It did then and it does now. Nature reproduces after its own kind. For (gar) (Term of explanation - always pause and ask what is the writer explaining?) 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! God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason, the saying goes. Opening (3692)(ope) means a hole, a cleft (as in a rock - see Lxx use in Ex 33:22), a hole in the ground either large or small. Neither can salt water yield fresh. It is pure. 7 The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding. As an Eastern proverb has it, "A gold vessel does not sound; a brass one does." James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. James 3:12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Amplified For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices. THOUGHT: What Chambers states would seem to be a picture of a man or woman who is "filled with" the Spirit and under His control, so that when the "pop test" occurs, what comes out of us is what fills us. This heavenly wisdom is "ready for peace," desiring and fostering peace by restraining discord and pacifying the turbulent elements around it. Selfish ambition("party spirit" - used again in James 3:16)(2052)(eritheiafrom eritheu = to spin woolthus working for personal gain) means self seeking, strife, contentiousness, extreme selfishness, rivalry, one who seeks only his/herown. My brethren, these things ought not thus inappropriately to keep on taking place. 1:25; Jas. NKJ James 3:10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. We might refer to the speaker behind the scenes as the one who didn't "practice what he preached. As we fill our hearts with God's Word, and yield to the Holy Spirit, He can use us to bring delight to others, and we will be refreshing fountains and trees. GNT . The Englishman was a new believer and was excited about his faith. A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver (Proverbs 25:11). But even if you dont visit Southeast Asia, youre in peril of something else that is just as deadly (James 3:8). I have gathered together some close friends and asked them what not to say to your spouse. GNT James 3:10 . Charles Simeon, We can be certain that God wants us to be wise, just as we are sure that he wants us not to sin. (Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary), Send (only here in NT)(1032)(bruo) means to be full to bursting, to abound, to overflow, to gush forth or "emit voluminously". , , . We have all kinds of devices to help us communicate. "The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom is as a flowing brook" (Proverbs 18:4). James 3:13 Divine wisdom James Brewster. Hagnosdescribes wisdom that is morally undefiled and not corrupted by any form of evil in this fallen world. You never know who may be listening. When Eve was faced with her sin, she employed her tongue to blame the Evil One and his beguiling words. In other words, it is focusing on our motives. ), Stulac explains James' question "For those who do not care about true wisdom but only want the status of being thought wise, the question is a challenge; James's answer will expose them for what they are. Ah, brethren, this is because we have taken in Satans conception of manliness instead of Gods. But relying on our own intelligence, uninformed by God, can lead to selfish ambition and bitter envy (v. 14). C.H. When my grandmother came to Mexico as a missionary, she had a hard time learning Spanish. Bless (present imperative- Need for the Holy Spirit) those who persecute you;bless (present imperative- Need for the Holy Spirit) and do not curse (present imperative with a negative). Some animals are poisonous, and some tongues spread poison. GNT James 3:9 . NJB James 3:17 whereas the wisdom that comes down from above is essentially something pure; it is also peaceable, kindly and considerate; it is full of mercy and shows itself by doing good; nor is there any trace of partiality or hypocrisy in it. NIV James 3:12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? 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. It is said that after the Civil War, General Robert E. Lee, a devout Christian, visited a church in Washington, D.C. During the Communion service, he was seen kneeling beside a black man. "The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way" (Proverbs 14:8). He tears off the tissue of plausibilities (zeal for Gods glory, ardour on behalf of truth, and the like), in which an envenomed, arrogant, bigoted spirit often enwraps itself, and lays bare the moral deformity and defilementbitter envying and strife. We have not here the pleasant water of life (the image of the twelfth verse is perhaps still in the apostles mind), but bitter waters of hatred. So well not bring on You disgrace. "A wise son heareth his father's instruction" (Proverbs 13:1). This involves our intellect, emotions and will. 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. Wiersbe -As it spreads, fire destroys; and the words we speak have the power to destroy. It is an uncontrollable evil filled with deadly poison. Eternity is long! 2:6-7). It doesnt come from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. It is the wisdom that leads to immoral decisions about how life should be lived. Its venom swiftly paralyzes your nervous system, which stops your heart. The peacemakers are those who live by the heavenly wisdom, which is first pure and then peaceable, that is, by righteousness. A believer is just like a fig tree. ", Zodhiates -Although theologians continue to debate about the precise nature of the imago Dei in man, variously defining it as ontological, sociological, functional or moral, one thing is certain from this passage, namely, that even fallen man retains some semblance (however badly marred by sin) of the divine impress given him at the original creation. Deuteronomy Many commentaries are also available in Parallel Format via the commentary tab. She showed her shopping list to the girl helping her and said, Its in two tongues(lenguas). But she meant to say that she had written it in two languages(idiomas). so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. 2 Samuel In James 3:3-5, James uses two commonplace but very vivid illustrations. So, willingly yield your lips to the Lord The main reason for Luther's objection was James' teaching of justification. NAB James 3:8 but no human being can tame the tongue. James is rightNo man can tame the tonguebut theres plenty of help from Another. He was worldly wise in his approach. Is there any among us who can stand up and say, "Yes, James, I am wise"? C. C. Colton, Think all you speak but speak not all you think. John Calvin, The only way to know is to will to do Gods will. It is significant that the characteristics James first listed for godly wisdom are purity and peaceableness. But it seems more probable that, like the intervening section on the tongue (James 3:2-12), this section on wisdom (James 3:13-18) applies to everyone in the churches to whom James was writing, true believers and mere professed believers. Although rivets seem insignificant, they are essential for holding the ship together and keeping it afloat. As Jesus said (in a different context but still true in principle) "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible (Mt 19:26) even the taming of the human tongue! Dionysius the Elder, Nothing is often a good thing to say. Anon. How, then, can I best honor God and help others? 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. (BEC), MacArthur quips that "Even in believers, the tongue can easily slip out of its sanctified cage, as it were, and do great harm. Though little, the tongue can do extensive damage. (Hiebert)Jealousy would be bad enough, but here James says thisjealousy is bitter which gives us the picture of resentful, harsh, sharp, cutting, piercing. 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.". Sometimes in Scripture, as commonly among ourselves, man is spoken of as consisting of a body and a soul, in which case soul is used in the widest sense. -David Roper(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. It is a divine endowment and not a human acquisition.Therefore we Christians, who have accepted Christ as our Savior and who have the Holy Spirit indwelling us, are the only ones who can say that we are wisenot of ourselves, but because of the presence of God within us. Those who trust God, who really believe Him, begin to be changed in their speech, as well. They will not boast (v. 14). (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. If its true that a spring emits brackish water one moment and fresh water the next, we must consider the source. Mitton aptly calls this "an ascending scale of wickedness! Of the person who is in the habit of speaking with insults, ridicule or sarcasm, James demands, 'Change your speech habits.' They had speakers who didn't do and doers who didn't speak. James 3:13 Who among you is wise and understanding? ASV James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? If that connection becomes contaminated, it is only a matter of time before the whole relationship is poisoned. "It is a snare to a man rashly to say, It is holy, And after vows to make inquiry" (Proverbs 20:25). (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.' James put it another way: The tongue . Consider your words before you say them. NKJ James 3:14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. All rights reserved), O Prince of Peace, keep us, we pray, 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. Anon. You feel that the interrogative mode of stating a supposition has a peculiar force in the discussion of morals, from its directness of appeal. James Today, bless as many people as possible with your words. JDB. Practically speaking, believers need to imitate Jesus' example of gentleness (cf 1 Cor 11:1) and the only way we can manifest gentleness like He being enabled by the Holy Spirit. Clearly in James 3:14zelos 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). William James Sidis was born in 1898 with an IQ of 250. For since there is jealousy (zelos] and strife [eris] among you."). Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water. 10:5). Its plans and procedure have all reference to self and to this world of the senses, though the subjects it discusses may belong to the invisible world, the world known to faith. The discerning person soon realizes that biblical wisdom is more about practice than philosophy. Anon. Here is their list: Every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. Filled with messages for Thee; Those who are engulfed in self-serving worldly wisdom resent anyone or anything that comes between them and their own objectives.' "Through wisdom is a house builded" (Proverbs 24:3). Of course James may also be speaking to some individual whoprofessed belief, but they would not be able to carry out this command (evidence that they were "professors" and not "possessors" of Christ). Proverbs 16:28A perverse man spreads strife, And a slanderer separates intimate friends. Greeks and men in generalwho consider themselves to be wise in their own eyes (Pr 3:7, Pr 12:15, Pr 26:12, Pr 28:11, Isa 5:21), generally let you know it and thus showtheir "wisdom" by their arrogance, the antithesis of gentleness! Let your light shine (aorist imperative) before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." In a television interview, the mother said they would have seen any remuneration as blood money. She and her husband knew that the leaders of the companies involved never intended their products to harm anyone. GWN James 3:8 Yet, no one can tame the tongue. Wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy (James 3:17). When a person is concerned about demoting others, understand he is also concerned with the promotion of himself. Commentary on Romans 12:3-8. We must get our "spiritual roots" deep into His Word. Adam blamed both Eve and God for what he, himself, had done. Will be reflective of Your grace; (Pause for Power). GNT James 3:12 , , ; . Pure(53)(hagnos) means freedom from defilements, contaminants or impurities (e.g., Jesus ishagnos - 1 Jn 3:3+). . Today, researchers continue to try to replicate that ancient formula, but without success. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matt. Romans Used by Permission. James 2 continues the theme of maturity presented at the beginning of the book. We need to guard our lips, making David's prayer in Psalm 19:14 our daily prayer: "Let the words of my mouth and the medication of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer." 9:10), the righteousness "which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God" (Phil. We are to go after peace as we would pursue an animal in the hunt. In that Ephesians passage Paul is addressing believers who can at least take up the shield of faith to extinguish the demonic arrows. Dikaiosune characterizes a life or lifestyle in conformity to justice, law and/or morality as ordained by God. 6:18; 2 Sam. If you often share the good news about Christ, you demonstrate a heart that is grateful for your own salvation. ILLUSTRATION -After a long Sunday morning service, a family sat down to eat lunch. 111:10). James 3:10from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. Though the court awarded back wages and compensation, the court said the company did not have to give the woman her job back because the trust between her and her employers had been broken. He said to me, "Vernon, I hope you are going to be a genuine preacher and a genuine servant of God." Haggai The struggle to control our tongues can seem like a losing battle. The butcher overheard them and assumed she wanted to purchase two cow tongues. A legendary Burmese potter became jealous of the prosperity of a washerman. It is a restless evil and full of deadly poison- Notice the two reasons the tongue is so dangerous - (1) it never rests and (2) it is deadly. It is humble, transparent, simple, gentle, and gracious to the core (James 3:17). CSB James 3:7 Every sea creature, reptile, bird, or animal is tamed and has been tamed by man. The Holy Spirit-Walking Like Jesus Walked! James says, "prove" your wisdom and knowledge by exhibiting it without giving any credit to yourself. Reprinted by permission. Their careless speech was not just a matter of the words they used or attitudes they displayed, it also demonstrated their lack of concern for the impact those words could have on others. It is not a matter of acquiring truth in lectures but of applying truth to life." Have Thine own way! Friberg says sophos generally describes "acquired intelligence characterized by the ability to use knowledge for correct behavior (1Cor 6:5)." By them will the reckoning be at the judgment. Torah is God's guidance for God's . So what is the solution? In Scripture, the wise (from the Greek word sophia) were often teachers. John Lyly, When the hands are idle, the tongue is usually very active. We have been blessed by our Lords words, so let us in return be a blessing for His glory. But James used the word in a specific context. Feelings of insignificance are rampant these days, even among Christians, and some do hurtful things to make themselves feel important. (ED: Augustine makes a great point - no man can naturally tame their tongue, but the Holy Spirit can supernaturally "tame" our tongue. One day she went to the market. Rather than building up our friends, our words can tear them down. Jesus upset their pride. Proverbs 4:24 Put away from you a deceitful mouth And put devious speech far from you, (3) SPEAKING OF THINGS WHICHREFLECT ON THE CHARACTER of another child of God. Gilbrant -In classical literature this word means keen, sharp, pointed, but it has specific meanings when associated with different nouns. Say, what is the "gospel" according to you? It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. THOUGHT - Just from this simple analysis of who can and cannot tame their tongue, can you see why it is dangerous for a believer to knowingly marry an unbeliever? -. The Lord patiently reminds us through the Holy Spirits presence, for example, that we shouldnt say negative things about others. 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