"A soft tongue breaketh the bone" (Proverbs 25:15). NIV James 3:12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? The heart of an unwise person carries an insatiable hunger to push himself or herself to the top. The grandest created thing certainly must be a soul that can grasp the idea of a Creator, and can love that Creator as a Father. Even for believers the battle of taming a tongue by the power of the Spirit rages daily as our fallen flesh seeks to usurp control of our tongue (cf Eph 4:29+). - R W De Haan (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. (MacArthur New Testament Commentary James) (Bold added), Ron Blue ties James 3:13-18 with the section on the tongue James 3:1-12 -A key to right talk is right thought. 12:36). James reminded us that the wisdom that is from above is . (1 Timothy 4:1-5), For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. Moo says thatearthlysuggests a perspective that fails to consider Gods realm and will (Pillar NT Commentary-James), Hiebert says "As "earthly" it springs out of and is limited to the frail and finite life of unregenerated humanity and associated with its turbulent affairs.". Some troubles come from wanting to have our own way; others come from being allowed to have it. Very little warning precedes the sudden attack of the dangerous Bengal tiger. Wisdom is peaceable but that does not mean peace at any price. (Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James), The true test of wisdom is works, not words. Instead of being helpful, they are destructive. (James 3:15, 16) (Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James)(Bold added). A second whale took one end of a rope from another trainer and carried it 100 feet down the pool to the first trainer. "A liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue" (Proverbs 17:4). Let the words of Paul help you to rearrange and prioritize what type of wisdom you allow into your mind and heart -, "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. "Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father" (Proverbs 29:3). to be overcome, The picture James paints of the tongue is similar to the wild man in Mark 5 who was demon-possessed, When He got out of the boat, immediately a man from the tombs with an unclean spirit met Him, 3and he had his dwelling among the tombs. Shortly after saying Amen, he proceeded to fuss about the preacher, the church, his job. Are you reading secular books (self-help, etc, which have now infiltrated Christian bookstores!) All of these behaviors indicate a heart that is like the heart of the Father. 12:9; 2 Co. 6:6; 1 Tim. "He kisseth the lips Who giveth a right answer" (Proverbs 24:26). "A wise son maketh a glad father" (Proverbs 15:20). While the truly wise set their minds on the things above, not on thing of the earth (Col 3:2), the earthly wise set their minds on earthly things (Phil 3:19). (Ge 4:6-8). It also means "being like," "correspondence"He who curses man turns against God Himself, who created man after His own similitude." 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. Are you living wisely before a foolish world? peaceable, gentle, willing to yield . "Wisdom is before the face of him that hath understanding" (Proverbs 17:24). "(1 Jn 5:17). When I speak evil, I not only reveal the sin in my own heart (Luke 6:45), I also reinforce that evil and cause it to grow. The word suggests the vice of a leader who creates a party for his own pride: it is partly ambition, partly rivalry. We have a far better best seller to help us to live harmoniously: the wisdom of Gods Word. 24:25; 1 Ki. "Fervent lips and a wicked heart Are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross" (Proverbs 26:23). Till we're glorified at last. COMMENTARY JAMES. Yes, the smallest but largest troublemaker in all the world is the tongue. 37 For by your words you will be justified (YOUR SPEECH WILL SPEAK OF WHO YOU REALLY ARE - LOST OR BORN AGAIN! My brethren, these things ought not so to be. The words we speak reveal our hearts, especially when we are under pressure. James 3:17. My victims are as numerous as the sands of the sea, and often as innocent. With Gods help, we must learn to control our tongue. One writer has "claiming to be wise when in truth one is foolish" and another"your profession therefore is a lie." (Ibid), Steven Cole says that in James 3:13-18 he is "showing us Gods wisdom that will lead to harmonious relationships. 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. A brutal word may smite and kill. --Dennis De Haan (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. The likeness was natural, consisting of intelligence, emotions, and will; and moral, a tendency toward God, though accompanied with the power to make wrong choices. Douglas Moo says that epieikes indicates a willingness to yield to others and a corresponding unwillingness to exact strict claims. It is a quality that Jesus possessed (2 Cor. BBE James 3:9 With it we give praise to our Lord and Father; and with it we put a curse on men who are made in God's image. (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). Amen. Those who trust God, who really believe Him, begin to be changed in their speech, as well. 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." Zodhiates. My grandmother didnt realize it until she got home. HAVE YOU BELIEVED IN JESUS THE PERSONIFICATION OF WISDOM? (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. (Jon Courson's Application Commentary New Testament), MacArthur explains that "Those whose lives are based on and motivated by human, ungodly wisdom are inevitably self-centered, living in a world in which their own personal ideas, desires, and standards are the measure of everything. Gilbrant -In classical literature this word means keen, sharp, pointed, but it has specific meanings when associated with different nouns. "The lip of truth shall be established for ever" (Proverbs 12:19). Sometimes, however, we have three constituent elements mentioned or alluded tothe body, soul, and spirit (ED: See Dichotomy versus Trichotomy). That's right! Most of them answered no. Apart from Him and His plan to bring about eventual justice, we see much in life that is not fair. 2:25; Jas. It has an attitude of humility (v. 13). Sinclair Ferguson, True wisdom is always humble. Forgive us for speaking destructively to fellow Christians, and teach us to use wise words that can encourage and build their walk with You. The Promised Land was described as a land of springs of water. She said, "Under God we are all equally human.". (Pr 26:20) So if there is no"wood" (no gossip, put downs, derogatory statements, etc, made by others in your hearing), the tongue is not set on fire! Constable writes that "Not only is this phenomenon contrary to the will of God, it is also contrary to the natural order of things.". Ezra "In James 3:11 the adjective was used literally of "salt" or bitter water; here the usage is figurative, to denote a bitter or harsh attitude." To keep from looking down on others, look up to the cross. 64:3; Pr5:4 = "in the end she is bitter as wormwood"; Pr27:7 = to a famished man any bitter thing is sweet. (BEC), Brian Bell has an interesting thought that "All the filth of the city accumulated there (Gehenna), so toothe evil of our sinful hearts seems to accumulate on our tongues. 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. It can castigate and corrupt. (EBC). Daniel Gabriel. 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. Rom. Barnes' Notes 2. He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. "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. (From Fedco Reporter, April, 1987.) George Seevers, Wisdom is easy to him that will understand. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness- There is no Greekword for seed in Greek. a) But theres one beast not even PT Barnum could tamethe tongue! By the deeds that you do, by the words that you say; Men read what you write, whether faithless or true - It is the ability to live in a manner pleasing to God because you understand His truth and you live in constant submission to His Spirit, applying that truth to all of life. Wuest says "The tongue is so constituted in our members.". The 1931 horror film where a man who takes a potion which turns him from a mild-mannered man of science into a crude homicidal maniac. William Penn, A word spoken is physically transient but morally permanent. It follows that only believers can truly tame their tongue. Reprinted by permission. 141:3). If one-half that we say We review. Of the person who is in the habit of speaking with insults, ridicule or sarcasm, James demands, 'Change your speech habits.' 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 ). How can we keep selfish ambition and pride from turning into major disasters? Baker-1992 good set. This passage continues James's big idea that faith and works go together. 5:23; Gal. (Ibid), Rod Mattoon -The word "bitter" is from the Greek word pikroswhich can also mean "harsh." 3:15 No uses in the Septuagint. But the true wisdom at all times brings people closer to one another and to God. I will give you a further discovery of him. So well not bring on You disgrace. NLT James 3:6 And the tongue is a flame of fire. Already in the Antiquity James' epistle needed quite some time to be generally accepted. MacArthur adds that "As with faith (James 2:17+), wisdom and understanding that are not demonstrated in righteous, godly living are devoid of spiritual value. It is often wise to be quiet and speak few words. All rights reserved), Lord, set a guard upon my lips, The envious man spoke up first and asked that one of his eyes be put out. 6:6; 1 Tim. NIV James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? We who belong to Jesus Christ and claim to be His followers should be known as peacemakers (Mt. : Pass. Everything they say has in it the sting and poison of deadly snakes (aspis). But the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. Ron Mehl who is a pastor in Portland, Oregon has written a great little book called Right With God. Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. They could have bitten their tongue the moment they said them. 15:58), we will be used by the Lord to keep His ship afloat in times of crisis. Verse James 3:1. James begins this section by asking a rhetorical question: Who is wise and understanding among you? (v. 13). Luke Amplified For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea animal, can be tamed and has been tamed by human genius (nature). KJV And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. In the same way, a pool of salt water can't produce fresh water. Fueled by Hell, it burns our lives with its filthy fires. "A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth" (Proverbs 12:14). ASV James 3:11 Doth the fountain send forth from the same opening sweet water and bitter? We must let the wisdom of God check our thoughts before they leave our tongues. uh, yes, honey, I suppose He did., Then, Daddy, she said, which one did God believe? (Swindoll's Living Insights). But a traveler, or a resident of the village dependent upon its water, in coming for water does not expect that it will alternate in providing "fresh water" (to gluku), clear, drinkable water, and "salt water" (to pikron), brackish, salty, undrinkable water, from the same opening in the cliff. Just when we think we have our mouths under control, something will set us off, and we will maul someone with angry or bitter words. Reprinted by permission. If someone challenges our teaching or another preacher across town has a bigger congregation, we can become jealous. Curtis Vaughan. 4 Look! All rights reserved). "Incline thine ear, and hear the words of the wise" (Proverbs 22:17). In Ephesians 4:3, he says that we are to be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Seek peace and pursue it with diligence! By such a vigorous address to this area of human behavior, in which the totality of all mankind is revealed as transgressors, either in small or in great degree . "Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding" (Proverbs 14:33). But if the heart is filled with love, God will light the fire. Yet his speech was inconsistent. Amplified Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing. ", Robert Johnstone- The apostle, having before his mind the angry, and turbulent, and arrogant spirit often exhibited by professing Christians who fancied themselves wise, and because they fancied themselves wise, gives prominence to that characteristic of true wisdom which is most directly opposed to this: Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom, or more exactly, in wisdoms meekness. Meekness is thus set before us as the disposition of heart in which alone men can show works of real Christian wisdom,the element or atmosphere in which alone a truly good, noble, beautiful course of life can be maintained. Does this describe your Christian life? Who among you is wise and understanding? However other writers like A T Robertson make the point that "In the realm of morals, what is merely indifferent soon gets to be bad. (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)." And so James issues a command inaorist imperativewhich means "Do this now!" But the examples cited so obviously condemn man's inconsistency that no application is needed.". It is considerate, submissive, full of mercy, and good fruit, impartial and sincere (v. 17). And no one was able to bind him anymore, even with a chain; 4 because he had often been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him and the shackles broken in pieces, and no one was strong enough to subdue(damazo) him. But Jesus can. James 3:17 - The wisdom that is from above is without hypocrisy. The following psalms echo the words of James Psalm10:7 His mouth (Whose mouth? So even as James instructed us in how to discern whether one has genuine faith (by his works), in this section he tells us how to discern whether a person is truly wise and understanding by listing (and thereby contrasting)the traits one would expect to see associated with heavenly wisdom versus with earthly wisdom. As explained above, good behavioris ultimately behavior enabled by the Spirit of God (notice God is one letter short of good). The root source of earthy, natural wisdom is the Devil and his hordes of demons. 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