James 3
James 3 can be divided into two main themes. First (verses 1-12) contains teachings about the power and danger of the tongue, and second (verses 13-18) contains instruction about true wisdom and false wisdom. This chapter provides practical guidance on how the role of speech and true wisdom should appear in the life of believers.
1verseLet not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment.
2verseFor we all stumble in many things. Anyone who doesn’t stumble in word is a perfect person, able to bridle the whole body also.
3verseIndeed, we put bits into the horses’ mouths so that they may obey us, and we guide their whole body.
4verseBehold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires.
5verseSo the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small fire can spread to a large forest!
6verseAnd the tongue is a fire. The world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by Gehenna.
7verseFor every kind of animal, bird, creeping thing, and sea creature is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind;
8versebut nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9verseWith it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in the image of God.
10verseOut of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
11verseDoes a spring send out from the same opening fresh and bitter water?
12verseCan a fig tree, my brothers, yield olives, or a vine figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh water.
13verseWho is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good conduct that his deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom.
14verseBut if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and don’t lie against the truth.
15verseThis wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic.
16verseFor where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.
17verseBut the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18verseNow the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
The Power and Responsibility of the Tongue (Verses 1-12)
- The responsibility of teachers (verses 1-2): James says that those who teach the Word—that is, teachers—carry a greater responsibility, and he urges everyone not to try so hard to become teachers easily.
- The impact of the tongue (verses 3-6): James warns that while small things (words) can bring great outcomes, the power of speech can affect the whole life. Just as a small fire can burn a forest, the tongue can also bring about great evil.
- The difficulty of controlling it (verses 7-12): Although humans can tame all kinds of animals, the tongue cannot be tamed; James points out that it produces double-minded speech (blessings and curses). He emphasizes that true believers should show consistency between their words and their actions.
True Wisdom and False Wisdom (Verses 13-18)
- The appearance of true wisdom (verses 13-14): James says that a wise and discerning person must demonstrate his wisdom through good conduct and gentleness. He warns against confusing false wisdom with wisdom that arises from jealousy and strife.
- Wisdom that comes from above (verses 15-18): He explains that it is not wisdom that comes from the world, the flesh, or evil, but that wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, considerate, and full of mercy and good fruits. He urges the saints to live in such a way that peace is made.
Meditation Points
- In everyday life, am I checking to see what effect my words are having?
- Is the wisdom shown in my life based on worldly standards, or is it the wisdom of gentleness and peace that God gives?
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Use of words: I also commit to recognizing the power of my tongue moment by moment, and to living in a way that lets my blessing and good words spread good influence to those around me.
- Pursuing wisdom: By seeking wisdom that comes from above, I can practice filling my life with gentleness and peacefulness rather than jealousy and strife.
