Thats surprising, because we normally equate wisdom with something good. Sper, John Phillips -Try as we might, we cannot prevent the tongue from lashing out at times. We can feel imprisoned by hard feelings, strained relationships, and confining circumstances. They aimed bitter speech as their arrow). When you control fire, you generate power. GNT James 3:11 ; NLT James 3:11 Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Jeremiah "To receive instruction in wise dealing" (Proverbs 1:3). When our words are right, they can be a powerful force for good. Gilbrant -In classical literature this word means keen, sharp, pointed, but it has specific meanings when associated with different nouns. Sometimes we hear a desperate survival story of someone who cuts off their own leg to get free from a tree that has fallen on them, and then they make it to a hospital for medical treatment. Churches ought to be concerned about building their congregations. Here it denotes the incongruity of blessing and cursing coming out of the same mouth. Opening (3692)(ope) means a hole, a cleft (as in a rock - see Lxx use in Ex 33:22), a hole in the ground either large or small. When the listener could stand it no longer, he got up and slipped out a For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men (TO WHOM CURSING COMES NATURALLY)? 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 church gets run by worldly management techniques, evangelism gets watered down by a half gospel that avoids the harsh reality of human depravity in order to avoid offending someone, and counseling gets corrupted by secular psychology. The psalmist describes this hypocritical "forked tongue".. All rights reserved), The tongue can spread suspicion, For fallen men tocurseisNATURAL, but for fallen men toblessisSUPERNATURAL! Amplified Does a fountain send forth [simultaneously] from the same opening fresh water and bitter? And no one was able to bind him anymore, even with a chain; 4 because he had often been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him and the shackles broken in pieces, and no one was strong enough to subdue(damazo) him. Here in Jameskataradescribes human utterance which desires evil on someone (imprecation) (. (James 2:15-16+) God's wisdom motivates us to build up rather than tear down. From strife and enmity; And yet, everyone still stumbles. "Hear counsel, and receive instruction, That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end" (Proverbs 19:20). `Wisdom crieth aloud in the street " (Proverbs 1:20-33). If we look earnestly and in faith, we can find God's way for doing ministry in Scripture, often the last place we go. Be arrogant(2620)(Katakauchaomaifromkata= against +kauchaomai= to boast) means to boast against. Charles Simeon, We can be certain that God wants us to be wise, just as we are sure that he wants us not to sin. Although she had planned to have her teacher approve the experiment, her classmates persuaded her to perform it outside the classroom. Wuest says "The tongue is so constituted in our members.". 2 John uh, yes, honey, I suppose He did., Then, Daddy, she said, which one did God believe? (Swindoll's Living Insights). Like all wisdom among men on moral questions, which is only earthly, only natural, it is devilishdevil-like. The tongue itself is kindled with the very "FIRE OF HELL." (Ibid). Thousands of people evacuated their homes, and millions of dollars were spent fighting a blaze that began with a single match. 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. "Buy the truth, and sell it not; Yea, wisdom, and instruction, and understanding" (Proverbs 23:23). James 1:5. He has the wits of a withering world. Morris Gilber, A sanctified heart is better than a silver tongue. Very little warning precedes the sudden attack of the dangerous Bengal tiger. James makes the point that heavenlywisdom is not just what one knows (intellectual) but how one lives (behavioral). Heart transformation begins with confession and repentance. THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF A SERMON. Wuest For every creature, quadrupeds and birds and reptiles and marine life, is controlled and has been controlled by mankind. Reprinted by permission. ), Another Prayer - So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom. It's when you feel like you have to say something that you end up saying the dumbest things. Frederick W. Faber, The heart of a fool is in his mouth, but the mouth of a wise man is in his heart. (Ibid), Hiebert on peaceable -"Then peace-loving" names the first of the external qualities flowing from the inner purity of this wisdom. Steven Cole on wisdom that is pure -It may point to moral purity, but in the context here, it especially has the sense of being free from any jealousy or selfish ambition. All the saints make up one body in Christ, who is the Head of the body, and the common Centre of their unity. He said to me, "Vernon, I hope you are going to be a genuine preacher and a genuine servant of God." --Dennis De Haan. (Pr 2:6). I think Wuest has an accurate paraphrase "the sum total of iniquity." 35:20; Ps. All Joy in All Trials. Sometimes in Scripture, as commonly among ourselves, man is spoken of as consisting of a body and a soul, in which case soul is used in the widest sense. "He that uttereth a slander is a fool" (Proverbs 10:18). (Mt 15:19) Thesinful traits ofbitter jealousy and selfish ambition are sure marks of a life dominated by worldly wisdom. James 3:18. Aletheiais that which is not concealed, but instead is is that which is seen or expressed as it really is. 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. All rights reserved), SOME TALK ABOUT TALK Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? (Ibid). 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. All rights reserved), Words spoken rashly do more harm than good. There were many teachers or rabbins among the Jews, each affecting to have THE truth, and to draw disciples after him. Most people have great difficulty admitting that they are bitter. "Scoffers set a city in a flame; But wise men turn away wrath" (Proverbs 29:8). NIV James 3:11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? Amen. - James 3:18)." Does this describe you (and me) dear reader? James pictures the tongue as a death bringing king cobra always ready to strike. Phillips translates it, "It is an evil always liable to break out." By:David C. McCasland, O Prince of Peace, keep us, we pray, It has no place for God or the things of God. Epistemon in the Septuagint (Lxx)-Deut. Eritheiadescribes personal gratification and self-fulfillment at any cost, which are the ultimate goals of all fleshly endeavors. James 3:5. (Ibid). So if we see someone in need and "do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?" Remove its subtle lie; Have you noticed their tongues is "restless?" It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison (James 3:8). ESV James 3:12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Though it doesn't happen fast; They could have bitten their tongue the moment they said them. Christian pity is the reflection of God's pity, and that went out to men and women not only when they were suffering unjustly but also when they were suffering through their own fault. And help us to control our tongues (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. 2:18; Jas. Nothing is so opened more by mistake than the mouth. Commentary on Romans 12:3-8. World(2889)(kosmos) has several meanings, but the one which is most apropos for James 3:6 is that by BDAG which defines kosmos as "the sum total of everything here and now." Amen. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. 1. It has taken us many more days to rid the house of this fetid smell. So well not bring on You disgrace. Then we can be sure that what we say will be consistent and will bless others. The prescription James offers is to seek the wisdom from above. he is saying, in effect, "and in what way are you understanding? As long as there is fuel for temptation we cannot be secure; he that hath gunpowder about him will be afraid of sparkles. 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." NJB James 3:13 Anyone who is wise or understanding among you should from a good life give evidence of deeds done in the gentleness of wisdom. He offended the Pharisees when He said, Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man (vv.11-12). KJV James 3:9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Demonstrate your living faith by living with godly wisdom. (Ibid). Hiebert on behavior -His winsome daily conduct should demonstrate his possession of the needed practical insight and understanding to deal with the daily problems of life. James 3:6, Today's Scripture & Insight: James 3:112, It wasnt as simple as just crossing another river. Yet most people today have never heard of John Gill. CSB James 3:12 Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine produce figs? Proverbs 13:3. "He that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel" (Proverbs 12:15). (ED: And Jesus responded with wisdom from above which trumped Satan's earthly wisdom! The evidence of false wisdom in control (James 3:1416) Christian: Know him! We either exhibit the works of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21+) or display the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. Controlling our tongue is difficult because it is an unruly evil (v.8). NIV James 3:8 but no man can tame the tongue. Gentle(1933)(epieikesfromep= upon - intensifies meaning+eiks= fair, equitable) is a Greek word that is difficult to translate. Promote health with wise words (Proverbs 12:18). One is truly wise who gains his wisdom from above. Davids companions suggested that God had delivered Saul to them, and they urged David to kill him (vv.4,10). - The rhetorical question expects a strong negative reply. "Lying lips are an abomination to Jehovah" :12:22). a. And whereabout does he dwell? We have been blessed by our Lords words, so let us in return be a blessing for His glory. without hypocrisy. Amplified Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing. "A wise man maketh a glad father" (Proverbs 10:1). They speak about having an open mind and about suspending judgment. For every word in Hitler's book, Mein Kampf, 125 lives were lost in World War II. But apart from Christ there is no wisdom. We are to extend the mercy that we have received to other undeserving sinners." God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason, the saying goes. James i. (Pr 10:19) When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise. Our own words may not have caused wars or wrecked cities, but they can break hearts and ruin reputations. What James is saying is that the tongue can kindle a destructive fire which can destroy all life. That's right! There are 7 uses in the Septuagint (Lxx)where it most often means something like "similarity. If we listen to ourselves before speaking out loud, we can judge our hearts before our careless words harm others or sadden our God. Reprinted by permission. A passage in the Bible actually seems to call such attitudes wise. We may think were godly people because we go to church regularly or pray, but then we gossip or talk about people behind their backs. We train. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Lest we think that Christians do the blessing and non-Christians do the cursing, we need to remember that James was writing to Christians. NIV James 3:15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. "There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword" (Proverbs 12:18). Johnstone on demonic/devilish -But something more awful still has to be said of this wicked wisdom. Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. James chapter three even declares this tiniest instrument of speech to be harder to tame than the most ravaging creatures in nature. (Today in the Word), Wisdom and knowledge are two elements of human life which, though immaterial, are real and determine the use of the material tongue. . Do you talk too much and not give opportunity for others to speak? Thomas Manton, Evil words show a wicked heart, and idle words a vain mind. Under his tongue is mischief and wickedness. A group where there is bitterness and strife (selfish ambition) is a barren soil in which the seeds of righteousness can never grow and out of which no reward can ever come. By:Bill Crowder(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Robert Johnstone gives us an excellent extended explanation of natural (sensual) wisdom (It is long but worth reading--I had to read it twice.) Or, you want to prove that you are right so that you look good, but you excuse your pride by telling yourself that you are contending for the faith. This person behind the curtain reminds me of a problem we as Christians experience today. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof" (Proverbs 18:21). THE SECRET OF A CONTROLLED TONGUE BYTHEODORE EPP. "A whisperer separateth chief friends" (Proverbs 16:28). The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our bodies. 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!) They have listened to one another, respected one another, judged their own selfishness and pride, and sought to live in accordance with godly wisdom, not worldly wisdom.". 20:11; Deut. Reprinted by permission. The first recorded words of an organized human society were words of rebellion against God, humanistic and self-centered: "Let us Let us Let us" (Ge11:3-4). But Jesus can. 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. More self-denial, like His in Galilee, "God is not a God of confusion (akatastasia = same word James uses in 3:16) but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." Lord, make me conscious today of the words I choose and the way I use them. If you are being polluted by bitterness, isn't it time for God's freshness? "Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding" (Proverbs 14:33). of God, Who gives to all generously (haplous) and without reproach, and it will be given to him." One is from God, and the other is from the devil. The word pure here denotes purity of heart and intent. Like a chain that ties us to the past, we carry unresolved anger in our hearts wherever we go. Jesus taught that "out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders." He simply won't stop!" (Ibid), Gilbrant comments that "it is absolutely inconsistent for the Christian to bless God and then curse man made in the likeness of God. . So what is the solution? C. S. Lewis, Surely the essence of wisdom is that before we begin to act at all, or attempt to please God, we should discover what it is that God has to say about the matter. John Bitterness on the inside will eventually manifest itself on the outside. But unruly tongues accomplish the same results. One Man has been shown us by God, in Whom His ideal of man was embodied; and He, when He was reviled, reviled not again; when He suffered, threatened not, but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously: (1 Peter 2:23+)He for those who nailed Him to the tree prayed, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. (Lk 23:34+) The worlds spirit of wrath, then, must be folly; whilst than a spirit of meekness (gentleness)like His (JESUS), in the midst of controversy, oppositions, trials of whatever kind, there can be no surer evidence that Jesus is made of God to His people wisdom.(Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James)(Bold added), Zodhiates -When everything goes wrong and troubles abound and the Christian can still go about his duties in life without revolting against God, against Wisdom, then he is possessed with this wonderful meekness of wisdom. As discussed aboveprautes is one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:23+). 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Members. `` awful still has to be concerned about building their congregations Proverbs 12:18 ) harm than.. Proverbs 14:33 ) the james 3 commentary spurgeon pure here denotes purity of heart and intent often means something like ``.. A World of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our bodies in nature He restrains!
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