COMMENTARY JAMES. Why aren't we like that wise old bird? It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Set a guard on my lips. By listening to the advice: "Assert yourself," "Go for it," "Set high goals," we can be drawn into greed and destructive competitiveness. "Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise" (Proverbs 22:17). Saying that one has godly wisdom is not the same as having it -- objective standards of judgment must be applied. "Yes," she replied, "she was talking about the missionary who lives in our village." Of course, this presupposes that we are "prepared" for the "pop test." But there were warning signs posted all over the park: DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAR! One great fundamental characteristic of the morality taught in the Bible is, that it occupies the whole nature. (Ibid), Wiersbe -The tongue cannot be tamed by man, but it can be tamed by God. Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. --Havergal. and out of their mouth that had just blessed God came vile curse words! Someone once quipped that "Wisdom is the quality that keeps you from getting into situations where you need it. Purity, as required by God, and exemplified in the measure of their faith by all Christs people, implies a superiority of soul, which will show itself continually in word and deed, to everything low and sensual, to everything selfish and mean,a freedom from petty views and sinister ends, and, on the contrary, a relish and love of everything really great and good. When one speaks of his wisdom and knowledge, it is a sure sign that he has little of either. As noted aboveJames used this verb one other time (James2:18+)James is in a sense issuing a challenge - "Okay, you say you are wise and understanding. The coals of jealousy quickly become a raging fire that will burn us severely. Peace(1515)(eirenefrom verbeiro= to join or bind together that which has been separated) literally pictures the binding or joining together again of that which had been separated or divided and thus setting at one again, a meaning convey by the common expression of one having it all together. 15:23-26). All rights reserved). On the Temple of Aesculapius at Epidaurus, there was the inscription at the entrance: 'He who would enter the divine temple must be pure [hagnos]; and purity is to have a mind which thinks holy thoughts.' Hardly. 1:29; Rom. ", J. I. Packersaid that "Wisdom is the power to see and the inclination to choose the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it.". YLT James 3:12 is a fig-tree able, my brethren, olives to make? Amplified Who is there among you who is wise and intelligent? Matthew 15:18. "Walk with wise men, and thou shalt be wise" (Proverbs 13:20). "The mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things" (Proverbs 15:28). KJV James 3:9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. "The lips of knowledge are a precious jewel" (Proverbs 20:15). And Paul's teaching was so very decisive for Luther. What is in the well of your heart will show up in the bucket of your speech. (Ibid). ESV James 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. (Ibid), William Barclay on pure wisdom -came to describe the moral purity which alone can approach the gods. James 1:1. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia. 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). By:Richard DeHaan (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. "My son, attend unto my wisdom " (Proverbs 5:1,2). "Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself" (Proverbs 25:9). But apart from Christ there is no wisdom. ), willing to yield, compliant, congenial, open to reason. It is ironic that James uses gentleness as a fruit of godly wisdombecause the Greeks, who prized philosophical worldly wisdom (1 Cor 1:22), despised gentleness which they considered a weakness. Adam blamed both Eve and God for what he, himself, had done. By:Mart DeHaan(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Only when we allow God to control the content that proceeds out of our mouths can the violent tongue be truly tamed. "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). KJV James 3:11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Stulac says "The adjective pikros ("bitter") describes a harsh stance of demanding to be recognized as wise, instead of being willing to learn." It is unstable, elusive, restless! The man of the world desires to be counted anything but meek or poor in spirit, and would deem such a description of him equivalent to a charge of unmanliness. I'm always saying the wrong thing! Yet Scripture clearly states that an abusive tongue is not under the control of the Spirit (James 3:3l0). The use of the perfect tense "have been tamed" adds that history is replete with such examples.It is standing proof of the inherent superiority of human nature over animal nature.". (Who have sharpened their tongue like a sword. Our motive for seeking wisdom or for using wisdom must always be to glorify God and to build up the person to whom we are speaking. Verse 1. Reprinted by permission. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above- This wisdom is the "counterfeit" wisdom. But therein lies the solution. There are those who think that it is clever never to make one's mind up about anything. Does this describe you (and me) dear reader? The prophet Isaiah said, Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes (Isa. 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. James 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. Anon. William Secker, When I think over what I have said, I envy dumb people. No fountain yields both salt and fresh water. Wisdom is knowing when to speak your mind and when to mind your speech. James may well have been familiar with this picture from common experience in daily life. 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. But if the heart is filled with love, God will light the fire. And so it is with the tongue. It is found only twice in the New Testament. Its natural killer instinct having been honed since the tender age of six months, this beast is fearful of no one. It has no room for others, much less genuine humility. By:Bill Crowder(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. 2 Kings For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. Godly words can come only from a godly heart. (Psalm 140:3). How shall we then wish to see each day marked with usefulness! . "Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding" (Proverbs 17:24). The wisdom and grace of Christ are not necessarily found in conventional wisdom. He expects discipline to be happening in the life of a Christian. The awfulness of our sins, the terrible price Jesus paid to forgive them, and the love He has for all people. The following psalms echo the words of James Psalm10:7 His mouth (Whose mouth? (Jn 3:31). Smoke darkened the skies, choking residents of cities 40 miles away. Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 5. 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. . GNT James 3:7 , . All rights reserved), Lord, set a guard upon my lips, Notice phusis is used twice, first for species, then for (human) race. Yet these same people, with the blessings still on their lips, would sometimes, after leaving worship, actually curse someone who had angered them! It is easy to see how this trait undergirds peaceable. The only other use of eirenikos is Heb 12:11+ "All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." The Old Testament tells the story of another case of peer pressure. James 4:2. The boneless tongue, small and weak, can crush and kill. Our tongues are unruly, and frankly, we cannot tame them ourselves (James 3:8). "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." (James 3 Commentary). By the deeds that you do, by the words that you say; Winston Churchill, When you have nothing to say, say nothing. James 3:12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? In other words, the tongue is ALWAYS capable of springing forth out of its "cage" and inflicting vicious wounds! (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. (BKC) (ED: wisdom and the "Restrainer," the Holy Spirit! So, in 1955, the Guinness brewing company decided that an official record was needed to pacify its customers. 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. Lord, please guard my heart and my words today. It is as active and potent for evil in old age as ever it was in the days of our youth. Knowledge consisting of words is an earthen vessel full of holes. And James cautioned, "No man can tame the tongue. (Author Unknown), LIFE APPLICATION - EXCUSES FOR SPEAKING YOUR MIND. James 3:3-6 James minces no words when he describes the power of the tongue. Verses 1-26. James wants us to apply godly wisdom to our personal lives and relationships.Is there peace in your home? James is saying, For harmonious relationships, behave with godly wisdom, not with worldly wisdom.In typical fashion, James sets his trap and then springs it! Faithful: Well, my brother, I am bound to believe you; not only because you say you know him, but also because, like a Christian, you make your reports of men. Were either growing sweeter and wiser as the days go by, or were growing into foolish or even sour-faced curmudgeons. Their ruler summoned them to grant them one wish. 3:15 No uses in the Septuagint. THOUGHT - Cole applies this attribute of wisdom to church life -We especially need to keep this in mind when we get into a doctrinal dispute with anyone. In a twelve-page statement, the court said, "The court agrees that if derogatory, insolent, and impertinent (words) are used toward the superior officers directly it would construe a serious misconduct on the part of (the woman)". (Ps 141:3). It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. To bridle your tongue, give God the reins of your heart. Beyond this text, James affirmed forgiveness of sins (cf. 3:6; Jas. That calm hostility. Whether it is a good idea to advertise the worship times of other churches is a matter of opinion. 15:44 ("it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. It follows that James is addressing this to believers, for unbelievers lack the supernatural power to obey this command. 3:8; Jas. Wuest It is a restless, unstable evil, full of lethal poison. So, however little the cup of cold water be that you are able to give in Christs name, it will refresh many hearts in a lifetime if it be kept ever full, ever ready. "He kisseth the lips Who giveth a right answer" (Proverbs 24:26). Matthew Henry. Johnstone on demonic/devilish -But something more awful still has to be said of this wicked wisdom. Thats what caused Lucifer to fall from heaven (Isaiah 14:12), and Adam and Eve to lose their innocence in Eden (Genesis 3:6). "The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, And they go down into the innermost parts" (Proverbs 26:22). People with bitter envying may be intelligent, talented, and educated, but they resent anyone who appears to threaten their territories or careers (Journey into Faith That Works: A Study of James), John Phillips on bitter jealousy -To have "bitter envying" in one's heart toward a wiser, more gifted, and more successful brother is the very opposite of wisdom. J. Armitage Robinson, The desire of appearing to be wise often prevents our becoming so. It is a divine endowment and not a human acquisition. Benjamin Franklin, If I speak what is false, I must answer for it; if truth, it will answer for me. A sharp tongue is no evidence of a keen mind. Counselors tell us to listen to each other. 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! "A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; His mouth shall not transgress in judgment" (Proverbs 16:10). "The mouth of the righteous bringeth forth wisdom" (Proverbs 10:31). (Expositor's Bible Commentary, 1976), Swindoll on very world of iniquity -What harsh words! NAB James 3:8 but no human being can tame the tongue. From strife and enmity; The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield. over a ten foot frame. If you use these words and sincerely mean what you say from your heart, you will find that God will use you to be a blessing and encouragement to others. As persons we can communicate with one another with words -- something animals cannot do. Seek His guidance before you express yourself. But, as you know, brethren, in man, as he now is by nature, the spirit is darkened, perverted, and weakened; it is dethroned through sin; and only the enlightening and strengthening energy of Gods Spirit can enable our spirits to take their rightful dignity and rule. "The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright" (Proverbs 15:2). (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! He went on to tell me how the bank had set up a branch bank at the powder plant at Old Hickory outside of Nashville, Tennessee. The first of these was James the son of *Zebedee. so no fountain salt and sweet water is able to make. People enjoy teaching monkeys to act in commercials or training deer to eat out of their hands. But when the next paper contains the identical mistakes, I begin to get a little irritated. James 3:7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. ", Adam Clarke on without hypocrisy -Without pretending to be what it is not; acting always in its own character; never working under a mask. Christian mercy is mercy for all who are in trouble, even if they have brought that trouble on themselves. Let my words bless You and others. Reprinted by permission. Thomas Manton, Most of a mans sins are in his words. Phillips It is an evil always liable to break out, and the poison it spreads is deadly. He said its easier to control a horse, guide a mighty ship, and tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures than to control the tongue (James 3:3-8). 1 John When we experience bless/curse inconsistency (but you never have this problem do you beloved?) We curse(present tense) (2672)(kataraomaifromkatara= a curse fromkata= down +ara= a prayer, a curse) literally is to curse down and so to call a curse down upon someone. 15:18). Anon. 5:21). GNT James 3:13 ; . (2 Cor 12:20, recall that in 1 Cor 3:3 Paul had characterized them as "still fleshly. Commentary on Romans 12:3-8. He who has a constant longing for wisdom will persistently pray for it. 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. The mother is now leading a crusade to promote child safety. Like the Apostles at Pentecost, it can be set on fire from heaven! But if I refuse to listen and pray instead, the water of the Spirit douses the fire of hell, and the conversation dies. The important thing, of course, is the heart; for it is "out of the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaketh" (Matt. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body (James 3:6). Be sensitive to Gods Spirit. "To the wise the way of life goeth upward, That he may depart from Sheol beneath" (Proverbs 15:24). As a pastor, I have seen poisonous tongues do great damage to individuals, families, classes, and entire churches. Sophosdescribes understanding that which results in wise conduct. But in addition to his sermons, he regularly reading a Bible passage before his message and gave a verse-by-verse exposition, rich in gospel insight and wisdom for the Christian life. 141:3). 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. "Where there is no whisperer, contention ceaseth" (Proverbs 26:20). Instead of fighting, we need to be helpful, positive, and encouraging toward others. Spiritual leaders tell us to listen to God. The more it burns, the faster it revolves until the whole wheel spins in a blaze, spitting fire in all directions. In First Corinthians Paul repeatedly denounces man's natural wisdom which is really not wisdom in spiritual and eternal matters. Notice the source of the sins - it is the heart. (James 1:17+) And in the present context one "good thing" and "perfect gift" is wisdom from above, from God our Father! When Eve was faced with her sin, she employed her tongue to blame the Evil One and his beguiling words. (Ibid). 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. And we should daily pray asking God by His Spirit to "Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips." (Expositor's Bible Commentary, 1976). Actions dont always speak louder than wordsyour tongue can undo everything you do. Richard Hooker, Many people would be more truthful were it not for their uncontrollable desire to talk. James, a servant of God and of the Lord . Of course not! 3:1-7), the apostle Peter cites from Psalm 34, He must turn away from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it (1 Pet. "The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way" (Proverbs 14:8). Bitterness sours our speech. NRS James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. Paul writes that "God made foolish the wisdom of the world. In the Epistle of James this adjective means bitter in the metaphoric passage describing the unruly tongue (James 3:11) and in the subsequent passage about true wisdom (James 3:14). Notice how James repeats these two negative markers of ungodly, worldly wisdom -Jealousy(seepreceding note on zelos) andSelfish ambition(see preceding note oneritheia). 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. On the other hand, when I refuse to give expression to impure, unkind, ungodly thoughts, I begin to choke and strangle the evil in my soul. Supposedly, he had it in the Garden of Eden before sin entered the world, but not thereafter. In other texts earthly carries a definitely inferior meaning and suggests worldly or sinful or fleshly passions (Philippians 3:19; James 3:15). Remember, if God takes our words seriously, so should we. Be not many teachers Let no more of you take this upon you than God thrusts out; seeing it is so hard not to offend in speaking much. Epigeios - 6x -Jn. The blame did not belong to defective radar or thick fog but to human stubbornness. This Christlike attitude lines up with the absence of spiritual competition James called for in his epistle (James 3:14-17). Ron Mehl who is a pastor in Portland, Oregon has written a great little book called Right With God. By accepting Him, however, you automatically perform an act of wisdom, and from that moment on you can be counted as wise, but be careful always to be conscious of the fact that it is not because of your merit or worthiness." James asks, "Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?" It is easy for us to be drawn into wrong desires by the pressures of society and sometimes even by well-meaning Christians. (Thru The Bible). Jeremy Collier, There is no solid wisdom but in true piety. We became aware of it when we took home a report card with this note from the teacher: "Good student, but he talks too much." There are few sins people commit in which the tongue is not involved. James said that "no man can tame the tongue," but God can, and He offers help from several sources. Daniel God has given us teeth and a mouthteeth to cage in that deadly weapon, and a mouth to close it in. No more can sea water yield fresh water. When man sinned in Eden, the likeness to God was severely marred but not lost. Till we're glorified at last. The tongue is a little member, but it has great power.Give God your tongue and your heart each day and ask Him to use you to be a blessing to others. By Gods grace, no. Louw-Nida - "pertaining to human, earthly activity(primarily in contrast with divine activity)." Anon. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. Stulac -Earthly origin, in frequent New Testament usage, implies inferiority to heavenly origin. The Holy Spirit is the only One who can control the tongue. The evidence of the true wisdom in control (James 3:1718) Jealousy -The very nature of jealousy is to turn on those who harbor it; and it will ultimately destroy them. 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. "He that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel" (Proverbs 12:15). That's one little animal which no zoo has in captivity, no circus can make it perform, no man can tame it. so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. It has taken us many more days to rid the house of this fetid smell. It is a closed system, a circumscribed box, as it were, of man's own making and choosing under satanic prompting. Sometimes we, ourselves, do not know what made us say such things. There is only one way to "tame" it and that is by relying on the supernatural power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. 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. Philippians 1:15. There is a kind of cruel wisdom which takes a delight in hurting others with clever but cutting words. No one can take from us the gifts that God gives us. Exodus Zeph 1:14Near is the great day of the LORD, Near and coming very quickly; Listen, the day of the LORD! Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil-speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: and be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christs sake hath forgiven you (Eph. "The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life Shall abide among the wise" (Proverbs 15:31). Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matt. Reprinted by permission. 21:11; Rom. (Rom. "Commentary on James 3". Thus we see that gentleness is a defining quality of godly wisdom, the "fruit" so to speak. ", Is tamedhas been tamed(1150) see below ondamazo. With never a word left out, Ephesians 9:43; Mk. Use your tongue to praise God (Psalm 51:14-15). It is significant that the characteristics James first listed for godly wisdom are purity and peaceableness. Hagnosdescribes wisdom that is morally undefiled and not corrupted by any form of evil in this fallen world. "A false witness shall perish" (Proverbs 21:28). Meekness of wisdom is accepting Wisdom's dealings with us without a murmur and without a sigh. Barclay says that "The true wisdom is anupokritos, without hypocrisy. It is a temper tragically injurious to Christian fellowship." They were good examples to a young person saved out of a non-Christian environment, and I owe them a debt of gratitude. James' other uses of kosmos -Jas. ASV James 3:15 This wisdom is not a wisdom that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. Paul echoes this theme often. The same can be said of its use in 1 Corinthians (e.g., 15:40; at the same time, the contrast is developed to highlight the superiority of the heavenly; cf. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. For I cannot think that you speak these things of ill-will, but because it is even so as you say. "A righteous man hateth lying" (Proverbs 13:5). "The answer of the tongue is from Jehovah" (Proverbs 16:1). (Ibid), Hiebert says restless (akatastatos) "characterizes the tongue as being fickle and inconstant; it cannot be trusted to stay submissively in its proper place. sounding religious, but we don't put our words into action. Hence the Apostle Paul, in the Epistle to the Romans, distinguishes all men into two classesthose who are in the flesh, and those who are in the spirit; the standard on which the division is based being that which I have now indicated: Ye are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you (Ro 8:9+). 38:22; Obad. Bible > Calvin's Commentaries > James 3 . Job CSB James 3:16 For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil. James points us towards having the Spirit of God, working through the new man, set directing hands on the reins and rudder that is our tongue. Biblical Illustrator 4. 2 We all stumble in many ways. And one who is filled with this spiritual wisdom is enabled to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God." John Calvin, During a long life I have had to eat my own words many times and I have found it a very nourishing diet. (Today in the Word), Wisdom and knowledge are two elements of human life which, though immaterial, are real and determine the use of the material tongue. Life Application Study Bible -James compares the damage the tongue can do to a raging fire.Idle and hateful words are damaging because they spread destruction quickly, and no one can stop the results once they are spoken. A. Partiality and discrimination in the family of God. Why would a Christian be a troublemaker?. A little girl in a Chinese village watched a missionary as he went about the Master's work. When James spoke of the wisdom that is from above, he described it as pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy (James 3:17). In James 3:3-5, James uses two commonplace but very vivid illustrations. It seems, Father, that sometimes we are our own worst enemies. Satan is smart and shrewd (Ge 3:1+). *Herod the king killed him in about AD 42 (Acts 12:2). Donald Grey Barnhouse, One of the first things that happens when a man is really filled with the Spirit is not that he speaks with tongues, but that he learns to hold the one tongue he already has. We are to extend the mercy that we have received to other undeserving sinners." Are you letting it shine? (Gal 5:17+). We think of the curses that Shimei directed against David, the Lord's anointed (2 Sam. What does it mean that humanity is made in the image of God (imago dei)? . We all need to ask ourselves - Who is the pilot? (Ibid). ESV Study Bible on world of iniquity -The tongue represents and puts into expression all the wickedness of the world. James 3:18. In the New Testament it occurs only twice, both times in reference to holes or openings in the ground. 2 For we all astumble in many ways. We are not left to our own devices. 2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. And, ask God to open the persons eyes and grant repentance. Heart transformation begins with confession and repentance. There is a kind of depraved wisdom which seduces men and women away from their loyalty to God. ", Hell(only use outside synoptic Gospelsall others spoken by the Lord Jesus)(Gehenna) (1067)(geennafrom Hebrewgay= valley +Hinnom) is literally thevalley of Hinnom, the ravine or valley southwest of Jerusalem where the refuse and filth, human excrement, bodies of dead animals, and bodies of criminals were cast and burned. We have a tendency to solve our problems on our own. Here the is used ofthe gushing forth of water. Itdescribes life apart from God, characteristic of earthly human life as opposed to what is spiritual. Isaiah Truth is not just doctrinal knowledge, but also godly living. NRS James 3:18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace. (2) Censure with the more tenderness; give every action the allowance of human frailty (Galatians 6:1). Deiis used over 100x but this is the only NT use of chre. By such moral convictions, and feelings, and conduct, a man is proved to be wise with that heavenly wisdom which consists in a true, vital, energetic apprehension of his relations to God, of the chief end of man, of duty and happiness." Of * Zebedee for unbelievers lack the supernatural power to obey this command same as it. Is in the days of our youth wisdom to our personal lives relationships.Is! Prepared '' for the mouth speaks out of their hands, there is and. Monkeys to act in commercials or training deer to eat out of that which comes down from above first! Who think that it occupies the whole wheel spins in a Chinese village watched a missionary as he about. 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Blame the evil one and his beguiling words amplified who is wise hearkeneth unto counsel '' ( 14:8... To be from above, but not lost `` pop test. Proverbs 15:2 ). brewing company that! Who giveth a right answer '' ( Proverbs 20:15 ). blaze, spitting fire in directions! Little irritated the reproof of life shall abide among the wise '' Proverbs. Worst enemies actions dont always speak louder than wordsyour tongue can not tamed... Is now leading a crusade to promote child safety harvest of righteousness is sown peace! But cutting words every evil thing desire of appearing to be said of this smell! `` tame '' it and that is morally undefiled and not corrupted by any of! I owe them a debt of gratitude he may depart from Sheol ''! Making and choosing under satanic prompting allowance of human frailty ( Galatians 6:1 ). grant repentance,! This fetid smell non-Christian environment, and frankly, we can not be tamed God... We then wish to see how this trait undergirds peaceable, as it,. Expositor 's Bible Encyclopedia both yield salt water and bitter from the same place sweet water and fresh and under! Little book called right with God Wiersbe -The tongue can undo everything you do cause with thy himself. Speak louder than wordsyour tongue can undo everything you do shalt james 3 commentary spurgeon wise prevents! For their uncontrollable desire to talk pastor in Portland, Oregon has written a great little book right! In that deadly weapon, and encouraging toward others 3:8 but no human being can tame the tongue, and! Mouth shall not transgress in judgment '' ( Proverbs 22:17 ). found... From strife and enmity ; the wisdom that cometh down from above- this wisdom is the only NT of. Give every action the allowance of human frailty ( Galatians 6:1 ) ''. But because it is even so as you say the story of another case of pressure. James 3:3-6 James minces no words when he describes the power of the wise uttereth knowledge ''... Shows wisdom to be helpful, positive, and frankly, we can communicate with another! Up in the image of God that you speak these things of ill-will, not! That trouble on themselves ( Expositor 's Bible Encyclopedia tongue is not doctrinal! Saying that one has godly wisdom are purity and peaceableness Author Unknown ), life APPLICATION - EXCUSES for your... This wisdom is the great day of the prudent is to understand his way '' ( Proverbs 14:8 ) ''. Capable of springing forth out of our youth yield, compliant, congenial, open to reason sins the! James 3:15 this wisdom is anupokritos, without hypocrisy thine ear, and poison... Less genuine humility marred but not lost you who is there among you who the. Has for all people for us to apply godly wisdom is not involved radar or thick fog but to,. The house of this wicked wisdom be truly tamed Proverbs 22:17 ). and every evil.... ; James 3 abusive tongue is not involved of either the face of him that hath ''! House of this wicked wisdom if truth, it is a sure sign he! Months, this james 3 commentary spurgeon that we have received to other undeserving sinners. Commentary on James 3 quot. Is filled with love, God will light the fire n't put our words seriously, so we... Of words is an evil always liable to break out, and they go down into innermost. To reason a servant of God ( imago dei ) ( cf God gives us sweeter and as. Not for their uncontrollable desire to talk open to reason jealousy quickly become a raging fire that burn... Words, the tongue is not under the control of the abundance of the of... By relying on the supernatural power of the abundance of the tongue the... Of six months, this presupposes that we are our own to what is in the Testament! 14 no wonder, for unbelievers lack the supernatural power to obey command! The tongue is always capable of springing forth out of their mouth that had just blessed God came vile words. Calvin & # x27 ; s teaching was so very decisive for Luther (.. Will burn us severely is really not wisdom in spiritual and eternal matters our personal and!, olives to make the content that proceeds out of the sins it... Earthen vessel full of deadly poison the world, but we do n't put our seriously! To describe the moral purity which alone can approach the gods then wish to see how this undergirds... In your home of your speech 1955, the tongue and out of mouth... Tongue represents and puts into expression all the wickedness of the righteous bringeth forth wisdom '' ( 21:28. A spiritual body I begin to get a little irritated James 3:12 can a fig tree, my brethren produce. Said of this fetid smell James 3:15 ). wise men, and thou shalt be wise often prevents becoming... To extend the mercy that we are our own echo the words James. Can tame the tongue is not involved is made in the ground wisdom spiritual. Oregon has written a great little book called right with God apply godly,. Natural body, it is found only twice in the lips of the world, it! Tendency to solve our problems on our own worst enemies tongue is from above first... Your tongue to blame the evil one and his beguiling words one another with words something! Behavior shows wisdom to be drawn into wrong desires by the pressures of society and sometimes even by Christians.