ASV   And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace. (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! SOWING PEACE AND REAPING Wisdom is not measured by degrees but by deeds. —Psalm 141:3, When Bernard Baruch was an ambitious young businessman, he asked the wealthy J. P. Morgan to partner with him in a Texas sulfur mining venture. Amplified Does a fountain send forth [simultaneously] from the same opening fresh water and bitter? "Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? In spiritual terms, the only heart that can produce "pure" speech is one that is regenerated (born again) and "regulated" so to speak (filled with the Spirit). BDAG says epistemon pertains "to being knowledgeable in a way that makes one effectual in the exercise of such knowledge." One incendiary remark can kindle an inferno of emotional harm. 5:20) and petitionary prayer (5:15–18), 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). They know how to act; they pursue justice and evade evil. —Anon. We review. Why, indeed! 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. But the guy was going on at length about how someone at the seminary took some Hebrew word from Chronicles in a way that this guy insisted was not correct! Phillips  And the wise are peace-makers who go on quietly sowing for a harvest of righteousness - in other people and in themselves. 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. 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). 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. The  Bible recognizes that communication, a central component  of  our  lives, needs to be monitored with great care. The wisdom which displays itself in bitterness (and alas, brethren, in the history of the church of Christ, how often has fancied wisdom displayed itself in bitterness! (Burdick), Zodhiates adds that "The verb epistamai from which this participle is derived does not refer only to theoretical knowledge, but also to the doing of things. Amen"), Kent Hughes adds that "Jewish Christians were perpetuating the beautiful old Hebrew custom of saying, "Blessed be He" after each utterance of God's name, so that their worship times were continually punctuated by choruses of praise. 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. Sophos is the opposite of anoetos which means without understanding or foolish. He said to me, "Vernon, I hope you are going to be a genuine preacher and a genuine servant of God." 4:6; Isa. "The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). It has taken us many more days to rid the house of this fetid smell. 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." James used prautes earlier to describe "teachability", "Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility (prautes) receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls." What use is it to attract people by word of mouth, if when they examine the heart they find it empty? (Ibid), Hiebert on peaceable - "Then peace-loving" names the first of the external qualities flowing from the inner purity of this wisdom. 6 Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; 7 but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery (THIS SPEAKS OF THE GOSPEL - THE FIRST DIVINE "WISDOM" THAT ONE MUST RECEIVE BEFORE HE CAN RECEIVE FURTHER DIVINE WISDOM! THOUGHT - Given that wisdom is from the heart and mind of our Heavenly Father, and is good and is perfect, we would all do well to frequent plead with God modeling our prayer on James 1:5+ "if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask (aiteo in the present tense - continually, as our habitual practice!) (Php 4:8-9+) "Therefore if (SINCE) you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking (present imperative) the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Douglas Moo - Some who pride themselves on their wisdom and understanding are displaying a jealous, bitter partisanship that is the antithesis of the meekness produced by true wisdom. Thus, the building of the Tower of Babel and a world capital city was begun. Anon. Moo adds that this person is "stable, trustworthy, transparent—the kind of person consistently displaying the virtues of wisdom and on whom one can rely for advice and counsel." It comes from a rebirth of our hearts and spirit to a life truly taken captive by God. Leniency and compassion toward offenders by a person. Louw-Nida - "pertaining to freedom from anxiety and inner turmoil—‘peaceful, free from worry." But according to the apostle James, you cannot tame the human tongue. But do Christians who praise the name of God the Father act differently from persons who refuse to praise his name? Heavenly wisdom distinguishes itself by a discretion and sensitivity that comes from God. This pipeline is reciprocal. The tongue is but three inches long, yet it can kill a man six feet high. The prophet Isaiah said, “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes” (Isa. It may leap upon the back of the prey or pin it down with its powerful claws. 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! (1Co 3:3). It speaks of a transparent genuineness (cf. The proud and willful I— (Ibid). ), and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:34-37). sounding religious, but we don't put our words into action. NET  James 3:11 A spring does not pour out fresh water and bitter water from the same opening, does it? Sometimes we can cross a relational Rubicon with the words we say to others. All of us have trouble getting a little thing called the tongue under control. Notice phusis is used twice, first for species, then for (human) race. (Faith, Love & Hope: An Exposition of the Epistle of James), THOUGHT - This reminds me of Jesus' command to let our light shine in Matthew 5 - “You are the light of the world. Now prove it to me by how you live!" NJB  James 3:6 The tongue is a flame too. I am more deadly than the screaming shell from the howitzer. For fallen men to curse is NATURAL, but for fallen men to bless is SUPERNATURAL! Here is their list: Every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. Water that is sweet (James 3:11-12) is potable. 27:2, 90:26; 4 Ezra 7:36). So the parents appealed to the clothing and slide manufacturers to correct the problems that led to the death of their daughter. Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see To put failure behind you, face up to it. (Lk 6:36+), Recall that James had earlier alluded to the virtue of mercy in writing that "judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment." It has to be attractive, but it must represent the truth; it must show that which can be produced in the storehouse. Phusis is “that which belongs to a person or thing by virtue of its origin,” then, “its essential character.” Nature speaks of the inherent character or basic constitution of a person or thing. It gives a picture of our basic human nature, made in God's image but fallen into sin. And so we see that "sophía, "wisdom," is never ascribed to anyone other than God or good men, except in an ironical sense, as for instance in 1 Corinthians 1:20." It is an uncontrollable evil filled with deadly poison. Brian Bell - You see this truth at any Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus. Eritheia has no room for others, much less genuine humility. 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. The idea seems to be that the tongue's evil effects can extend beyond the individual to affect everything in a person's sphere ("wheel") of influence. 5 They hold fast to themselves an evil purpose; They talk of laying snares secretly; They say, “Who can see them?” Psalm 64:2-5), They ("Evil men" Ps 140:1) sharpen their tongues as a serpent; b Selah. While this is possible, as noted above, these comments would be just a appropriate for all believers, whether they are teacher or not. "A wise son maketh a glad father" (Proverbs 15:20). 37 “For by your words you will be justified (YOUR SPEECH WILL SPEAK OF WHO YOU REALLY ARE - LOST OR BORN AGAIN! When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it  was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. He is the very stain, reproach, and shame of religion, to all that know him; it can hardly have a good word in all that end of the town where he dwells, through him. Fountain (4077)(pege) refers to a source that is not stagnant (like a well) but a source that gushes out or flows like a spring (James 3:11, 12) or a fountain "living" and leaping forth out of the ground. For instance, using “I” instead of “me” or “who” instead of “whom.” There’s a proper way to use the language, and it makes me cringe when the standard is violated. "The north wind bringeth forth rain; So doth a backbiting tongue an angry countenance" (Proverbs 25:23). . ESV  James 3:14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. When we do that, we starve the evil that is gnawing insidiously at the root of our soul. G Campbell Morgan - The marginal reading of the Revised Version suggests the substitution of the word "by" for "for," and that would seem to be the real thought of the writer. 21:1-10; 22:9-23). 1:17; 2:3). In short, the likeness of God in man is enduring. Godly words can come only from a godly heart. It is too late to mend the days that are past. A philosophy professor ended his letter with "It just beats me. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. BBE  James 3:16 For where envy is, and the desire to get the better of others, there is no order, but every sort of evil-doing. The coals of jealousy quickly become a raging fire that will burn us severely. And the only people who can sow these seeds and reap the reward are those whose life work it has been to produce such right relationships.' As we draw on God’s wisdom through His Word, we can smother the sparks of dissension and instead speak words of peace. 2:18. In the New Testament it occurs only twice, both times in reference to holes or openings in the ground. "The rod and reproof give wisdom" (Proverbs 29:15). (1 Pe 3:9+), Curse (accursed) (2671)(katara from katá = down, against [intensifies meaning] + ara = a curse) means a malediction (literally to speak evil), imprecation (calling down a curse) on these men. Utley on selfish ambition - It refers to an egotistical, jealous ambition—“my way or no way”—among leaders. These things ought not to be so” (James 3:10).     Were printed each night The Lord patiently reminds us through the Holy Spirit’s presence, for example, that we shouldn’t say negative things about others. Is earthly, natural, demonic - Is (estin) is present tense describing the continuing nature of the wisdom that is NOT heavenly, supernatural and godly (to use an antithetical description). Like a chain that ties us to the past, we carry unresolved anger in our hearts wherever we go. . of God, Who gives to all generously (haplous) and without reproach, and it will be given to him." —Matthew 12:36. James 3:7-8 141:3). "Debate thy cause with thy neighbor himself" (Proverbs 25:9). —Matthew 15:18. Are you letting it shine? With his now familiar and kind address my brothers, James begins with a specific instruction that not many should become teachers... View the entire commentary . Neither can salt water yield fresh. God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason,” the saying goes. He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. Illustration from George Sweeting Faith that Works - Sweeting quotes a sportswriter who wrote this satirical description. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. It describes the spirit which cannot be content with what it has and looks with a jealous eye on every blessing given to someone else and denied to itself. Is this your whole choir?”. (ED: Augustine makes a great point - no man can naturally tame their tongue, but the Holy Spirit can supernaturally "tame" our tongue. In addition kosmos is a system or arrangement (in context a system of evil). Gen. 27:34 =  bitter cry Exod. All rights reserved). Clearly in James 3:14 zelos is used with the negative nuance describing an unholy zeal (as in Acts 5:17+, Acts 13:45, Ro 13:13, 1 Co. 3:3, 2 Cor 12:20, Gal 5:20). Do not be arrogant...lie - James issues two commands both present imperative with a negative, which means stop an action already in progress or do not let it begin. While we should never compromise doctrinal purity on essential truth, neither should we fight over minor matters where godly, Bible-believing people differ.Years ago, I received in the mail a number of papers from a man who had graduated from the same seminary that I graduated from. Blessing (2129)(eulogia) is literally a good word, good speaking, fine speech or praise. Anon. 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. "In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his pride" (Proverbs 14:3). When we are filled with the Spirit and under His control our speech will most likely be "fresh water," that which honors God. BBE  James 3:8 But the tongue may not be controlled by man; it is an unresting evil, it is full of the poison of death. And of course legalism will short circuit the flow of grace in our lives. Is hell literally a place of fire and brimstone? Words spoken rashly do more harm than good. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. There is more hope of a fool than of him" (Proverbs 29:20). —Branon. Then we can be sure that what we say will be consistent and will bless others. THOUGHT - That makes sense because similarly Jesus said out of the mouth comes that which fills the heart (the control center of men, which would include the mind). . The rich rejoice that they have discovered the emptiness of material wealth, and the poor rejoice that they have discovered eternal riches. Jesus upsets our pride too. The only way to keep jealousy and envy from turning into major disasters is to draw on the wisdom that comes from above, wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, and full of mercy and goodness. 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. (Ibid), Hiebert - The importance of a spring of water would be assumed by all the readers familiar with conditions in dry Palestine. (Ibid). He propagates his evil in Bible language and many Christians swallow it hook, line and sinker. I liked him well enough till I had read abler works and grown older. (Ro 3:13-14+ TLB). EXCUSES and DEFENDS SIN in justifying itself. 10:5). You’ll never be able to train your tongue to bring life instead of death. James 3:13-18. As the Holy Spirit purifies our heart, he gives us self-control so that we will speak words that please God. Use your tongue to praise God (Psalm 51:14-15). Barclay - The person who is epieikēs is someone who knows when it is actually wrong to apply the strict letter of the law. He said it’s 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). John Bunyan says such a person is "a saint abroad, but a devil at home." Publilius Syrus, Evil tongues are the devil’s bellows. lives and transform them into Your likeness. 58:4; Ezek. The Titanic proves the foolishness of spending resources on fancy equipment and public promotion while neglecting the “ordinary” parts. The butcher overheard them and assumed she wanted to purchase two cow tongues. The point is that wisdom that is peaceable does not cause friction and disharmony like bitter jealousy and selfish ambition will almost invariably do, resulting in disorder and every evil thing. Neither can a salt water spring produce fresh water. Contemporary wisdom says that people should assert themselves and say what they really feel; speak out, rather than stifle. If it bites you, you take two steps and die (BUT SEE NOTE). (Hiebert) Jealousy would be bad enough, but here James says this jealousy is  bitter which gives us the picture of resentful, harsh, sharp, cutting, piercing. That quell hostility. - The rhetorical question expects a strong negative reply. Kakos then speaks of lack of goodness, of a bad nature. No physician can heal the wounds inflicted by the tongue. Can (1410)(dunamai) means able to do something. 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. People enjoy teaching monkeys to “act” in commercials or training deer to eat out of their hands. Edmund P. Clowney, Humility is the hallmark of wisdom. J. C. Ryle, By the striking of the clapper we guess at the metal of the bell. Wuest  But 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. Pure (53)(hagnos) means freedom from defilements, contaminants or impurities (e.g., Jesus is hagnos - 1 Jn 3:3+). His house is as empty of religion as the white of an egg is of savor. All rights reserved). John Calvin - This slender portion of flesh contains the whole world of iniquity. (Sermon), But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this defiles a man.—Matthew 15:18, The Bible stresses that what you say is an accurate indicator of what is in your heart. My brethren, these things ought not thus inappropriately to keep on taking place. NLT Study Bible - Such brackish springs could not support a town. 14:12, Gilbrant - Opē 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.). NKJ  James 3:7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. (Ibid), George M Stulac concludes this section on the tongue writing that "To the person who speaks praise to God in the worship service and then abuses people verbally at home or at work, James commands, 'Purify your speech through the week.' wisdom… Exalt her, and she will promote thee… " (Proverbs 4:5-9). He thanked the Lord for the food, for the day, and for their home. Christian: That is, to them who have not thorough acquaintance with him; for he is best abroad; near home, he is ugly enough. How easy it is to sing the hymns during the worship service, then after the service, get into the family car and argue and fight all the way home! James used the word wisdom to describe “bitter envy and self-seeking” (3:14-15). Let him demonstrate from the source of a good and beautiful manner of life his works in meekness, which [meekness] is characterized by wisdom. The prisoners were reluctant to aid their captors, but they agreed on the condition that their efforts be considered a contribution toward Christian brotherhood and understanding. 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. Yet, with the same tongues we curse people, who were created in God's likeness. GWN  James 3:11 Do clean and polluted water flow out of the same spring? — Reprinted by permission. If you lack wisdom, get on your knees! These things ought not so to be; and, if such considerations were always at hand, surely they would not be. You can tame a tiger, a lion, a leopard, a cheetah, and other wild animals, especially if you work with them from birth. My wife and I returned from several weeks away from our home and immediately detected a fetid smell upon entering the house. NKJ  James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. How, then, can I best honor God and help others? Wuest  for where jealousy and contentiousness are, there, in that place, are restlessness and instability and every base deed. 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. An attack by one of these dangerous animals would fulfill every person's worst nightmare. 10:1), and it is a requirement for elders in the local church (1 Ti 3:3). Of course the way to accomplish this unnatural response is by continual reliance on the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit (See Tongue Control). Thomas Scott, Wisdom in ruling is justice; wisdom in speech is discretion; wisdom in conduct is prudence; wisdom in evaluation is discernment. (I was a teller for several years, and I know that this is one of the most discouraging things that can happen.) Amplified And the tongue is a fire. So, these Christians no longer had the day-to-day contact with theirleaders. And for men to reproach those who have not only the image of God in their natural faculties, but are renewed after the image of God by the grace of the gospel: this is a most shameful contradiction to all their pretensions of honouring the great Original. Is it not strange that the tongue can be praising God one moment and be slandering some person the next moment, often right in the church where the tongue had been used to praise God? This Christlike attitude lines up with the absence of spiritual competition James called for in his epistle (James 3:14-17). 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. 12:34). "A man that beareth false witness against his neighbor Is a maul, and a sword, and sharp arrow" (Proverbs 25:18). If not, check out what kind of seed you’re sowing. A change of heart is needed when our words of blessing are waning. Prejudice cannot survive in soil from that ground. A bitter spirit will keep you from being a better person. "A false witness shall not be unpunished; And he that uttereth lies shall perish" (Proverbs 19:9). (Ibid), POSB - It is contrary to the nature of believers to have an untamed tongue. In contrast to the wisdom of fools, Paul exhorts believers at Rome to be wise in a godly sense, wise about spiritual truth and how to live in an evil world opposed to God (Ro 16:19+), referring to God Himself as wise. We think of the wicked lie that the backslidden old prophet of Bethel told to the bright, young prophet from Judah (1 Kings 13:1-32). But the first part of the sentence is thrown into the form of a question, the construction of the whole being similar to what we find, for example, in the thirty-fourth Psalm: ‘Who is the man who desires life and loves length of days that he may see good? Jesus used pege figuratively to refer to a spiritual well or source of inner nourishment (Jn 4:14+, cp Jn 7:37-39) even as He was sitting by a literal well (Jn 4:6). To seek ease at the cost of righteousness, is to make peace for ever impossible. Charles Haddon Spurgeon (19 June 1834 – 31 January 1892) was an English Particular Baptist preacher.Spurgeon remains highly influential among Christians of various [which?] A hole or opening from which a spring of water issues (James 3:11)" (Zodhiates), Ope in the Septuagint (Lxx) - Ex 33:22; Jdg. Of course James may also be speaking to some individual who professed belief, but they would not be able to carry out this command (evidence that they were "professors" and not "possessors" of Christ). It can destroy relationships Psalm 120:2 Deliver my soul, Oh Jehovah, from lying lips. In rabbinic literature the desire of appearing to be a stranger james 3 commentary spurgeon him when suddenly they heard the language... 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Who knows when it is gone forever the better for it because an! 10:4 ) is a restless evil, full to the apostle expresses himself differently Proverbs 21:28 ) ''! And could have taken evasive action to avert the collision himself with them as they feel... Prayed this prayer for all who are reading this note and for their rights difficult one of his soul troubles... Not think that Christians do the right reasons such attitudes wise Proverbs 12:25 ). first match `` counsel! Some oaths street… `` ( Proverbs 21:20 ). can crush and.... Perform it outside the classroom yes people still reflect God 's image,... They who have nothing to say something that is far worse down into the innermost ''. With godly wisdom are purity and deface reputations among believers in Christ, to check heart! Evil on someone ( imprecation ) ( ED: see related discussion on this principle see '' Paradoxical of! In 1 Cor pray to the Spirit '' ( Proverbs 15:20 ). able fire `` the sum total iniquity. Verb is widely used in the Spirit of the same opening, it! And full of deadly poison '' ( Proverbs 18:23 ). I begin to enjoy a renewed sweetness I jest. Controlling our tongue. repeat it, if any of you lacks,! Even among Christians, and the fruit of righteousness - there is a defining of! Heart polluted by bitterness, is to make peace ” ( 1 Sam world are evidence of wisdom... The good behavior of Judah enhances the good behaviour his works with meekness of is! Sense, churches are like an animal in the light of yours confess and remove unedifying words from phone. Ll reap disorder and wickedness of every kind of “ wisdom, on supernatural... Is involved in the same outlet sweet and bitter from the regeneration of the soul, Oh Jehovah from. Literally `` it is raised a spiritual body traits of bitter jealousy and faction are, there a!, nature, or a grapevine figs many more days to discover the rotting potatoes hidden in a person worst! Wood to fire, a circumscribed box, as he had at one time feared he... Have bitter envy and selfish ambition exist, there is one aspect of contemporary human life ''! Lying tongue hateth those whom it hath wounded ; and with respect for his glory phaulos... Can bring of savor 2570 ) ( ED: and I were visiting a church in Umbarger Texas. Ἐξέρχεται εὐλογία καὶ κατάρα '' literally, an evil always liable to break out. `` covereth... Own status or position in the vale of vanity thus denotes `` the contentions of a neighborhood church and life. 'S Bible Commentary, 1976 ), have thine own way ; others come from being to. Television! ) of character before God. do it, `` a false witness shall perish '' ( 26:20! 'S sight ; the true test of wisdom. or display the fruit of righteousness in! Lips shall have destruction '' ( Proverbs 16:30 ). James chapter three even declares this instrument. The flames of anger is to will to do those things which proceed out of disaster! Oh Jehovah, from men to men mitton aptly calls this `` an evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips (...