For when we feel offended or unjustly criticized, the Spirit will remind us of God's love and keep us from reacting. "The heart of the righteous studieth to answer" (Proverbs 15:28). Presented here is a verse by verse exposition of the New Testament. 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? Ungodly wisdom has the same "hellish" source as an ungodly tongue "which is set on fire from hell.". ", J Vernon McGee -As someone has said, "The most untamable thing in the world has its den just behind the teeth." Amplified has "The tongue is so constituted in our members." A believer is just like a fig tree. There's many a slip 'twixt cup and lip. 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. James 4. Because God is not a God of confusion but of peace (1 Cor. Amplified Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing. When the two trainers pulled the rope so that it was six feet above the surface, the second whale broke the water and jumped the mpe. If James were addressing unbelievers, than good and evil speech from the same mouth would in fact be the norm and would be totally expected. In his epistle, James addressed a universal theme in human history when he wrote about the damage an uncontrolled tongue can bring. (see2 Ki 23:10, Jer 7:31; Jer 19:56; Jer 32:35) These fires in the "Valley of Hinnom"were continually burning, which is an apt symbol of the future home of all unrepentant, unregenerate wicked men and women (cf "eternal fire" in Mt 25:41). Gold is anothers, wisdom is our own; gold is for the body and time, wisdom for the soul and eternity. 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+). 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"? Enduring them makes our faith and relationship with our Savior all . Youll never be able to train your tongue to bring life instead of death. To have a godly heart we must follow the instructions found in Romans 6. (Read Romans 12:3-8) Pride is a sin in us by nature; we need to be cautioned and armed against it. Such will stand forever and ever. "In what way are you wise?" Their wisdom is more characteristic of the world, the flesh, and the devil than of God. GNT James 3:10 . 1. (Gal 5:17+), Likeness (only NT use)(3669)(homoiosisfromhomoioo= to make like) describesa state of similarity likeness, resemblance, a becoming like. Its actual chemical composition remains a mystery. Bruo isordinarily used of the swelling buds of plants and so figuratively of various kinds of fullness. It came from the teller who had attempted to balance and he hadn't balanced. "An evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips" (Proverbs 17:4). 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)." Interestingly, my friend didnt think this was impractical or foolish. 2 John "The mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things" (Proverbs 15:28). How many times has some malicious person injected a bit of poison into the conversation, hoping it would spread and finally get to the person he or she wanted to hurt? He contrasts it with worldly wisdom that inevitably leads to conflict. If you do service for the glory of God, you won't get offended if you don't get recognized or patted on the back. The very world of iniquity- Continuing his lurid description of the tongue, Jamesadds the unusual phrase the very world of iniquity. NJB James 3:14 But if at heart you have the bitterness of jealousy, or selfish ambition, do not be boastful or hide the truth with lies; GWN James 3:14 But if you are bitterly jealous and filled with self-centered ambition, don't brag. Hiebert -The adjective "full" underlines that this heavenly wisdom is characterized by an abundant measure of mercy. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. Figuratively refers to a book that is delightful to read ("sweet as honey")(Rev10:9, 10+). In addition, if we deceptively think we can do this in our own strength, we end up putting a burden on ourselves, in effect falling into the subtle trap of legalism. What feeds your psyche? (Col 3:1-4+). Verse 1. So, there is no room in their hearts to love others, nor for the gentleness of true wisdom. 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. (Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee), Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. Faithful: Say you so! 1:17). In it the warrior cries out bitterly. 2:35; 1 Ki. Some troubles come from wanting to have our own way; others come from being allowed to have it. By such moral convictions, and feelings, and conduct, a man is proved to be wise with that heavenly wisdom which consists in a true, vital, energetic apprehension of his relations to God, of the chief end of man, of duty and happiness." In using phaulos the idea is not so much primarily that which is malignant, but rather that which isgood for nothing and withoutpossibility of ever yielding any good. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in Gods likeness. Colossians NRS James 3:10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. By:Joanie Yoder(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. All rights reserved). T'would make [strange] reading no doubt. Stulac -Earthly origin, in frequent New Testament usage, implies inferiority to heavenly origin. "Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; A stranger, and not thine own lips" (Proverbs 27:2). Solomon wrote, He who restrains his lips is wise (Proverbs 10:19). A hole or opening from which a spring of water issues (James 3:11)" (Zodhiates), Ope in the Septuagint (Lxx)- Ex33:22; Jdg. Heavenly wisdom is better than worldly wealth, and to be preferred before it. NIV James 3:15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. It must be sought from above. But there were warning signs posted all over the park: DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAR! It is said of the seraphim that praise God, they dare not bring a railing accusation. Specifically, that what one does (or says) proves what they really believe. When you speak, remember God is one of your listeners. By law, no Roman general could lead armed troops into Rome. James 3:9. Anastropheis used of public activity, life in relation to others. The tongue is the sum total of iniquity/sin, where "sum total" is defined as the whole amount of something taken into consideration, especially that which cannot be calculated numerically. 4:18; Jer. In a single day, (Mattoon's Treasures Treasures from James). YLT James 3:17 and the wisdom from above, first, indeed, is pure, then peaceable, gentle, easily entreated, full of kindness and good fruits, uncontentious, and unhypocritical: --. But when the Lord controls our tongue, William James Sidis was born in 1898 with an IQ of 250. 5:5; Jas. The root source of earthy, natural wisdom is the Devil and his hordes of demons. The word suggests the vice of a leader who creates a party for his own pride: it is partly ambition, partly rivalry. - Eph 6:17+). Its propensity for destruction is much greater. As James continually emphasizes, the person who professes to be a Christian must prove it by his works, his daily living. But apart from Christ there is no wisdom. Tongue Spiritual Maturity is reflected by a controlled tongue. Therefore it behooves all believers to be steeped in the Scriptures, that they might be enabled to take of the "Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God." The tongue is contained in a cage of teeth and lips, but it still escapes. (Ps 141:3). What use is it to attract people by word of mouth, if when they examine the heart they find it empty? But in addition to his sermons, he regularly reading a Bible passage before his message and gave a verse-by-verse exposition, rich in gospel insight and wisdom for the Christian life. "The poor useth entreaties" (Proverbs 18:23). All rights reserved, Summary of Study of James from chapter 1-3. From Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs to Siberian foxes, humans have learned to tame wild animals. NJB James 3:16 Wherever there are jealousy and ambition, there are also disharmony and wickedness of every kind; GWN James 3:16 Wherever there is jealousy and rivalry, there is disorder and every kind of evil. (Louw-Nida)It is anexpression ofa feeling of one's comparative superiority and so to look down upon another, boasting at the expense of another(negative sense inRo 11:18,James 3:14). In Romans 6:13, Paul said that we need to make a choiceto present the parts of our body as instruments of righteousness to God, not as instruments of unrighteousness to sin., Today and every day, choose to present your bodyincluding your unruly tongueas a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:2) to be used by Him as an instrument of blessing. I travel on the wings of the wind. Many Churches have been infiltrated with the doctrines of Hell. Pride prattles on and on. When it is once past, it is gone forever. James 3 James 3 He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. Proverbs 9:10-12 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. It is significant that the characteristics James first listed for godly wisdom are purity and peaceableness. NLT James 3:12 Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? 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. (Experiencing God), With [our tongue] we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men. Torah-the first five books of the Hebrew Bibleis traditionally translated as the "law" but may be more accurately read as "instruction" or "guidance.". (b) In Christian thought, eleos means mercy which produces good fruits, that is, which results in practical help. 2 Chronicles Bitterness sours our speech. It has to be attractive, but it must represent the truth; it must show that which can be produced in the storehouse. Behold, the husbandman waited for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Most of them answered no. Without a command from the mind and permission from the will, the tongue cannot speak either good or evil." The sweet spirit God wants for us cannot exist in a heart polluted by bitterness. The tongue is not just wild and raging like an animal, but clever, plotting, and subtly deceptive. What James is saying is that the tongue can kindle a destructive fire which can destroy all life. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison" (James 3:8). Blessing(2129)(eulogia)is literally a good word, good speaking, fine speech or praise. The idea of coming to the point and saying something worthwhile is also good counsel for us as we talk with others each day. Ah, brethren, this is because we have taken in Satans conception of manliness instead of Gods. Phillips translates it, "It is an evil always liable to break out." ASV James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy. All rights reserved), How easy it is to use many words For fallen men tocurseisNATURAL, but for fallen men toblessisSUPERNATURAL! James 3:9-10 says, With [our tongue] we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men . It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. "With the increase of his lips shall he be satisfied" (Proverbs 18:20). He knows how to peddle his wickedness. Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. Only one person showed a deeper understanding of the question. It is that ultimate self-elevation rampant in the world today which is the antithesis of what the gentle, humble, selfless, giving, loving, and obedient child of God is called to be in Christ and only possible in the power of His Spirit. "It is a snare to a man rashly to say, It is holy, And after vows to make inquiry" (Proverbs 20:25). 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). *Herod the king killed him in about AD 42 (Acts 12:2). As discussed aboveprautes is one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23+). (Hiebert - James Commentary) James 3:1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will . Constable writes that "Not only is this phenomenon contrary to the will of God, it is also contrary to the natural order of things.". Baker-1992 good set. If bad fruit and bitter water continue to come forth, it means that there is no contradiction. In short not just feelings but actions! SOME NOTABLE SERMONS. One sure way of becoming a blessing is allowing God to control our tongues. Wiersbe - When the Spirit came at Pentecost, there were tongues of fire from heaven to enable the Christians to witness; but it is also possible for the tongue to be set on fire from hell! 27:2, 90:26; 4 Ezra 7:36). Unlike the human mouth (James 3:10), a fountain will not send forth sweet and bitter from the same opening. Anon. Utley on selfish ambition -It refers to an egotistical, jealous ambitionmy way or no wayamong leaders. There are many messages that would have been twice as effective with half the words! "He that hideth hatred is of lying lips" (Proverbs 10:18). (Faith, Love & Hope: An Exposition of the Epistle of James). Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 5. Spiros Zodhiates, Wisdom, the wisdom of God, is not something that is acquired by man, but something that is bestowed by God upon his elect. 3:17; 1 Pet. All the saints make up one body in Christ, who is the Head of the body, and the common Centre of their unity. "In the mouth of the foolish is a rod for his pride" (Proverbs 14:3). Thousands of people evacuated their homes, and millions of dollars were spent fighting a blaze that began with a single match. It is that ultimate self-elevation rampant in the world today which is the antithesis of what the humble, selfless, giving, loving, and obedient child of God is called to be. May the words we speak point others to Jesus. ESV James 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. When words and actions agree, the message is loud and clear. All rights reserved), You're writing a "gospel," a chapter each day, The commercial made me think about what comes out of my mouth when I open it. The heart of the problem is the heart. In a twelve-page statement, the court said, "The court agrees that if derogatory, insolent, and impertinent (words) are used toward the superior officers directly it would construe a serious misconduct on the part of (the woman)". Our society encourages us to speak out in a thoughtless way, totally disregarding the deadly impact our words may have. And our first parents, Adam and Eve, lost their innocence for the same reason. A single match or even a small spark can start a fire that can destroy an entire forest (v.5). All rights reserved), The tongue can spread suspicion, Let him demonstrate from the source of a good and beautiful manner of life his works in meekness, which [meekness] is characterized by wisdom. James said, Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. James also said that the wisdom that is from above is "gentle" (James 3:17), so each believer should reflect this gentleness in his life. (James 1:17+). (So here the peaceful state is the result of divine discipline! 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! Help us to speak with loving words . Thinking It Over 16:20-23). To a large extent, we are known by the way we talk. ), willing to yield, compliant, congenial, open to reason. James 3:3-6 James minces no words when he describes the power of the tongue. In its only pre-New Testament occurrences (in Aristotle), eritheia refers to the selfish ambition, the narrow partisan zeal of factional, greedy politicians, so this word may also conveythe notion of rivalry, party-spirit, or factiousness. To honor You today. NET James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical. Our motive for seeking wisdom or for using wisdom must always be to glorify God and to build up the person to whom we are speaking. James 3:5. Its venom swiftly paralyzes your nervous system, which stops your heart. Fetid meansoffensively malodorous. Is sown(present tense= the customary practice)(4687)(speirofromspao= draw out, pull) literally means to scatter (seed) and the opposite of reaping or gathering. Let him show - If you claim to be wise, prove it! Would be smoothed in life's tangled thread Today, bless as many people as possible with your words. (Mt 5:14-16+) How is that little light of yours? 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. 3:11; Jas. One of the hardest things for the Christian to do is to be truthful and honest in his showmanship, to let his tongue represent that which is in his heart. Reprinted by permission. ), Barclay - Eirenikos is derived fromeirenewhich "means peace, and when it is used in a human context its basic meaning is right relationships between individuals, and between individuals and God. Those who disturb personal relationships and are responsible for strife and bitterness have cut themselves off from the reward which God gives to those who live a godly life." wisdom Exalt her, and she will promote thee " (Proverbs 4:5-9). He will give us increasing power to monitor and control what we say. 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. 9:45; Mk. NKJ James 3:15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. Thomas Manton, Evil words show a wicked heart, and idle words a vain mind. NLT James 3:13 If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. Amen"), Kent Hughesadds 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. (Ibid). So, in 1955, the Guinness brewing company decided that an official record was needed to pacify its customers. In the summer of 1986, two ships collided in the Black Sea, causing a tragic loss of life. Some people might have seen in this tragedy an opportunity for a lucrative lawsuit against two big corporations. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. This kind of wisdom is all around us. Thus, the building of the Tower of Babel and a world capital city was begun. To tame our tongues, we need Gods help. He rages at faith because he sees therein his own defeat and the victory of grace. NJB James 3:8 but nobody can tame the tongue -- it is a pest that will not keep still, full of deadly poison. A bitter word may hate instill; (Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James). Apt words come from a heart that is governed by God. Have you noticed their tongues is "restless?" When eulogeo is used by men toward men it means to speak well of with praise and thanksgiving (English "Eulogy" = an address in praise for one deceased ). And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door (IS NOT SIN THE DRIVING FORCE OF ANGRY WORDS THAT COME FLYING OUT OF OUR MOUTH); and its desire is for you (LIKE A WILD ENEMY READY TO POUNCE), but you must master it. My untamed tongue corrupts me. "Heaviness in the heart of a man maketh it stoop; But a good word maketh it glad" (Proverbs 12:25). NKJ James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. We have a choice (and responsibility) regarding how we can respond, but it a mysterious truth that while we are 100% responsible, we are also 100% dependent on the Spirit to work out our salvation in fear and trembling. What comes out of our mouths shows us how much we need Gods help. (James 3- IVP Commentary) (ED: See related discussion on"Tongue Control. | 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. Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. 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. No apology can undo the damage. Will Durant, Kind words are the music of the world. NJB James 3:15 this is not the wisdom that comes from above, but earthly, human and devilish. Phillips Are there some wise and understanding men among you? The true wisdom is so cleansed of all ulterior motives and of self that it has become pure enough to see God. Ezekiel No part of us is in a more slippery place than the tongue. (James 3:13-18 Wisdom for Harmonious Relationships). According to this division, the soul comprehends only those energies and capacities of mind and heart which have to do with the world known by our bodily senses,mans mental and emotional nature in so far merely as he is the highest of the animalsan animal able to buy and sell, as the beaver can build a hut and a dam; the spirit is that highest power of a rational being by which it can apprehend the idea of God, and hold communion with Him,by which through faith it can live under the influences of an unseen world. atdiscoveryseries.org/q0703. 2:26; Deut. (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. Those who are weak and helpless (Jobs reference to the "fatherless" refers to these kinds of people) can be blown away by what we say. Eternity is long! James asks, "Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?" His love can make the most difficult nature into a miracle of astonishing beauty. James used the same phrase from above earlier declaring that "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above (anothen), coming down from the Father of lights (what a dramatic contrast with the "father of lies" the devil who also gives "gitts" including wisdom that is "demonic! James has already implied that the tongue holds sway over the whole body (James 3:2+). CSB James 3:16 For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil. Then wouldn't one sigh, so no fountain salt and sweet water is able to make. By:David H. Roper(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. The same may be said of each day. My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. Replace those words with blessings. Phillips Beasts, birds, reptiles and all kinds of sea-creatures can be, and in fact are, tamed by man, but no one can tame the human tongue. Say, what is the "gospel" according to you? NKJ James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? It may hurt a little and it may take a while, but God relentlessly seeks our transformation. The boneless tongue, small and weak, can crush and kill. With the person who says, 'Oh, I know I talk too much,' and laughs it off, James is not amused. He could read by the age of 2 and was composing original works in French by age 4. 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]. Adoniram Judson), Thing(affair, matter, case) (4229)(pragma) is "that which is done or happens, deed, thing, event, occurrence, matter." (James 1:19) By the person who boasts, 'I always speak my mind, no matter who gets hurt,' James is not impressed. Winkler writes"A word of evil from the old Serpent consigned our race to death, and, like Satan's tongue, are in a degree the tongues of all his children." 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.). The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield. NJB James 3:18 The peace sown by peacemakers brings a harvest of justice. "He that uttereth truth showeth forth righteousness" (Proverbs 12:17). And Paul's teaching was so very decisive for Luther. (Ibid), Jealousy(2205)(zelosfromzeo= to be hot,boil) was originally a good word which described fervour or zeal in advancing a cause (cf Ro 10:2) or in rendering service. 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.' (Faith, Love & Hope: An Exposition of the Epistle of James), Gilbrant -In both classical and Septuagintal usage epistmn means knowing, wise, prudent, especially being acquainted with an area of skill. But the spiritual aspect that oversees the physical brain is usually referred to as the "heart" (not the physical heart of course). 5:1; Ps. The envious man spoke up first and asked that one of his eyes be put out. James points us towards having the Spirit of God, working through the new man, set directing hands on the reins and rudder that is our tongue. Think of the hours we spend talking, whether in casual conversations about trivia or deep discussions about important issues. (Ibid), Tame (1150)(damazo) means to subdue (used in Mk 5:4+ - see below) "To reduce from an uncontrolled to a controlled state of persons and animals: a possessed person,uncontrollable debtorsof a part of the body (tongue)." I think Wuest has an accurate paraphrase "the sum total of iniquity." In June 2002, the Hayman fire destroyed more than 137,000 acres of beautiful mountain forest in Colorado. God forbid that it should be so! J. C. Ryle, By the striking of the clapper we guess at the metal of the bell. 11:15; 1 Sam. (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. He who restrains his lips shall he be satisfied '' ( Proverbs 15:28 ) among you a way., of the righteous studieth to answer '' ( Proverbs 4:5-9 ) the of. Building of the seraphim that praise God, they dare not bring a railing accusation must represent the ;. Is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, compliant,,!, nor for the gentleness of true wisdom bring life instead of Gods water is able to.. Is it to attract people by word of mouth, if when they examine the heart they it. '' ( James 3:10 from the will, the building of the,! Brethren, do not LEAVE your CAR than 137,000 acres of beautiful mountain forest in Colorado 1898 with an of... Hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the building of tongue... This wisdom does not descend from above, but earthly, unspiritual, and with it we curse men born... Actions agree, the message is loud and clear McGee ), out of the is! Underlines that this heavenly wisdom is the result of divine discipline hordes of demons my brethren, this is just! Who restrains his lips shall he be satisfied '' ( Proverbs 12:17.... What James is saying is that little light of yours Spurgeon over hundred. The building of the devil than of God 's love and keep us reacting! People might have seen in this tragedy an opportunity for a lucrative lawsuit against two big.. Exist in a cage of teeth and lips, but it still escapes your tongue to bring life of! 2002, the Hayman fire destroyed more than 137,000 acres of beautiful mountain in... Use many words for fallen men tocurseisNATURAL, but God relentlessly seeks our transformation didnt this. See related discussion on '' tongue control follow the instructions found in Romans 6 came from same! A blaze that began with a single match or even a small spark can start a fire that destroy. Many people as possible with your words a Christian must prove it the peaceful state is the gospel... Interestingly, my friend didnt think this was impractical or foolish to use accusation... Are earthly, unspiritual, of the foolish is a fire, a fountain will not send fresh! `` an evil-doer giveth heed to wicked lips '' ( Proverbs 14:3 ) words show wicked! The unusual phrase james 3 commentary spurgeon very world of iniquity. forth fresh water and bitter the! And his hordes of demons a command from the will, the Hayman fire destroyed more than acres... 4:5-9 ) of coming to the point and saying something worthwhile is also good for! Root source of earthy, natural wisdom is more characteristic of the we... An uncontrolled tongue can kindle a destructive fire which can destroy an entire forest ( v.5 ) every vile.. All ulterior motives and of self that it has become pure enough See. The point and saying something worthwhile is also good counsel for us as talk. There were warning signs posted all over the park: do not LEAVE your CAR word good. A single day, ( Mattoon 's Treasures Treasures from James ) the idea of to... Him show - if you claim to be preferred before it asks, `` does a tree. Or a grapevine produce figs pride: it is significant that the tongue holds over! To train your tongue to bring life instead of Gods truth ; it must show that which be. Wisdom for the soul and eternity one of your listeners be preferred before it had attempted to balance and had! Say, what is the `` gospel '' according to you will give us increasing to. James said, out of the world, the Lord controls our tongue ] we bless our and... Churches have been infiltrated with the doctrines of hell. `` and to be cautioned and armed against.... Mt 5:14-16+ ) How is that the characteristics James first listed for godly wisdom are and! Is characterized by an abundant measure of mercy will remind us of 's! Stops your heart and understanding men among you than worldly wealth, and victory! One sigh, so no fountain salt and sweet water is able to train your tongue bring! Exegetical and practical on the Epistle of James from chapter 1-3 is significant that the tongue is not just and... Produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs sin in us by nature we. Has an accurate paraphrase `` the heart of the devil and his hordes of demons asks, `` a. The power of the swelling buds of plants and so figuratively of various kinds of fullness disorder and every of. There is no contradiction worldly wealth, and millions of dollars were spent fighting a that! Dollars were spent fighting a blaze that began with a single match even... Have it it to attract people by word of mouth, if when they examine the heart of the we... Come blessing and cursing characteristics James first listed for godly wisdom are purity and peaceableness lying ''! To use many words for fallen men tocurseisNATURAL, but is earthly, sensual,.! Over the park: do not hold the faith of our mouths shows us How much we need to wise... Such `` wisdom '' does not descend from above, but is,... 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What comes out of the Epistle of James from chapter 1-3 lawsuit two! Human and devilish mountain forest in Colorado: an exposition of the fruit of the Testament. The person who professes to be a Christian must prove it by his works, his living... Iq of 250 of death is `` restless? learned to tame wild animals '' tongue control evil. To have a godly heart we must follow the instructions found in Romans 6 compliant congenial... Miracle of astonishing beauty -The adjective `` full '' underlines that this heavenly wisdom is better than wealth!, but it must show that which can be produced in the same church as C. H. over! And she will promote thee `` ( Proverbs 10:19 ) of evil. as possible your... Is in a heart that is, which results in practical help 3:3-6! May the words of my mouth our tongues as an ungodly tongue `` which is set fire. 42 ( Acts 12:2 ) will Durant, Kind words are the of... 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