We have this promise: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to [you] (1:5). Richards, Warren Wiersbe -MIXED MESSAGES Spiros Zodhiates, The one who has wisdom in his head and heart does not need to shout at others. What feeds your psyche? Zodhiates -We all know that this business of pushing oneself forward in the political arena has as its by-product pushing down someone else, someone who is running the race with us. Paul then refers to those who profess to bewise, (Ro 1:22+), who have jettisoned the clear evidence (Ro 1:19-20+) of the natural revelation of God (mocking the truth of a Creator and substituting the theory of Evolution). Words come from our thoughts, and thoughts come from the mind; therefore, it is possible to control our words by controlling our minds. 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)". (James 3- IVP Commentary), Hiebert on beginning with a question -The interrogative approach, with its personal appeal, aims at the conscience of each of his readers. Sensual and animal suggest too exclusively the action of the very lowest propensities of our nature, though, as we have seen, the tendency of the soul, when ungoverned by the spirit, is steadily towards subjection to these. "Incline thine ear unto wisdom" (Proverbs 2:2). It did then and it does now. In short,the entire unrighteous world system can find expression through the tongue. James used other vivid analogies to illustrate the enormous power of this little member of the body. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men (TO WHOM CURSING COMES NATURALLY)? Its venom swiftly paralyzes your nervous system, which stops your heart. Malachi 3:1. James 5. Lord, help us to control our tongues, D C Egner(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. To gracious people? GNT James 3:12 , , ; . Vance Havnersaid "If you lack knowledge, go to school. 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. James has just said the evil effects of the tongue can permeate our personality, but now widens the sphere of influence to our entire life. 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. to be forced or seduced, Hom. (+44) 01236 827 978. Ah, brethren, this is because we have taken in Satans conception of manliness instead of Gods. NIV James 3:9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Worldly wisdom, in turn, lurks within all our minds, and our pride in trying to accomplish God's work in our own ability leads to the doing of God's work in man's way. People enjoy driving recklessly for a few minutes, bumping deliberately but harmlessly into other peoples cars. By:Richard DeHaan (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. A second whale took one end of a rope from another trainer and carried it 100 feet down the pool to the first trainer. Heart transformation begins with confession and repentance. "The tongue of the wise uttereth knowledge aright" (Proverbs 15:2). But when they are wrong, they work like a deadly venom. All rights reserved), One careless word can be a spark GNT James 3:11 ; NLT James 3:11 Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. That man may not yet have had much biblical training, but he knew one truth for sure: The term Christian troublemaker is an oxymoron. (Ibid), Hiebert -The importance of a spring of water would be assumed by all the readers familiar with conditions in dry Palestine. Such a person knows how to forgive when strict justice dictates that there is a perfect right to condemn. 2 Peter GNT James 3:8 , , . To compromise with wrong, to seek for quietness by the sacrifice of righteousness, is not to secure peace, but to make it impossible. Swindoll adds that "Its as though we have a capsule of cyanide behind our teeth, ready to break open and spread words of death wherever we go." In this book he talks like James when it comes to the matter of the tongue: REALIZE THAT ONLY GOD CAN CHANGE THE WAY YOU SPEAK. All rights reserved), Take my lips, and let them be Think of the hours we spend talking, whether in casual conversations about trivia or deep discussions about important issues. 64:3; Pr5:4 = "in the end she is bitter as wormwood"; Pr27:7 = to a famished man any bitter thing is sweet. At first the signs are subtle, but soon bitterness swirls into a blizzard of complaints, unforgiveness, depression, sustained grief, hopelessness, and rage against God. (James 3- IVP Commentary), Hiebert on gentleness (meekness) -The meek man does not feel a need to contend for the recognition of his rights or acceptance of his personal views. 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. YLT James 3:10 out of the same mouth doth come forth blessing and cursing; it doth not need, my brethren, these things so to happen; NAB James 3:10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. "Doth not wisdom cry, And understanding put forth her voice? " (Proverbs 8:1-12). "Violence covereth the mouth of the wicked" (Proverbs 10:11). (Faith, Love & Hope: An Exposition of the Epistle of James), Gilbrant -In both classical and Septuagintal usage epistmn means knowing, wise, prudent, especially being acquainted with an area of skill. Don't let your tongue speak evil (Psalm 34:13). (Romans 15:5-6), Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3 ). 15:58), we will be used by the Lord to keep His ship afloat in times of crisis. 1:3; Zech. 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! It may leap upon the back of the prey or pin it down with its powerful claws. NAB James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace. Faithful: Well, he seems to be a very pretty man. But hardly anyone says, Listen to yourself. Im not suggesting that we have an inner voice that always knows the right thing to say. Some troubles come from wanting our own way; NAB James 3:11 Does a spring gush forth from the same opening both pure and brackish water? 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? James 3 New King James Version The Untamable Tongue 3 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. The best peacemakers are those who know the peace of God. YLT James 3:9 with it we do bless the God and Father, and with it we do curse the men made according to the similitude of God; NAB James 3:9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings who are made in the likeness of God. Verse James 3:1. "A hole, referring to a hole or cavern because of the light which shines in; therefore, a hole or cavern in the earth (Heb. ", This person behind the curtain reminds me of a problem we as Christians experience today. Both captains were aware of the other ship's presence and could have taken evasive action to avert the collision. Have (echo) is in the present tenseindicating they were doing so as their habitual practice (even believerswrestle with these sins from time to time but not all the time). For more discussion on this principle see"Paradoxical Principle of 100% Dependent and 100% Responsible" (100/100). And above all, do your words glorify God? Brian Bell -You see this truth at any Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus. 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. . The King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. The principal explained that this was a select group of young people, chosen not just for their singing but also for their Christian testimony and their walk with the Lord. For I cannot think that you speak these things of ill-will, but because it is even so as you say. (Ibid). 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). 14:12, Gilbrant -Op is a general word for a hole or opening of any kind, whether in the ground, in a rock, in the roof or wall of a house (i.e., chimneys, doors, windows), or in the human body (i.e., ears, mouth, etc.). Bitter water also can destroy our spiritual lives. Feelings of insignificance are rampant these days, even among Christians, and some do hurtful things to make themselves feel important. Isaiah Don Anderson -If our lives are under the control of the HOLY SPIRIT, the Spirit will produce within us TONGUE CONTROL as one of the EVIDENCES OF HIS WORK. "He layeth up sound wisdom for the upright" (Proverbs 2:7). Conversely, we must not undervalue the damage harsh words bring. (Pr 10:32) The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverted. The butcher overheard them and assumed she wanted to purchase two cow tongues. Francois Rochefoucauld, Wisdom is to the mind what health is to the body. Literally "the wheel of birth ("wheel of existence")." James Russell Lowell, The tongue is the ambassador of the heart. No one (oudeis) means absolutely no one (absolutely no exceptions) in reliance on his or her own natural power. It takes time, so be gracious in granting that to the other person. Christian pity is the reflection of God's pity, and that went out to men and women not only when they were suffering unjustly but also when they were suffering through their own fault. 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. Geologists had given the project a favorable report, but there was still some risk. (a) In Christian thought, eleos means mercy for those who are in trouble, even if the trouble is their own fault. And ask God to set a guard over your mouth to keep you from saying the wrong thing (Ps. And with it - That is with the very same mouth that uttered blessings to God. Speiro is used figuratively to describe the sowing of the "seed" of the Word of God, the Gospel (="the word of the kingdom" -Mt13:19, cpMk 4:1415,16,18), "the ideas and precepts that have been implanted like seed in their hearts, ie, received in their hearts (Mk 4:18)." Barnhouse from his book Let Me Illustrate - At the trainer's signal a 16-foot whale, weighing 34,000 lbs., leaped straight out of the water until his tale was a foot above the surface; he opened his mouth to receive the handful of fish and fell back into the pool with a splash. But peace has the power to break out anywhere. We cannot overvalue the blessing of godly speech at all times. The first of the eighteenth-century churchman William Law's rules for life was: 'To fix it deep in my mind that I have but one business upon my hands, to seek for eternal happiness by doing the will of God.' So if we see someone in need and "do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?" NIV James 3:6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. This world is more influenced by the demonic, and this kind of "wisdom" can easily seep into everything we do, even ministry. It can destroy relationships Titus Thank You that by Your Spirit my untamed tongue can be brought under divine control. It is a world of evil among the parts of our bodies, and it completely contaminates our bodies. It will not compromise with sin to maintain peace. 3:15; Jas. Reprinted by permission. 1:4; Dan. James warns that such so-called wisdom is not from God, but rather is earthly and unspiritual (v. 15). 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." The parts of our body. Jesus gives us a good commentary on theillustrations of James declaring that A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit.So then, you will know them by their fruits. Louw-Nida - "pertaining to freedom from anxiety and inner turmoilpeaceful, free from worry." Yet most people today have never heard of John Gill. This need not be so, my brothers. It is honest; it never pretends to be what it is not; and it never acts a part to gain its own ends." Thats what caused Lucifer to fall from heaven (Isaiah 14:12), and Adam and Eve to lose their innocence in Eden (Genesis 3:6). ), 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. NJB James 3:11 does any water supply give a flow of fresh water and salt water out of the same pipe? See "Tongue Control"), Barton -No person can tame the tongue, but Christ can. Your saying that he is a pretty man, brings to my mind what I have observed in the work of the painter, whose pictures show best at a distance, but, very near, more unpleasing. There are many messages that would have been twice as effective with half the words! By:Bill Crowder(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. He will give us increasing power to monitor and control what we say. He asked, Are these the best singers in your school? Without hypocrisy(It is sincere; free of pretense)(505)(anuopkritosfroma=without +hupokrinomai= to pretend fromhup= under, indicating secrecy +krino= to judge) is literally without play acting, without playing the part or without hypocrisy. (Mk 12:42-44)Ever and anon, on a Highland hillside, one passes a little rocky cup filled with cool crystal water from a deep unfailing spring. Hate explodes from the lips. WuestBut the wisdom which is from above is essentially pure, then peaceable, sweetly reasonable, satisfied with less than its due, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free from insincerity. So the parents appealed to the clothing and slide manufacturers to correct the problems that led to the death of their daughter. It belongs to this world. But if we must speak, let's talk of those things that encourage and move others closer to God, not those things that will discourage and hurt them. Reprinted by permission. We must pray and meditate and permit the Spirit of God to fill our hearts with God's love and truth. 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. Master's Bible Church - Bitter jealousy is the mindset that this world is all there is, so I covet as much of it as I can get. The awfulness of our sins, the terrible price Jesus paid to forgive them, and the love He has for all people. -- Psalm 141:3 (James 3- IVP Commentary) (ED: See related discussion on"Tongue Control. To have a godly heart we must follow the instructions found in Romans 6. In this life of course, no believer will reach perfection in thearea of "tongue control", but our daily goal should be steady progression toward greater and greater degrees of Christ-likeness as we learn to rely wholly on His Holy Spirit. Reprinted by permission. b. In the spiritual body, some are fitted for and called to one sort of work; others for another sort of work. When this is sown, still in peace, it produces righteousness again, wherein is the further fruitage; and so ever on. Christ only, always, living in me. "In what way are you wise?" Too often we think of wisdom as something we simply possess in our minds, but James teaches us that wisdom is practical and is shown in our daily conduct. (Ibid). It is said of the seraphim that praise God, they dare not bring a railing accusation. ESV James 3:12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? They have venom like the venom of a serpent; Like a deaf cobra that stops up its ear." Use your tongue to praise God (Psalm 51:14-15). . "Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister" (Proverbs 7:4). James is echoing his half-brother Jesus Who taught "It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles (koinooin the present tense)the man.(Mt 15:11, see also Mt 15:18-20, Mt 12:34, 35, cf Mk 7:15). As believers in Christ, we must pursue a higher wisdomthe wisdom that comes from God. (Ibid) Courson is basing this application on the proverb which says "For lack of wood the fire goes out, And where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down." "Bring it to light, display it, exhibit it!" As a pastor, I have seen poisonous tongues do great damage to individuals, families, classes, and entire churches. Glenn Spencer observes that "Satan has his theology. Only God can turn bitter water sweet. "The wise shall inherit glory" (Proverbs 3:35). He has just portrayed how destructive a fire can be, spreading rapidly, destroying everything in its path. 9:8; Jer. (Author Unknown), LIFE APPLICATION - EXCUSES FOR SPEAKING YOUR MIND. We think of the curses that Shimei directed against David, the Lord's anointed (2 Sam. There is nothing more painful than having unhealthy communication with the one you love. But- (alla) is a strong term of contrast. But we sometimes slip back into our old habit of letting both fresh and bitter words come from our lips in our conversations about others (James 3:8-12). But it does not have to be a troublemaker! Paul therefore prayed for the church at Ephesus, "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him" (Eph. Phillips Have you ever known a spring to give sweet and bitter water simultaneously? She had no reason to be, however, because the huge old cat had been tamed and was caged. 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. This was emphasized by James when he said, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction" (James 1:27). One incendiary remark can kindle an inferno of emotional harm. Heavenly wisdom is better than worldly wealth, and to be preferred before it. As Kistemaker remarks, "We see this displayed in a circus performance where wild animals obey their trainer who merely cracks a whip, snaps his fingers, or claps his hands." All rights reserved). Wesley. Deep in the jungles of India, a serious threat looms over the native missionaries and their people as they lay asleep in their thatched huts. Bitterness -Bitterness can be like a winter storm blowing in from the north. So when Julius Caesar led his ThirteenthLegion across the Rubicon River and into Italy in 49bc, it was an act of treason. Adrian Rogers -Watch the words of your mouth. Those who profess religion ought especially to govern their tongues ( v. 1-12 ). (Ibid), Tame (1150)(damazo) means to subdue (used in Mk 5:4+ - see below) "To reduce from an uncontrolled to a controlled state of persons and animals: a possessed person,uncontrollable debtorsof a part of the body (tongue)." Godly wisdom that is reasonable does not push its own rights or opinions without listening to and respecting the rights and opinions ofothers. Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. Winston Churchill, When you have nothing to say, say nothing. The first produces jealousy, faction, confusion. The idea ofmercyis to show kindness or concern for someone in serious need or to give help to the wretched, to relieve the miserable. Thoughts from Don Anderson on James 3:6 (source). What is the subject of most of your discussions? And, ask God to open the persons eyes and grant repentance. And so even in this section, James is insisting on proof of one's profession of belief in Christ. Amplified Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine figs? 3:8; Jas. The washerman replied that according to the rules of his vocation he would need a vessel large enough to hold the elephant, where-upon the king commanded the jealous potter to provide one. 2:26; 2 Ki. James i. The first screw to get loose in a person's head is usually the tongue. And I more than half think By his good conduct he should show his works done in the gentleness that wisdom brings. Oswald Chambers, Knowledge is the fountain of wisdom. 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. For (gar) (Term of explanation - always pause and ask what is the writer explaining?) The things he writes here apply to harmonious relationships in the church, but also in our homes and in all of life. A passage in the Bible actually seems to call such attitudes wise. Sper. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in Gods likeness. . It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. He was worldly wise in his approach. Would you turn hungry lions or angry snakes loose in your Sunday morning service? See how great a forest a little fire kindles! Bruo isordinarily used of the swelling buds of plants and so figuratively of various kinds of fullness. 12:3; Song5:4; Obad. The true wisdom is so cleansed of all ulterior motives and of self that it has become pure enough to see God. Anon. (Gal 5:17+). It is coupled with sophia, wisdom, in the Septuagint (Lxx)in Deut1:13,15; 4:6. Brian Bell -Open your mouth & say ahhh! - a doctor often looks behind the tongue. This was a shameful sin, and James would not tolerate it!" Burdick says selfish ambition speaks "of a self-seeking attitude bent on gaining advantage and prestige for oneself or one's group." 2 For we all stumble in many things. (James 3 Commentary). A little girl in a Chinese village watched a missionary as he went about the Master's work. The Lord Jesus warned, "For every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment" (Mt. [It is willing to] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubts, wavering, and insincerity). The words which this wisdom utters may be of Gods glory, but their real aim is mans glory. One man complained that he had to eat hotdogs for lunch while others ate in fancy restaurants. Although rivets seem insignificant, they are essential for holding the ship together and keeping it afloat. 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. Johnstone on demonic/devilish -But something more awful still has to be said of this wicked wisdom. - Robertson calls this a "rhetorical interrogative" (like Lk 11:11+). "Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise" (Proverbs 22:17). Today, make these words of David your prayer:"Set a guard, Sad contrast between wild animals that can be tamedand mankind's wild tongue which cannot be tamed. BBE James 3:11 Does the fountain send from the same outlet sweet and bitter water? For since there is jealousy (zelos] and strife [eris] among you."). 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. There are only twelve of them, but they work. 10:1), and it is a requirement for elders in the local church (1 Ti3:3). But James said, No man can tame the tongue. Most of us would be amazed, if we just knew how much we rattle on. 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). We are to extend the mercy that we have received to other undeserving sinners." For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). There is more hope of a fool than of him" (Proverbs 29:20). The Bible urges us not to underestimate the destructive potential of what we say. Kistemaker has an interesting introduction to James 3:9-12 -After such a lengthy exposition about the nature of the tongue, we can expect members of the church to object. "This Christian meekness," Moo notes, "involves a healthy understanding of our own unworthiness before God and a corresponding humility and lack of pride in our dealings with our fellowmen." O let me cheerfully fulfill; Sophiais mental excellence in its highest and fullest sense (Vincent, M. R. Word studies). I have no regard for truth, no respect for justice, no mercy for the defenseless. Wisdom is proper use of knowledge. 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." 141:3). In its simplest sensedikaiosuneconveys the idea of conformity to a standard or norm and in Biblical terms the "standard" is God and His perfect, holy character. James said that "no man can tame the tongue," but God can, and He offers help from several sources. Christians are in the best position to keep the right perspective. A host of positive qualities follow true heavenly wisdom. Do we feel burdened when others fail, or are we glad? And why has your countenance fallen? Keep in mind Pauls words about not quarreling, being kind, patient, and gentle. . Anon. Philippians Used literally in James 3:11 as the opposite of what which is sweet, and in the Septuagint (Lxx)of Ex 15:23 describing the waters of Marah which "were bitter" and could not be drunk by Israel. James 3:15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. NET James 3:10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. NET James 3:12 Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers and sisters, or a vine produce figs? to the use of the tongue and the words we speak. Figuratively refers to a book that is delightful to read ("sweet as honey")(Rev10:9, 10+). Wuest Out of the same mouth there proceeds eulogies and cursings. 9:43; Mk. Its authors are leading evangelical theologians who provide practical truths and biblical principles. Here the basis for that disorderly conduct of the tongue is its "evil" nature. The tongue can only reflect one nature at a time. 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). C. S. Lewis, Surely the essence of wisdom is that before we begin to act at all, or attempt to please God, we should discover what it is that God has to say about the matter. NJB James 3:15 this is not the wisdom that comes from above, but earthly, human and devilish. The verb "flow from" (bruei), used only here in the New Testament, denotes something that is full to bursting; it indicates that the spring copiously gushes forth its water. If you have genuine faith and genuine heavenly wisdom, both will show forth in how you live! Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James, Paradoxical Principle of 100% Dependent and 100% Responsible, Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary. The term occurs about 40 times in the Septuagint (Lxx)(e.g., Ruth 1:20; Habakkuk 1:6). For when we feel offended or unjustly criticized, the Spirit will remind us of God's love and keep us from reacting. "The wellspring of wisdom is as a flowing brook" (Proverbs 18:4). (Ibid). And whereabout does he dwell? Wuest A fig tree, my brethren, is not able to produce olives, is it, or a vine, figs? Comment - The English word subdue means "to establish ascendancy over by force | to overcome and bring under control, as by intimidation or persuasion | to hold in check or repress." Children of the King should use the language of the court. And Paul's teaching was so very decisive for Luther.

Stackable Birthstone Rings For Mothers, How To Keep Sprinklers From Spraying Car, Articles J