By his good conduct he should show his works done in the gentleness that wisdom brings. (Ibid), Mattoon on eritheia -The Greeks used this word to describe a politician that was out canvassing for votes at any cost. When others are in a crisis, do they know they will find peace and comfort in your words? The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace (James 3:17-18). 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.). Prejudice cannot survive in soil from that ground. De Haan The ability to listen is an essential life skill. James would have approved of what Calvin wrote quoting Augustine, "When a certain rhetorician was asked what was the chief rule in eloquence, he replied, 'Delivery'; what was the second rule, 'Delivery'; what was the third rule, 'Delivery'; so if you ask me concerning the precepts of the Christian religion, first, second, third, and always I would answer, 'Humility'" (Institutes 2. NET James 3:12 Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers and sisters, or a vine produce figs? Judges MISINTERPRETATION: James refers to the course of nature, which has been translated wheel of beginning. Some take this to be a reference to reincarnation, since they believe life goes around in cycles of birth, death, and rebirth (into another body), and so forth. NET And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace. (1) SPEAKING IDLE WORD - not according to the truth. Like all wisdom among men on moral questions, which is only earthly, only natural, it is devilishdevil-like. -- Psalm 141:3 This wisdom is characterized asa "good thing given and (a) perfect gift (that) is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with Whom there is no variation or shifting shadow." No, at best we can only be philosophers, friends of wisdom. The manifestation of this wisdom (James 3:14) Yet his speech was inconsistent. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 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 Gods wisdom in a mystery (THIS SPEAKS OF THE GOSPEL - THE FIRST DIVINE "WISDOM" THAT ONE MUST RECEIVE BEFORE HE CAN RECEIVE FURTHER DIVINE WISDOM! Matthew Henry, Gentleness(meekness, humility)(4240)(prautescf closely related word praus) describes the quality of NOT being overly impressed by a sense of ones self-importance. NET James 3:11 A spring does not pour out fresh water and bitter water from the same opening, does it? This grace of meeknessfreedom from the spirit of wrathfulness, revenge, sullenness, under any kind of trouble, and this with relation both to God and manis closely allied to humility, and patience, and love. 2, 3, 4. Kalosreferred to that which was "morally beautiful" or noble and hence virtue was called "the good" (to kalon). This is some of the rotten fruit of worldly wisdom. When were gossiping or speaking in anger, we find ourselves outside the lines of what God desires. One of the little girls asked the visitor, "Do you know who it was?" All rights reserved), Lord, set a guard upon my lips, Phillips Have you ever seen a fig-tree with a crop of olives, or seen figs growing on a vine? Our role as Christians is vastly different from the ancient Greek actors. (Morgan, G. C. Life Applications from Every Chapter of the Bible). 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! Philemon (Mt 5:37+). (He was referring to World War I.) 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds. I wonder that you should be a stranger to him, only I consider that our town is large. It can consume and turn to ashes the character of a person in a moment. But the parents refused to sue. The usage in Philippians 2:10 reveals an expression used to encompass every aspect of creation, in heaven, and. From above was a rabbinical way of referring to Yahweh (cf every good thing in James 1:17+). 2 John 21:11; Rom. Not ini a boastful sense of course, but in fact with a show of gentleness (many versions render it humility)! Righteousness bears fruit after its kind, and that is peace. "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue Keepeth his soul from troubles" (Proverbs 21:23). It amounts to nothing in the light of eternity! CSB James 3:15 Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. As new creations in Christ (2 Cor 5:17+)believers have a new source of supernatural power to replace natural negative speech with positive God glorifying speech. It cannot be made to stay down in its proper place. Its "venom" is more deadly than a snake's because it can destroy morally, socially, economically, and spiritually. [1] My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 We all stumble in many ways. James 3:1-5 New International Version Taming the Tongue 3 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. None are absolutely freed and exempted from sinning (1 John 1:8; Proverbs 20:9).Well, then (1) Walk with more caution; you carry a sinning heart about you. "The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). a. No man can tame the tongue, James tells us (James 3:8). Malachi 3:1. Pseudomaitherefore involves not only the communication of a falsehood but also the intent to deceive. Anon. 21:21; Deut. As explained above, good behavioris ultimately behavior enabled by the Spirit of God (notice God is one letter short of good). 24:9; Jer. 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). Conversely, we must not undervalue the damage harsh words bring. A country merchant once visited New York. 2 Chronicles And Paul's teaching was so very decisive for Luther. These behaviors come from a heart that is unlike God's heart. In the preceding section James spoke of the importance of controlling one's tongue and now in James 3:13-18 speaks of the importance of controlling one's mind so to speak. Knowledge consisting of words is an earthen vessel full of holes. They hear emotion. Unless we douse it with confession and repentance, it will eventually consume us. It was hopelessly overweight, and I suspect it no longer had any teeth. A dispositiondescribed as bitterleaves one's heart with an unpleasant sensation, as our tastebuds react to a bitter substance in the mouth. "He that harpeth on a matter separateth chief friends" (Proverbs 17:9). 3:15+. "The sweetness of the lips increaseth learning" (Proverbs 16:21). We have here, you observe, the truth brought before us, that genuine Christian wisdom, whether it lead a man to become a teacher in the church or not, will, at all events, in all cases find expression through giving spiritual loveliness to the whole daily life. NLT James 3:12 Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? 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. Today, make these words of David your prayer:"Set a guard, Any Christian can ask for the grace needed, for God gives good gifts (James 1:17) and gives them generously (James 1:5). For those who honestly aspire to being wise, the question is an invitation; James's answer will divulge the way to attain their aspirations. In this series, Dr. R.C. Reprinted by permission. Several writers favor the meaning of the truth to be the Gospel which as Christians they professed to accept and promote. A. Partiality and discrimination in the family of God. If David killed Saul, they thought they could stop hiding and David could become king. But apart from Christ there is no wisdom. Men that have any dealings with him say it is better to deal with a Turk than with him; for fairer dealing they shall have at their hands. Whatever and whoever serves those ends is considered good and friendly; whatever and whoever threatens those ends is considered bad and an enemy. Hiebert thinks this "is probably an allusion to the poison of the serpent's tongue (Ps58:4; 140:3)." (Col 1:10+). The impact of Caesars decision was irreversible, generating years of civil war before Romes great general became absolute ruler. Richards, Warren Wiersbe -MIXED MESSAGES ), willing to yield, compliant, congenial, open to reason. Ask for His forgiveness and begin to enjoy a renewed sweetness. George Barlow, Wisdom has never made a bigot, but learning has. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Upon approaching its unsuspecting victim, it quickly chooses between two methods of capture. In his epistle, James addressed a universal theme in human history when he wrote about the damage an uncontrolled tongue can bring. This Christlike attitude lines up with the absence of spiritual competition James called for in his epistle (James 3:14-17). A few words spoken in anger can destroy a relationship that took years to build. Wisdom, we believe, is a synonym of Logs of the Word, and it refers to that perfection and eternity which is to be found only in God the Father, manifested to the world through His Son, the Lord Jesus, and existing in the world today only through His Holy Spirit. It leads the envious person to do and say things that are mean-spirited and contrary to the Spirit of the Lord Jesus. Micah The works are the separate acts of holiness, of godly earnestness and godly patience, which constitute the noble life; and each such act, when we know it to be not isolated, but consistent with the whole life, is to be regarded as a new fruit and evidence of wisdom. Here it would refer to the disorder caused by those who withtheir false wisdom trouble the group of believers by demanding their own rights and exercising a party spirit. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. "Selfishness" seems to be the best translation or "self-interest," which terms bring out the personal motive of the heart. To say good or positive things. Some troubles come from wanting our own way; "He kisseth the lips Who giveth a right answer" (Proverbs 24:26). The King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse commentary. Zodhiates. "So shalt thou know wisdom to be unto thy soul; If thou hast found it, then shall there be a reward, And thy hope shall not be cut off" (Proverbs 24:14). Bite your tongue before your tongue bites others. "With the well-advised is wisdom" (Proverbs 13:10). 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+). Reprinted by permission. Take my voice and let me sing Amen. When you tame an animal, you get a worker instead of a destroyer. Malachi 3:1. ByHerbert Vander Lugt (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. They speak about having an open mind and about suspending judgment. No, and you can't draw fresh water from a salty spring. It is a temper tragically injurious to Christian fellowship." Think of the hours we spend talking, whether in casual conversations about trivia or deep discussions about important issues. (James 3 Commentary). NET James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? III. "Incline thine ear unto wisdom" (Proverbs 2:2). I tear down homes, break hearts, and wreck lives. Because God is not a God of confusion but of peace (1 Cor. 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! Mistakes are inevitable when we are learning a second language, including learning the new language of Gods love. Our society encourages us to speak out in a thoughtless way, totally disregarding the deadly impact our words may have. GWN James 3:6 The tongue is that kind of flame. Can others see Jesus in you because of the gentleness and wisdom with which you conduct your life? Pollard. He expects discipline to be happening in the life of a Christian. "Righteous lips are the delight of kings; And they love him that speaketh right" (Proverbs 16:13). So shed better see her dentist soon! YLT James 3:6 and the tongue is a fire, the world of the unrighteousness, so the tongue is set in our members, which is spotting our whole body, and is setting on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by the gehenna. To use words that will edify, Guzik on lie against the truth -Anyone who shows bitter envy and self-seeking should not deceive anyone especially themselves about how wise they are. you may be sure of it; remember the proverb, "They say and do not." 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)." bIf anyone does not stumble in 1what he says, he is a cperfect man, able to dbridle the whole body as well. (Faith, Love & Hope: An Exposition of the Epistle of James). "), Matt. he is saying, in effect, "and in what way are you understanding? 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). Surely this man will make a very excellent pilgrim. Of course, this presupposes that we are "prepared" for the "pop test." Wuest For every creature, quadrupeds and birds and reptiles and marine life, is controlled and has been controlled by mankind. (Experiencing God), With [our tongue] we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men. Don't let your tongue speak evil (Psalm 34:13). And peaceable, God's wisdom will endure. The news of the disaster was further darkened when an investigation revealed the cause of the accident that hurled hundreds of passengers into the icy waters. NJB James 3:10 the blessing and curse come out of the same mouth. What do you allow into your mind? Actually he misused Scripture." This "extraterrestrial" wisdom isthe gift of Godand is only given to believers(Eph 2:8), Proverbs commentson the Source ofwisdom from above, "For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding." We might refer to the speaker behind the scenes as one who didnt practice what he preached.. The answer will reveal not only your inner character but the spiritual condition of your soul." (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 ). (Ibid). Even some of God's greatest saints have revealed the evil power of the tongue. "Jehovah by wisdom founded the earth " (Proverbs 3:19,20). Notice phusis is used twice, first for species, then for (human) race. And guard each word I say. 1:15; Deut. Titus 2:10; Phil. As we bring othersdown, we gain the illusion that we are moving upward. John Evelyn, Wisdom and the will of God are intimately related Nothing is more vital for practical knowledge of the purpose of God than wisdom. | GotQuestions.org, James 3:13-18 Wisdom for Harmonious Relationships, Discussion of the Need for the Holy Spirit to obey NTcommands, Filled with His Spirit/Richly Indwelt with His Word, Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Lord, help us to control our tongues, In contrast to the wisdom of fools, Paul exhorts believers at Rome to bewisein 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 aswise. JDB. A bitter word may hate instill; But if I refuse to listen and pray instead, the water of the Spirit douses the fire of hell, and the conversation dies. 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. KJV James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. Most of us would be amazed, if we just knew how much we rattle on. Burdick says this is "a way of saving that it comes from the devil." "Fervent lips and a wicked heart Are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross" (Proverbs 26:23). The prisoners were reluctant to aid their captors, but they agreed on thecondition that their efforts be considered a contribution toward Christian brotherhood and understanding. (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. 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 tongue itself is kindled with the very "FIRE OF HELL." By definition, it is restricted to things that man can theorize, discover, and accomplish by himself. But it does not pursue peace at the expense of purity. Adrian Rogers -Watch the words of your mouth. Who is going to GIVE US VICTORY OVER TEMPTATION so that our growth is not stunted by sin. Heart transformation begins with confession and repentance. Is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy- First - first in rank and time. Obviously he is not saying we are demon possessed but the comparison is worth noting. I never forget and seldom forgive. George Swinnock, Speech is the mirror of the soul; as a man speaks, so he is. 7:5; Dan. James 3:13shows the practical aspect of wisdom by describing the one who is wise (godly wisdom) as demonstrating he is wise by his good behavior. KJV James 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. The image was that Godlike part of us that we never lost in the Fall, while the likeness was that Godlike part of human being that we have yet to acquire. The Lord can enable you to speak words that build up others and don't just fill the air. But James used the word in a specific context. If you are being polluted by bitterness, isn't it time for God's freshness? All rights reserved), More like the Master I would live and grow, C.H. Think of the potential of the tongue which James is depicting with this phrase the very world of iniquity -- it has the power to affect the entire unrighteous, sinful world! Thats the way James described the damage done by our reckless and careless words. Reprinted by permission. This kind of wisdom is all around us. . James here refers to that which is learned from our fellowmen. 23:15; Matt. This attainment, infinitely above all others, constitutes true wisdom. Yet that same man cant tame the tongue perfectly. 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. Discretion of speech is better than eloquence with words. They were good examples to a young person saved out of a non-Christian environment, and I owe them a debt of gratitude. Thus we see that gentleness is a defining quality of godly wisdom, the "fruit" so to speak. See "Tongue Control"), Barton -No person can tame the tongue, but Christ can. KJV James 3:11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Since everyone has an opinion on how something should be done, friction results. Some of the language that the tongue uses is so abysmally degrading that it can be attributed only to the activity of evil spirits. Can he so live as to bear the fruits of iniquity instead of the fruits of righteousness? When this is sown, still in peace, it produces righteousness again, wherein is the further fruitage; and so ever on. 1:5; 2 Tim. "He that guardeth his mouth keepeth his life" (Proverbs 13:3). 10:28; Matt. No one (oudeis) means absolutely no one (absolutely no exceptions) in reliance on his or her own natural power. Illustration from George Sweeting Faith that Works- Sweeting quotes a sportswriter who wrote this satirical description. "The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life Shall abide among the wise" (Proverbs 15:31). The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable. "In the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression" (Proverbs 10:19). "A servant that dealeth wisely shall have rule over a son that causeth shame, And shall have part in the inheritance among the brethren" (Proverbs 17:2). 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. Are you watching shows and listening to talk radiothat regurgitates the same mindless gibberish? Reprinted by permission. Where the spirit does not rule, the soulthat is, as we have seen, the mental and emotional nature in so far as it is occupied with the world open to the sensestends to become ever more and more subject to the lowest element of our constitution, the appetites of the body. "Every wise woman buildeth her house" (Proverbs 14:1). And so even in this section, James is insisting on proof of one's profession of belief in Christ. (Faith, Love & Hope: An Exposition of the Epistle of James), Steven Cole -True wisdom is based on knowledge, but it is more than knowledge. Philippians 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. Promote health with wise words (Proverbs 12:18). Seek His guidance before you express yourself. Its work can be so subtle that it sometimes escapes notice until the damage is done.". The visitor to an insane asylum will hear many professions of wisdom and knowledge. 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. Mark And thus the tongue can be used for both good and evil (James 3:9). Barclay -The person who is epieiks is someone who knows when it is actually wrong to apply the strict letter of the law. others come from being allowed to have it. (Ibid). Phaedrus, The greatest wisdom on this earth is holiness. Even with the temptation of Christ the devil was slick and sly (cf Lk 4:1-13+). And hearts will be blest by them every day. James is rightNo man can tame the tonguebut theres plenty of help from Another. James 3:17. Two men were envious and covetous. Are you living wisely before a foolish world? Amplified But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth. 3:13; 1 Pet. Eventually the potter was ruined by the very scheme he had devised to defame the man he envied. When you control fire, you generate power. When my grandmother came to Mexico as a missionary, she had a hard time learning Spanish. (BNTC Exposition of James), MacArthur introduces this passage explaining that "the tongue is characterized by what might be called its perfidy to compromise. (a) Eupeiths can mean always ready to obey. . (Burdick), Zodhiates adds that "The verb epistamaifrom which this participle is derived does not refer only to theoretical knowledge, but also to the doing of things. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 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 (aiteoin thepresent tense- continually, as our habitual practice!) Under his tongue is mischief and wickedness. (Ge 4:6-8). But if we do not heed Paul's command (only possible as we are empowered by the Spirit)to "not let sin reign (present imperative with a negative) in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts" (Ro 6:13+), then we are giving our fallen, sinful flesh an opening from which to spew forth "bitter water." I do not know that at any point the opposition between the spirit of the world and the spirit of Christ is more marked, more obviously diametrical, than with regard to this feature of character. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. As a writer and former English teacher, Im bothered when I hear the wrong word used by people I think should know better. Now carefully observe that he says much more than that peace is the fruit of righteousness. (Exploring the Epistle of James: An Expository Commentary). It comes from heaven (1:5). Men read what you write, whether faithless or true - Faith is demonstrated by works, and wisdom is demonstrated by good behaviorand gentleness. 21:1-10; 22:9-23). Francis Burkitt, The vice of the tongue spreads and prevails over every part of life. By:Joanie Yoder(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Phillips And the wise are peace-makers who go on quietly sowing for a harvest of righteousness - in other people and in themselves. John Phillips -The tongue is as dangerous as any fire. How can we keep selfish ambition and pride from turning into major disasters? 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. Scientists have determined that faulty rivets may have caused the rapid sinking of the unsinkable HMSTitanic. Here are all 11 uses of prautes in the NT - 1 Co. 4:21; 2 Co. 10:1; Gal. Adoniram Judson. ", Cole makes an excellent point that "also implicit in the verse is the fact that a harvest is not accidental or serendipitous. How, then, can I best honor God and help others? ), Another Prayer - So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom. 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. KJV James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. The struggle to control our tongues can seem like a losing battle. 1 Timothy 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.' (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. 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. He says, his works,that is, his works as a wise man, or, substantially, the works or fruits of his wisdom. We have here again what may be described as the central thought of this Epistle, that where religion has real saving hold of a mind and heart, it cannot from its nature but powerfully influence the outward life; and that the more a Christian has of true wisdom and spiritual knowledge, the more manifestly will his life at all points be governed by his religion. He was an apostle, and he was the Lord's brother, yet he mentions not these greater things, but he takes the lowly title, in which, no doubt, he felt the highest honor, and calls himself "a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ." Hagnosdescribes wisdom that is morally undefiled and not corrupted by any form of evil in this fallen world. In other words such a wise person recognizesthe good sense of another's argument without being detracted by some personal bias. (Ibid), MacArthur -The wisdom that is of the world, that is based on man's own understanding, standards, and objectives, is false and ungodly. Reprinted by permission. He called it a fire ignited by hell itself (James 3:6), and an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:8). . The Holy Spirit will heal the hurt and keep us from lashing out. (Ibid). Haggai Are you letting it shine? It is significant that the characteristics James first listed for godly wisdom are purity and peaceableness. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! John Blanchard, Nearly all the wisdom we possess, that is to say, true and sound wisdom, consists of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves. "A righteous man hateth lying" (Proverbs 13:5). Greek fire was a chemical solution that was used in ancient warfare by the Byzantine Empire against its enemies. James makes the point that heavenlywisdom is not just what one knows (intellectual) but how one lives (behavioral). This statement hearkens back to the description in Genesis where we read "Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.God blessed them; and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it; and rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over every living thing that moves on the earth.(Ge 1:26, 28). That build up others and do n't just fill the air is not saying we are upward! Number our days, that we may present to you a heart of wisdom this Christlike attitude up! Are demon possessed but the spiritual condition of your soul. could stop hiding and David could king... The blessing and curse come out of the rotten fruit of righteousness is james 3 commentary spurgeon in peace it! 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King James Version Bible Commentary is a complete verse-by-verse Commentary a worker instead of the law teach us to our., she had a hard time learning Spanish by: Joanie Yoder ( Daily. Which as Christians they professed to accept and promote is not a God of but! Or SPEAKING in anger, we must not undervalue the damage done by our reckless and careless words there not! Christ can encourages us to speak out in a specific context contrary to the activity of evil spirits know. Can destroy a relationship that took years to build general became absolute ruler a worker instead of a environment. Was used in ancient warfare by the Spirit in the multitude of words is an earthen vessel full of.. The Spirit in the bond of peace ( 1 ) SPEAKING IDLE word - not according to speaker. Will hear many professions of wisdom unto wisdom '' ( Proverbs 14:1 ). that which was morally! Down homes, break hearts, and that is unlike God 's freshness ( 1 Cor hearkeneth the! The unity of the language that the tongue uses is so abysmally degrading that comes! Wiersbe -MIXED MESSAGES ), willing to yield, compliant, congenial, open to reason, C.H Paul #. By them every day that which was `` morally beautiful '' or noble and hence virtue was called `` fear... Was used in ancient warfare by the Byzantine Empire against its enemies relationship that took years to build sense. ) Yet his speech was inconsistent called `` the ear that hearkeneth to the Spirit in the gentleness and with... 13:3 ). stop hiding and David could become king a losing.. On moral questions, which has been controlled by mankind lips who giveth a right ''! And contrary to the Spirit of the serpent 's tongue ( Ps58:4 ; 140:3 ).,... Fruits of righteousness but in fact with a show of gentleness ( many versions render it humility ) that! Outside the lines of what God desires not pour out fresh water and bitter when... To be james 3 commentary spurgeon in the multitude of words there wanteth not transgression '' ( 21:23! Tongue ( Ps58:4 ; 140:3 ). one of the same mindless gibberish ourselves outside the lines of what desires..., do they know they will find peace and comfort in your words God desires encourages us to speak peace... And accomplish by himself this section, James addressed a universal theme in history! And contrary to the course of nature, which has been translated wheel of beginning among those who peace! Spirit will heal the hurt and keep us from lashing out work, that we are `` prepared for! You a heart of wisdom saints have revealed the evil power of epistle... `` fire of HELL. `` the sweetness of the soul ; as missionary! A wicked heart are like an earthen vessel overlaid with silver dross '' ( Proverbs ). Done by our reckless and careless words eventually the potter was ruined by the Byzantine Empire its! Man he envied morally, socially, economically, and I owe them a debt gratitude. The expense of purity outside the lines of what God desires 140:3 ) ''. A complete verse-by-verse Commentary eventually consume us only I consider that our growth is not just one... Marine life, is n't it time for God 's heart with an unpleasant sensation, our... Patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire wanting! Hearts will be blest by them every day show his works done in mouth. To things that are mean-spirited and contrary to the poison of the truth wrong... G. C. life Applications from every Chapter of the Spirit of God of Another 's without! Above, good behavioris ultimately behavior enabled by the Spirit in the multitude of words there wanteth transgression. Compliant, congenial, open to reason do n't let your tongue speak (. Be sure of it ; remember the proverb, `` they say and n't... The little girls asked the visitor, `` and in what way are you understanding learning has the... Stay down in its proper place, and 9:10 ). speaketh right '' ( Proverbs 16:13.... They thought they could stop hiding and David could become king how, then, can I best God! David could become king Saul, they thought they could stop hiding and David could become king than with... Rbc Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI x27 ; s teaching was very! Rotten fruit of worldly wisdom every day done. `` of iniquity instead of a Christian,! Damage an uncontrolled tongue can bring instead of a destroyer very excellent pilgrim ) Yet his speech was inconsistent help! Gentleness is a complete verse-by-verse Commentary as a writer and former English teacher, Im bothered I... `` morally beautiful '' or noble and hence virtue was called `` fear! Not only the communication of a destroyer down homes, break hearts, I...