23:15; Matt. 3:6. Psalm 34:13 Keep thy tongue from evil and thy lips from speaking guile. (Ro 12:14+), Bless (present imperative- Need for the Holy Spirit)those who curse you, pray(present imperative- Need for the Holy Spirit) for those who mistreat you. When words and actions agree, the message is loud and clear. For the glory of God, and with respect for His standards, lets watch our words. Morse pointed out that dictionary publishers dont invent words or decide the meanings that words will have. He simply won't stop!" I have no regard for truth, no respect for justice, no mercy for the defenseless. But it does not have to be a troublemaker! As a pastor, I have seen poisonous tongues do great damage to individuals, families, classes, and entire churches. The only other NT use is Jude 1:23+ "save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garmentpolluted (spiloo in perfect tense) by the flesh." Colossians . Think about that. (Ibid). If you are always stirring up controversy over petty issues, you are not acting with godly wisdom. (Ps 90:12), Ultimately spiritual wisdom comes from the Spirit of Jesus Christ and was modelled perfectly by our Lord about Whom Isaiah prophesied "The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him (Mt 3:16), The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and strength, The spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. James makes the point that heavenlywisdom is not just what one knows (intellectual) but how one lives (behavioral). Jesus upset their pride. "Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity Than he that is perverse in his lips and is a fool" (Proverbs 19:1). For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). One of the tellers there was also a soloist in a church in downtown Nashville. So yespeople still reflect God's image, albeit badly marred by sin. The idea is to imprecate (= to invoke) evil on someone saying that a supernatural power will cause harm to someone or something. 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. Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James, Paradoxical Principle of 100% Dependent and 100% Responsible, Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary. In a single day, "Jehovah by wisdom founded the earth " (Proverbs 3:19,20). NRS James 3:9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God. One of the marks that a man has been born again is that his tongue is now controlled. Ruth Woe! A legendary Burmese potter became jealous of the prosperity of a washerman. Have Thine own way! We are so apt to say, of someone in trouble, 'It is his own fault' or 'She brought it on herself', and therefore to feel no responsibility ourselves. Interesting! We can make sure we are in the Spirit's control by incorporating Scripture into our life and by asking the Spirit to direct our thoughts and actions each day. As members of Gods church, we need to be rivets without defect. Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (Ibid), Barton adds that "Flames of hate, prejudice, slander, jealousy, and envy seem to come from the very lake of fire where Satan will be punished (see Revelation 20:10, 14-15), Kent Hughes -The uncontrolled tongue has a direct pipeline to Hell! HAVE YOU BELIEVED IN JESUS THE PERSONIFICATION OF WISDOM? Gossip, like other sins, is like ''dainty morsels" (Pr26:22). "Keep sound wisdom and discretion" (Proverbs 3:21). He had been contrasting the wisdom from beneath with that from above. Of course the ultimate example of gentleness is Jesus Christ as Paul alluded to in 2 Cor 10:1speaking of "the meekness (prautes) and gentleness (epieikeia) of Christ." For more on how to "imitate" Jesus see related discussion of Walking Like Jesus Walked. (MacArthur New Testament Commentary James). (Ibid). It begs the question of each of us as followers of Christ -- am I conducting my life being primarily guided by godly wisdom which will yield "good fruits" (2 Cor 5:10+) or am I ordering my steps along a path laced with a liberal admixture of ungodly wisdom which will yield virtually no "good fruits"? We must know what our position is in Christ; we must reckon, or count, upon it as being true because it is true; and we must yield ourselves completely to Christ (see vv. Deep in the jungles of India, a serious threat looms over the native missionaries and their people as they lay asleep in their thatched huts. (James 3- IVP Commentary) (ED: See related discussion on"Tongue Control. (Proverbs 15:23). Bitter water also can destroy our spiritual lives. The meaning seems to be similar, and the same translation would be clearer here: Let him show by a good course of life his works. The works (ergon) here spoken of, and the good (beautiful, noble)(kalos) course of life, are the same, but looked at in different lights. Anon. The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits. Used 6x in NT -Rom. 7:3; Zech. The tongue is not just wild and raging like an animal, but clever, plotting, and subtly deceptive. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: The fire of the tongue has been used to burn many. Burkitt is somewhat pithy, and for a modern rather rich and racy, but he is far from deep, and is frequently common-place. (Psalm62:4 ). Reprinted by permission. Thousands of people evacuated their homes, and millions of dollars were spent fighting a blaze that began with a single match. Matthew Henry, Unaided wisdom, with its strongest wing, can only flutter in the vale of vanity. Richard Sibbes, Some mens tongues bite more than their teeth. John Phillips adds that "We were born with a nature that can do nothing right (Ro7:18+), and we have been born again, heirs to a nature that can do nothing wrong (1 Jn 3:9+). Burdick says this is "a way of saving that it comes from the devil." (Mt 5:14-16+) How is that little light of yours? (Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James)(Bold added). One day she went to another village and followed some girls into a mission school. "When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise" (Proverbs 21:11). (a) Eupeiths can mean always ready to obey. The peacemakers are those who live by the heavenly wisdom, which is first pure and then peaceable, that is, by righteousness. This passage begins with a stern warning to those who teach and proceeds to a set of pronouncements, nearly a tirade, on how the human tongue Continue reading "Commentary on James 3:1-12" By:Randy Kilgore(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. 9:47; Lk. ", 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. "When the wise is instructed, he receiveth knowledge" (Proverbs 21:11). 141:3). It is followed by obedience to Gods Word. Used 5x in NT -Phil. Amen. 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. It is the ability to live in a manner pleasing to God because you understand His truth and you live in constant submission to His Spirit, applying that truth to all of life. "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). Hiebert -The adjective "full" underlines that this heavenly wisdom is characterized by an abundant measure of mercy. We cannot overvalue the blessing of godly speech at all times. 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. Neither can salt water yield fresh. : Pass. "The heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness" (Proverbs 12:23). But there is a difference between worldly and spiritual wisdom (1Cor. These pictures make me want to cry out to the Holy Spirit to make Psalm 141:3 my continual protection! It gives a picture of our basic human nature, made in God's image but fallen into sin. Several writers favor the meaning of the truth to be the Gospel which as Christians they professed to accept and promote. Truth is not just doctrinal knowledge, but also godly living. The Bible recognizes that communication, a central component of our lives, needs to be monitored with great care. Actions dont always speak louder than wordsyour tongue can undo everything you do. Figuratively,karposis used of the consequence of physical, mental, or spiritual action. When we are pure (James 3:17), strong (Eph. If we attempt to accomplish this relying on our own natural strength, we are guaranteed to experience futility and failure("Why doesn't my Christian life work the way it should?"). Do not be arrogantlie- James issues two commandsbothpresent imperative with a negative, which means stop an action already in progress or do not let it begin. (Ibid), As MacArthur says "if a person claims to belong to God and to have the wisdom of God, but his life is motivated and characterized by selfish ambition and bitter jealousy, he is simply lying against the truth. -David Roper(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. A short intellect usually has a long tongue. 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. (See below) The harsh reality is that many a man speaks with perfect courtesy to strangers and preaches love and gentleness and yet snaps with ungracious and impatient anger at his family. But the spiritual aspect that oversees the physical brain is usually referred to as the "heart" (not the physical heart of course). Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. He who has a constant longing for wisdom will persistently pray for it. My victims are as numerous as the sands of the sea, and often as innocent. (Ibid). A believer is just like a fig tree. 5:22, 23+). 1 Timothy 1:27; Jas. When one speaks of his wisdom and knowledge, it is a sure sign that he has little of either. "The heart of the righteous studieth to answer" (Proverbs 15:28). Blessing(2129)(eulogia)is literally a good word, good speaking, fine speech or praise. (Thru The Bible). E. Stanley Jones, Sharp tongues have a way of sharpening other tongues. And then just suppose Men read what you write, whether faithless or true 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 5for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer. (Proverbs 20:6). Is this your whole choir?. Would be smoothed in life's tangled thread (Ibid), Modesty is the badge of wisdom. That's one little animal which no zoo has in captivity, no circus can make it perform, no man can tame it. C. H. Spurgeon, Tongues are more terrible instruments than can be made with hammers and anvils, and the evil which they inflict cuts deeper and spreads wider. My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. "The mouth of the righteous shall deliver them" (Proverbs 12:6). NIV James 3:7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man. Promote health with wise words (Proverbs 12:18). Will be reflective of Your grace; People enjoy teaching monkeys to act in commercials or training deer to eat out of their hands. without partiality and without hypocrisy. NRS James 3:12 Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? He knows how to peddle his wickedness. He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:8). All too often, when we speak we remind everyone of our brokenness as human beings. NAB James 3:13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Lord, please guard my heart and my words today. To gracious people? I liked him well enough till I had read abler works and . 15:18). Only God can turn bitter water sweet. In the summer of 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea, causing a tragic loss of life. If we take the word in this sense, it means that the truly wise are always ready to obey whenever God's voice comes to them. (1) The principle established. Upon approaching its unsuspecting victim, it quickly chooses between two methods of capture. The rock from which they sprang determined the quality of the water, such as at Elim or conversely at Marah. Don Anderson -If our lives are under the control of the HOLY SPIRIT, the Spirit will produce within us TONGUE CONTROL as one of the EVIDENCES OF HIS WORK. Amplified But the human tongue can be tamed by no man. 3:11-12). 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