A. Partiality and discrimination in the family of God. Reasonable (only NT use; no uses in Septuagint)(2138)(eupeithesfrom eu = good, easiness + peitho = to persuade)means easily persuaded (but not gullible! For (gar) (Term of explanation - always pause and ask what is the writer explaining?) Notice how the list of traits like gentle, reasonable, etc, serve to practically undergird and ensure that this wisdom is peaceable. Awful, hateful, ungodly, vile things emanate from this master of disaster. 1:3; Zech. Words have the potential to kill relationships, paralyze love, poison minds, destroy faith, stain purity and deface reputations. James must have had in mind all harsh, cutting, slanderous, hurtful, unedifying, or wicked words. It is found only twice in the New Testament. The less he spoke, the more he heard From the same mouth come both blessing and cursing- James is saying that believers were speaking blessing and cursing. Rather than building up our friends, our words can tear them down. Is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy- First - first in rank and time. "The heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness" (Proverbs 12:23). Wisdom is proper use of knowledge. And woe to anyone who accumulates more of this worlds things than they have. How shall we then wish to see each day marked with usefulness! While this is possible, as noted above, these comments would be just a appropriatefor all believers, whether they are teacher or not. he is saying, in effect, "and in what way are you understanding? These things ought not to be so (James 3:10). It can speak falsehood and filth. ", Zodhiates amplifies what it means to Let him show, "If we tell people to try something that we have found wonderful and helpful, they may hesitate to do it unless they see it work in our lives. What is wrong with wanting revenge? James A Visit to the Harvest Field February 4, 2018 A Visit to the Harvest Field "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. "A man that flattereth his neighbor Spreadeth a net for his steps" (Proverbs 29:5). (Pr 10:31) The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, But the perverted tongue will be cut out. There is no evil to which the unregenerate heart of man is heir that the tongue cannot promote. At first the signs are subtle, but soon bitterness swirls into a blizzard of complaints, unforgiveness, depression, sustained grief, hopelessness, and rage against God. ", Robert Johnstone -As the false, exhibiting itself in envying and strife, (James 3:16) thus brings in confusion and every form of evil, and in this way proves itself to be from beneath; so the true wisdom, showing itself in peace and peacemaking, thus brings in righteousness, and proves itself to be from above. Matthew Henry, It is bad to think ill, but it is worse to speak it. But it also means "Expression," the expression of the eternal God in human form so that He may be made more understandable to man. Hagnos implies sincere, moral and spiritual integrity. 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. And so, the same Bible that says, "Be ready to hear," says, "Be slow to speak." If you use these words and sincerely mean what you say from your heart, you will find that God will use you to be a blessing and encouragement to others. We prefer to blame the worlds problems on religious or political differences. This is a difficult phrase to decipher but probably refers to the entire sphere of human existence, the unending span of life stretching from birth to death. James is saying, "I am about to tell you the nature of true wisdom; treasure this." Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. Sometimes we can cross a relational Rubicon with the words we say to others. When words and actions agree, the message is loud and clear. 25:41). We practice. A short intellect usually has a long tongue. 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. Commentary on Romans 12:3-8. By Gods grace, no. Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James, Paradoxical Principle of 100% Dependent and 100% Responsible, Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary. 3 or 9 vols, London, 1822-1826 . - James 3:18)." Or if we participate in coarse talk (5:4), we bring dishonor to the name of Christ. They can ruin a persons reputation and destroy the closest relationships. It corrupts the whole body. Instead of failing in business, as he had at one time feared, he became the richest merchant of his country. (Pix - Warning - Don't look if you are frightened by snakes!) 2 Kings I threw the papers away in disgust, although I should have saved them for sermon illustrations! He had been a good friend of mine, and he knew something of my life and how I had lived. The court compared the woman's comments about her superiors to tea room chitchat. ", Spurgeon -Unless you are regenerated, born from above by a new and heavenly birth, you are not Christians, whatever you may be called, and you cannot, produce the fruit which is acceptable to God any more than a fig tree can produce olive berries, Hiebert observes that "James draws no stated conclusion from these illustrations. Where zeal even regarding religion shows itself in unholy tempers like these, the fire of this zeal is fire from the bottomless pit. There are only twelve of them, but they work. Can(1410)(dunamai) means able to do something. (3) Be the . Matthew 15:18. If your words bless and encourage others, they give evidence of a compassionate heart. And ere my Lord can reign in me, Does this describe your Christian life? Churches ought to be concerned about building their congregations. ", "Wise people know how to learn; they never seek knowledge for their own sake. Zodhiates on let him show -Now do not merely say you are wise, but act it. 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). My tongue control today; JAMES calls the converted among the twelve tribes his brethren. 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. Envy and bitterness hurts you as well as others.Do you rejoice when others succeed or do you have a secret envy, bitterness, and criticalness in your heart? 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. All rights reserved), A wise old owl sat on an oak; "He that uttereth a slander is a fool" (Proverbs 10:18). Ephesians In addition kosmos is a system or arrangement (in context a system of evil). Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Let all readers, then, first examine their own hearts before reading beyond the question posed in James 3:13. Take my voice and let me sing God can use our tongues to direct others into the way of life, and to delight them in the trials of life. That's why spreading gossip is so difficult to resist. (James 1:17+). Louw-Nida - "pertaining to freedom from anxiety and inner turmoilpeaceful, free from worry." . Knowledge consisting of words is an earthen vessel full of holes. By:Richard DeHaan (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Its a battle worth waging.ByDennis J. DeHaan(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. So, "under God" there is equalitybut only under God. James is saying, For harmonious relationships, behave with godly wisdom, not with worldly wisdom.In typical fashion, James sets his trap and then springs it! What James is saying is that the tongue can kindle a destructive fire which can destroy all life. Richard Fuller, No man is really wise unless he lives in the will and for the glory of God. Chrewas a common term in classical Greek literature, but as time passed it was almost totally replaced by its synonym dei. (BEC), Poison (2447)(iosfromhemi= to send) is something sent out and one Greek meaning is thus arrow, a meaning not found in the NT. He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. When she mixed chemicals inside a plastic bottle, it exploded and she unintentionally unsettled some fellow students. "Bring it to light, display it, exhibit it!" Im suggesting that we need to listen to ourselves in order to learn how others might be receiving our words. It is not surprising that eritheia is found in Paul's long list of the deeds of the flesh ("disputes") in Gal 5:20+. So yespeople still reflect God's image, albeit badly marred by sin. 27:2, 90:26; 4 Ezra 7:36). Both captains were aware of the other ship's presence and could have taken evasive action to avert the collision. Is it wise to be bitterly envious of other peoples possessions, talents, or good looks? The meaning is clearly illustrated by an inscription on a grave in Asia Minor. Similarly, James produces four exhibits of things that negate wisdom." Wearein a war over words. Steven Cole aptly observes that "God is merciful to us in spite of the fact that our problems usually stem from our own sin and rebellion. Ought not - Greek uses the strongest negative to modify chre(ou chre) signifying that this absolutely ought not to be this way. James 3:10. Next Chapter. This Christlike attitude lines up with the absence of spiritual competition James called for in his epistle (James 3:14-17). Amplified And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to Gods will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts]. From Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs to Siberian foxes, humans have learned to tame wild animals. Philippians 1:15. A HARVEST OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, The NIV has an excellent, straight-forward rendering stating that "Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in Gods likeness. For "in the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise" (Proverbs 10:19). This is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless gems of information that are found nowhere except in the ancient writings of the Jews. . (BKC) (ED: wisdom and the "Restrainer," the Holy Spirit! ESV James 3:9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. He called it a fire ignited by hell itself (James 3:6), and an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:8). It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. 10:9+; Rev. Read: Exodus 16:1-8 If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.". (Faith, Love & Hope: An Exposition of the Epistle of James), Wise(4680)(sophos) is the practical application of acquired knowledge. Set (2525)(kathistemifromkat= down +hstmi= to set or stand) means literally to stand or set down". Wuest for where jealousy and contentiousness are, there, in that place, are restlessness and instability and every base deed. This verb is widely used inclassical Greekfor gaining control of animals, people, nature, or anything requiring effort to master. Mark But it does not have to be a troublemaker! "If a wise man hath a controversy with a foolish man, Whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest" (Proverbs 29:9). 5:22, 23+). Demonic (only NT use; not in Septuagint)(1141)(daimoniodes from daimonion= demon) is an adjective which describes that whichpertainsto or proceeds from demons. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Its a world of iniquity. (Ibid), Hiebert on world of iniquity -From the context it seems best to accept that James thinks of the tongue as a vast system of iniquity." Jude BBE James 3:14 But if you have bitter envy in your heart and the desire to get the better of others, have no pride in this, talking falsely against what is true. The first man to choose would get his wish, but the other man would get double of the first wish. He talks of prayer, of repentance, of faith, and of the new birth; but he knows but only to talk of them. Mercy(1656) (eleos) is the outward manifestation of pity and assumesneedon the part of those who are recipients of the mercy and sufficientresourcesto meet the need on the part of those who show it. Bitter envy and selfish ambition threaten many of our institutions and destroy relationships. (Faith, Love & Hope: An Exposition of the Epistle of James). Wuest The spring does not pour forth out of the same opening the sweet and the bitter [water], does it? They could have bitten their tongue the moment they said them. That is true, and it had already been said in the declaration that heavenly wisdom is first pure, then peaceable. To pray or wish evil or ruin toward someone or some thing. William Jenkyn, An evil speaker is his own scourge. Godly wisdom produces a continuing cycle of righteousness, which is planted and harvested in a peaceful, harmonious relationship between God and His faithful people and between those people themselves. Cunningly, the Bengal may drag the victim 1,500 feet to hide the evidence of his dastardly deed. Wisdom is not measured by degrees but by deeds. The Lord Jesus said, "for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh" (Mt12:34) -- what is in the heart will come out. Imagine them walking out of the place of worship and encountering a situation that angered them (someone pulls in front of you on the freeway-- that never happens to you after Sunday worship does it?) Lenski adds that eritheia "derived from eritheu, to work for wages as a mercenary, and hence = Lohnsucht, the selfish spirit that seeks its own will and advantage. Psalm 120:2 Deliver my soul, Oh Jehovah, from lying lips. James 3:9-10 says, With [our tongue] we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men . Amplified For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea animal, can be tamed and has been tamed by human genius (nature). James lamented that in one breath we can worship God, and in the next, curse the apple of His eye. Hagnosdescribes wisdom that is morally undefiled and not corrupted by any form of evil in this fallen world. But as they worked on their paintings and a woodcarving of the Last Supper, one of the POWs later recalled, A spontaneous stream of good feelings began almost at once to flow among us. No one spoke of the war or the past because we were here for a work of peace and love.. (Treasures from James), Hiebert -Since the reference seems to be to a religiously motivated feeling, "bitter zeal" or "harsh zeal" seems the best rendering. 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). Does your mouth spew grumbling and complaints? 1:21+; Jas. And they go down into the innermost parts" (Proverbs 18:8). As Kistemaker remarks, "We see this displayed in a circus performance where wild animals obey their trainer who merely cracks a whip, snaps his fingers, or claps his hands." But Hiss for Hiss return'd with forked Tongue Richard Sibbes, To know God, and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, is the highest principle and perfection of man. In all my works Thy presence find, Here the noun (akatastasia) points to the resultant public confusion, disorder, and chaotic turbulence in the assembly.In Luke 21:9 it is used to describe the tumults, uprisings, and revolutions that will mark the period preceding the parousia. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. 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." Within days of their miraculous deliverance, they were complaining (Ex. "), Matt. 141:3). A careless word may kindle strife; But even better is to daily rest in Gods Spirit, hearing Pauls challenge, Let your conversation be always full of grace (Colossians 4:6), so that our words will not only honor our Lord, but lift up and encourage those around us. Set a guard on my lips. "He kisseth the lips Who giveth a right answer" (Proverbs 24:26). (2 Cor 12:20, recall that in 1 Cor 3:3 Paul had characterized them as "still fleshly. (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". "Buy the truth, and sell it not; Yea, wisdom, and instruction, and understanding" (Proverbs 23:23). Benson Commentary 3. The thing that impressed him most was the magnificent and spotless show windows. atdiscoveryseries.org/q0703. They learned later that she was not the first child to die this way. Acquire understanding! Brian Bell -Open your mouth & say ahhh! - a doctor often looks behind the tongue. 1:13; Deut. (James 3 Commentary). Hence the Apostle Paul, in the Epistle to the Romans, distinguishes all men into two classesthose who are in the flesh, and those who are in the spirit; the standard on which the division is based being that which I have now indicated: Ye are not in the flesh, but in the spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you (Ro 8:9+). ESV James 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. In it the warrior cries out bitterly. 18:25; 1 Sa15:32 = Surely the bitterness of death is past. The tongue can only reflect one nature at a time. James 3 The apostle here reproves ambition, and an arrogant magisterial tongue; and shows the duty and advantage of bridling it because of its power to do mischief. Comment - Jesus' point is that both our yes and our no should be an honest reply. James tells us that the source of ruin in our relationships is often a very different kind of fire. Burdick thinks that "In reality, he is not referring to the tongue of flesh but to the intelligent, communicating mind that uses the tongue as its instrument. Apart from Him and His plan to bring about eventual justice, we see much in life that is not fair. It will remain to be contemplated through eternity If it has been a useless life, it can never be improved. Besides, he brings up his sons to follow his steps; and if he finds in any of them a foolish timorousness, (for so he calls the first appearance of a tender conscience,) he calls them fools and blockheads, and by no means will employ them in much, or speak to their commendations before others. 23:6; 1 Sam. Anothencan speak of place or time (from the beginning). (1 Timothy 4:1-5), For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. That's not a bad description of our tongue which is capable of such evil that it cannot be "calculated numerically!" Of course not! The small church in Umbarger, Texas, was an unlikely place for an international work of art. Eternity is long! James 3:17. 16:5-7). But because of selfishness, pride, and jealousy, many Christians have used the Bible to attack others and to justify themselves. But ultimately, their minds are set on themselves, & the things they want are really just offerings to the false god of self. 5:20; Phil. Do your words and the manner in which you say them reveal a patient heart? Oswald Chambers -If a cup is filled only with good water, it cannot spill even one drop of bitter water, no matter how badly it is jarred. Having mentioned the tongue being filled with deadly poison congeners up the image of a deadly viper and here we see the image of a forked tonguewhich such a viper would possess! That quell hostility. Christian: At this Christian modestly smiled, and said: This man, with whom you are so taken, will beguile, with that tongue of his, twenty of them that know him not. "He layeth up sound wisdom for the upright" (Proverbs 2:7). Sophosdescribes understanding that which results in wise conduct. 1 Timothy It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of ones life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell (James 3:6). In a fit of temper, Moses called God's people rebels (Num. 2 We all stumble in many ways. (Experiencing God), With [our tongue] we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men. If the Lord Jesus Christ is a stranger to you, the best that you can hope for is to become a philosopher, like Socrates of old. Here are all 11 uses of prautes in the NT - 1 Co. 4:21; 2 Co. 10:1; Gal. Purity, as required by God, and exemplified in the measure of their faith by all Christs people, implies a superiority of soul, which will show itself continually in word and deed, to everything low and sensual, to everything selfish and mean,a freedom from petty views and sinister ends, and, on the contrary, a relish and love of everything really great and good. Rienecker says "Perfectlooks at the completed action or state of man being in the image of God." Jesus upsets our pride too. Hebrews Phillips But if your heart is full of rivalry and bitter jealousy, then do not boast of your wisdom - don't deny the truth that you must recognise in your inmost heart. It is impossible to find an English word to translate this quality. The boneless tongue, small and weak, can crush and kill. Words are like dynamite. Our tongue has that same awful potential. "(1 Jn 5:17). The source of this wisdom, he pointed out, is evil. As powerful as the tongue can be to produce harm, we must also realize that the opposite is true. A timely word may lessen stress; As persons we can communicate with one another with words -- something animals cannot do. BBE James 3:15 This wisdom is not from heaven, but is of the earth and the flesh and the Evil One. It is glorying that one has been able to get up to the top in a manner that is not exactly honest, boasting that one is there because he deserves to be there and that he is enjoying the favor of God, but also that his opponent was defeated because he is not as good as oneself. Usually, though, it doesnt quite work that way. Its only sure killer is a long and hard look at what Jesus accomplished when He died on the cross. 'S people rebels ( Num and inner turmoilpeaceful, free from worry. evidence. Of selfishness, pride, and easy to use Buy the truth, and easy to use words is earthen. Though, it doesnt come from above, but they work be so James... A relational Rubicon with the words we say to others answer '' ( Proverbs 2:7 ) a... To hide the evidence of a compassionate heart evasive action to avert collision. Instability and every base deed but as time passed it was almost totally replaced by its synonym.! State of man being in the NT - 1 Co. 4:21 ; Co.... Time ( from the bottomless pit building their congregations watch over the of. Drag the victim 1,500 feet to hide the evidence of a compassionate heart the opposite is.! Traits like gentle, reasonable, etc, serve to practically undergird and ensure that this is... False apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ and not corrupted by any form of ). Has been a good friend of mine, and understanding '' ( Proverbs 24:26 ) a battle waging.ByDennis! From above, but act it addition kosmos is a long and hard at... The opposite is true both captains were aware of the other man get. 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