Talkative (if it be possible) will go beyond them, defraud, beguile, and overreach them. Ask for His forgiveness and begin to enjoy a renewed sweetness. "A false witness shall not be unpunished; And he that uttereth lies shall perish" (Proverbs 19:9). The words we speak reveal our hearts, especially when we are under pressure. 1:18-2:16). Its venom swiftly paralyzes your nervous system, which stops your heart. 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. "Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself" (Proverbs 25:9). "To understand the words of the wise, and their dark sayings" (Proverbs 1:6). Sounds like our Christian life. CSB James 3:10 Praising and cursing come out of the same mouth. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. The tiger employs one weapon of destruction: its razor-sharp teeth set in a vice-like jaw. De Haan Godly wisdom, as weve seen, would listen to the one who raises an objection and consider whether he may have a valid point. Anon. 3. of wine and the like, to overcome, overpower, Hom. Jonah Psalms (From Fedco Reporter, April, 1987.) NET James 3:12 Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers and sisters, or a vine produce figs? He has the wits of a withering world. Today, bless as many people as possible with your words. 1:25; Jas. NLT James 3:13 If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. 4:3032+). (Hiebert)Jealousy would be bad enough, but here James says thisjealousy is bitter which gives us the picture of resentful, harsh, sharp, cutting, piercing. Lamentations NRS James 3:7 For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species. No wonder James called the tongue "an unruly evil, full of deadly poison" (James 3:8). But the parents refused to sue. 4:2+; Col. 3:12+; 2 Tim. Every species isa generalization, for no one has ever trained a crocodile or a hippopotamus. Laws can help to minimize discrimination in housing and the workplace. In Scripture the term "wisdom" ordinarily signifies the knowledge and fear of God, especially that enlightening of the mind which flows from the word and spirit of Christ; and the superior excellence of this wisdom may be well expressed in the words of Solomon ( Proverbs 3:13, 14 ). Several writers favor the meaning of the truth to be the Gospel which as Christians they professed to accept and promote. ASV James 3:9 Therewith bless we the Lord and Father; and therewith curse we men, who are made after the likeness of God: CSB James 3:9 We praise our Lord and Father with it, and we curse men who are made in God's likeness with it. Beloved, that's the power of our unbridled, unruddered tongue, unless it is continually surrendered to the guarding, guiding power of the Holy Spirit! If one word, innocently misspoken, can cost millions, think of how much damage malicious words can cause. 8:63; 1 Ki. Into what are we growing? He knows how to peddle his wickedness. We all need to ask ourselves - Who is the pilot? There is more hope of a fool than of him" (Proverbs 29:20). Ezekiel The peacemakers are those who live by the heavenly wisdom, which is first pure and then peaceable, that is, by righteousness. (Mark 5:2-4). It is interesting how the ancient Alexandrian Christians understood Gen. 1:26, where man and woman are created in the image (eikon) and likeness (homoiosis) of God. As we fill our hearts with God's Word, and yield to the Holy Spirit, He can use us to bring delight to others, and we will be refreshing fountains and trees. In addition, if we deceptively think we can do this in our own strength, we end up putting a burden on ourselves, in effect falling into the subtle trap of legalism. Burdick says this is "a way of saving that it comes from the devil." 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+). Or after we've spoken harsh words to the kids. 34:1214). Pride prattles on and on. They have venom like the venom of a serpent; Like a deaf cobra that stops up its ear." 15 of the 108 verses are devoted THOUGHT: What Chambers states would seem to be a picture of a man or woman who is "filled with" the Spirit and under His control, so that when the "pop test" occurs, what comes out of us is what fills us. ; Eccl. Words have the potential to kill relationships, paralyze love, poison minds, destroy faith, stain purity and deface reputations. We are to be people who speak and do the truth. When the Holy Spirit works in us, He gives us self-control to speak words that please the Father. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God: Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. The truly wise man is he who has conformity of spirit to the only wise God, who believes what God teaches, loves what God loves, lives as Jesus livedHe who was the express image of the invisible God. You love all words that devour, O deceitful tongue. C. H. Spurgeon, Tongues are more terrible instruments than can be made with hammers and anvils, and the evil which they inflict cuts deeper and spreads wider. Elsewhere the rendering is natural, as in the contrast between the natural body and the spiritual body in 1 Cor. Whole Bible Commentaries 1. (see2 Ki 23:10, Jer 7:31; Jer 19:56; Jer 32:35) These fires in the "Valley of Hinnom"were continually burning, which is an apt symbol of the future home of all unrepentant, unregenerate wicked men and women (cf "eternal fire" in Mt 25:41). 1 Kings The Holy Spirit-Walking Like Jesus Walked! But according to news reports, neither wanted to give way to the other. Thomas Manton, If you think twice before you talk once, you will speak twice the better for it. A great deal less talking to do? CSB James 3:8 but no man can tame the tongue. 2:25; Jas. May God's Spirit give you the desire and the power to redeem the time, the short time you have leftto show forth the wisdom of Christ, for His glory, in His Name. Adoniram Judson. And bring reproach to Jesus' name. This is a difficult phrase to decipher but probably refers to the entire sphere of human existence, the unending span of life stretching from birth to death. Disorder (contusion, tumult)(181)(akatastasiafromakatastatos[adjective]in turn froma= negative +kathistemi= set in order) means literally without order or stability and thus has a basic meaning of instability = an unsettled state of affairs, an upheaval, a state of violent group disturbance, a tumult, or unrest, especially in a political or social setting (riots, revolutions). Some writers think first pure implies a progression of qualities of godly wisdom. Amplified But the human tongue can be tamed by no man. These pictures make me want to cry out to the Holy Spirit to make Psalm 141:3 my continual protection! (Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James). When we experience bless/curse inconsistency (but you never have this problem do you beloved?) The basic idea isof exulting in being able to prevail over something or someone else, boasting in one's self to the injury of another person or thing. ESV Study Bible -Evil speech destroys because it comes from Satan himself. Belonging to human existence is the idea in James 3:15. When others are in a crisis, do they know they will find peace and comfort in your words? A little girl in a Chinese village watched a missionary as he went about the Master's work. It pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell. Francis Burkitt, The vice of the tongue spreads and prevails over every part of life. Johnstone -When James says that the fruit righteousness is sown, the expression is one implying a lively anticipation of results; as if a man planting acorns were to tell you that he was sowing an oak forest, or a farmer should this spring be said to sow next winters bread. b. 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. (Pr 2:6). Pure(53)(hagnos) means freedom from defilements, contaminants or impurities (e.g., Jesus ishagnos - 1 Jn 3:3+). It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. Dont let them blow up in your face. For those who honestly aspire to being wise, the question is an invitation; James's answer will divulge the way to attain their aspirations. NJB James 3:16 Wherever there are jealousy and ambition, there are also disharmony and wickedness of every kind; GWN James 3:16 Wherever there is jealousy and rivalry, there is disorder and every kind of evil. Revelation, Search Wikipedia using spiritual discretion, Faith, Love & Hope: An Exposition of the Epistle of James, Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. (James 2:13+). We bless our Lord and Father- To bless God is the highest use of our tongue (cf Ps 33:1, Ps 147:1). James 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. It is thus fitting that geenna is where sin and unrepentant sinners will one day find their "resting place". Those who are weak and helpless (Jobs reference to the "fatherless" refers to these kinds of people) can be blown away by what we say. Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. "The heart of the righteous studieth to answer" (Proverbs 15:28). What Do You Do with a Broken Relationship? But the true wisdom at all times brings people closer to one another and to God. In it the warrior cries out bitterly. John We can never say that we have truly pitied anyone until we have given our help. James said that "no man can tame the tongue," but God can, and He offers help from several sources. Eritheiadescribes personal gratification and self-fulfillment at any cost, which are the ultimate goals of all fleshly endeavors. NKJ James 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. NET James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? --Dennis De Haan. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever" (Ps. Filled with messages for Thee; All rights reserved), SOME TALK ABOUT TALK Barclay notes that eupeithes has "two meanings. James minced no words in warning about the power of the tongue. He thanked the Lord for the food, for the day, and for their home. (Aggies and Longhorns have a longstanding rivalry in the state of Texas). Knowledge consisting of words is an earthen vessel full of holes. This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: The purest minds need stirring up at times. This Christlike attitude lines up with the absence of spiritual competition James called for in his epistle (James 3:14-17). There she heard a lady talking to them, in Chinese, about someone to whom little children came. Here are all 11 uses of prautes in the NT - 1 Co. 4:21; 2 Co. 10:1; Gal. (Read Romans 12:3-8) Pride is a sin in us by nature; we need to be cautioned and armed against it. Hiebert -Behind this "wisdom," marked by jealousy, crafty party factions, and egotistical boasting, James detects the work of the demons in seeking to corrupt the harmony and very life of the Body of Christ. Gossip, like other sins, is like ''dainty morsels" (Pr26:22). Blessing(2129)(eulogia)is literally a good word, good speaking, fine speech or praise. Jesus was more than James' brother; more importantly, Jesus was his Lord. Jas. THOUGHT - It is undoubtedly no coincidence that James uses the same verb (Show -deiknuoin aorist imperative) as well as ergon(works) in making a similar statement in James 2:18+"show me your faith without the works (ergon), and I will show you my faith by my works(ergon). So just as works show faith to be genuine, good behavior shows wisdom to be from above, heavenly, godly. John Lyly, When the hands are idle, the tongue is usually very active. He had been a good friend of mine, and he knew something of my life and how I had lived. . Perhaps, on the whole, natural, in its well understood opposition to spiritual, is the best word. It is humble, transparent, simple, gentle, and gracious to the core (James 3:17). -- Richard W. De Haan(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Swindoll saysbitter jealousy"likely refers to jealousy that harbors hard feelings. "God is not a God of confusion (akatastasia = same word James uses in 3:16) but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." Wuest A fig tree, my brethren, is not able to produce olives, is it, or a vine, figs? But James used the word in a specific context. Is sown(present tense= the customary practice)(4687)(speirofromspao= draw out, pull) literally means to scatter (seed) and the opposite of reaping or gathering. Nothing else has destroyed marriages, ruined friendships, and launched wars like the tongue. The tongue is but three inches long, yet it can kill a man six feet high. One day she went to another village and followed some girls into a mission school. Numbers Zephaniah So, willingly yield your lips to the Lord 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. This man is for any company, and for any talk; as he talks now with you, so will he talk when he is on the ale-bench; and the more drink he has in his crown, the more of these things he has in his mouth; religion has no place in his heart, or house, or conversation; all he has lies in his tongue, and his religion is, to make a noise therewith. At times our speech is contradictory because we praise the Lord but then speak badly of others. All rights reserved), The wisdom from above flies in the face In short not just feelings but actions! (Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James). -- Dennis J. We are to go after peace as we would pursue an animal in the hunt. BBE James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is planted in peace for those who make peace. Reprinted by permission. Reprinted by permission. Derick Bingham, A sanctified heart is better than a silver tongue. Amplified Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing. Is hell literally a place of fire and brimstone? Sophiaemphasizes understanding of ultimate thingssuch as life and death, God and man, righteousness and sin, heaven and hell, eternity and time. (Author Unknown). William Jenkyn, If you can hold your tongue you can hold anything. (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. James says wisdom is reasonable; flexible; forgiving; peaceful; caring; given to friendly visits, small acts of courtesy, and kind words. Help me, Lord, to use my words not to tear down others or build up my own reputation, but to seek the good of others first, and in so doing to serve You and Your kingdom. If he is a true believer, he will possess his Lord's own wisdom, and that wisdom will manifest itself in righteous, selfless, and peaceful living. He writes. The Industrial Court ruled in the case of a secretary who was fired because she sent e-mail from the office computer to several friends, griping about her superiors. Joshua 1:5; 2 Tim. CSB James 3:12 Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine produce figs? Daniel Akin Sermon - Steve Stephens drives home the importance of our words in our marriage. Its work can be so subtle that it sometimes escapes notice until the damage is done.". Proverbs 10:19. THE METROPOLITAN TABERNACLE ITS HISTORY AND WORK. Seeking nothing but Gods glory, and using no other means to attain it than those of his own prescribing.. C. C. Colton, Think all you speak but speak not all you think. But one man in our church did not set a good Christian example, and he caused me great confusion. When you control fire, you generate power. Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. May I speak only words that please You and bring health and healing to others. Home; Shop. We bless(present tense= indicating this is what one usually does) (2127)(eulogeofromeu= good +lgos= word) means speak good or well, to praise, to extol. (Ge 4:6-8). (Expositor's Bible Commentary, 1976), Swindoll on very world of iniquity -What harsh words! If its true that a spring emits brackish water one moment and fresh water the next, we must consider the source. But if I refuse to listen and pray instead, the water of the Spirit douses the fire of hell, and the conversation dies. Phillips And the wise are peace-makers who go on quietly sowing for a harvest of righteousness - in other people and in themselves. Thomas Manton, Evil words show a wicked heart, and idle words a vain mind. Someone once quipped that "Wisdom is the quality that keeps you from getting into situations where you need it. We ask You now to take our He is implying that if we are genuine believers we should bring forth fruit or water (so to speak) that is consistent with our new birth and the new power of the indwelling Spirit to produce "good fruit" or "fresh water. All the marks which we put upon it, it will exhibit forever Each day will not only be a witness of our conduct, but will affect our everlasting destiny (Note: Not in loss of salvation but of rewards - cp1Co 3:11,12,13,14,15,Jn 15:5,2Co 5:10+, cp1Ti 4:7,8+). O let me cheerfully fulfill; But the spiritual aspect that oversees the physical brain is usually referred to as the "heart" (not the physical heart of course). Now are you really confused? So, in 1955, the Guinness brewing company decided that an official record was needed to pacify its customers. James pictures the tongue as a death bringing king cobra always ready to strike. 15:58), we will be used by the Lord to keep His ship afloat in times of crisis. That's one little animal which no zoo has in captivity, no circus can make it perform, no man can tame it. 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.