Zeph 1:14Near is the great day of the LORD, Near and coming very quickly; Listen, the day of the LORD! 9:45; Mk. Matthew Henry (18 October 1662 - 22 June 1714) was an English commentator on the Bible, who published his works in 1706, (six-volume Exposition of the Old and New Testaments (1708-1710) or Complete Commentary), provides an exhaustive verse by verse study of the Bible, covering the whole of the Old Testament, and the Gospels and Acts in the New Testament. 11:15; 1 Sam. 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. And prove Thy good and perfect will. His attitude is "It's my life and I want my way." James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. According to company president John M. Morse, protesters demanded that a specific word be deleted because it is derogatory and offensive. b. 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)". The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. When there is a discrepancy between what we say and what we do, we create confusion in the minds of our "audience." The idea is to imprecate (= to invoke) evil on someone saying that a supernatural power will cause harm to someone or something. Think of the hours we spend talking, whether in casual conversations about trivia or deep discussions about important issues. 4:6; Isa. Literally "the wheel of birth ("wheel of existence")." Fresh (1099)(glukus) literally means sweet (opposite of pikros), literally in James 3:11, 12. (Pr 26:20) So if there is no"wood" (no gossip, put downs, derogatory statements, etc, made by others in your hearing), the tongue is not set on fire! All of our conduct and conversation stems from either the one nature or the other. "The mouth of the righteous bringeth forth wisdom" (Proverbs 10:31). Lord, help us to control our tongues, He alone is worthy and is able to give us victory. She saw him go to the homes where there were sickness, death, and sorrow, and she watched him as he moved about the village, though she never heard him speak in public. George Barlow, Wisdom has never made a bigot, but learning has. GNT James 3:17 , , , , , , . Spurgeon -It would be a monstrosity, a thing to be wondered at, and stared at as unnatural and absurd if a fig tree started bearing olive berries and it is just as unnatural for a Christian to live in sin. ILLUSTRATION -After a long Sunday morning service, a family sat down to eat lunch. ASV James 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is a restless evil, it is full of deadly poison. 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. 1:27; Jas. Then we can be sure that what we say will be consistent and will bless others. The Englishman was a new believer and was excited about his faith. The tongue itself is kindled with the very "FIRE OF HELL." Wesley. (Pr 2:6). . 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. "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom " (Proverbs 3:13-18). 8:16. Do we feel burdened when others fail, or are we glad? "The heart of the wise instructeth his mouth, And addeth learning to his lips" (Proverbs 16:23). to subdue or conquer, Id. Jesus said, The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out the evil stored up in his heart. They aimed bitter speech as their arrow). Thomas Manton, Evil words show a wicked heart, and idle words a vain mind. Godly words can come only from a godly heart. We have this promise: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to [you] (1:5). Instead, he imagined what it must do for a church to put such unselfishness at the heart of everything it did! I will give you a further discovery of him. how much of real knowledge and mental power has been wasted in such bitterness! Paul R VanGorder (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. The show window is important, but the storehouse is even more so. Anon. In all my works Thy presence find, When I saw this truth, I was forced to admit the truth of the next line: "But the tongue can no man tame " I asked the Lord to keep mine cleansed so that it might praise the Lord in holiness. Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist- Amplified - "For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition).". And as James taught in James 3:14, both of these sinful attitudes are hidden in and originate from the heart. 1:3; Zech. Psalm 1 is a wisdom psalm that serves as the preface to the psalter, sharing literary and theological relationship with the Torah. Once I even heard him use the Lords name in vain. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. One of the marks that a man has been born again is that his tongue is now controlled. YLT James 3:7 For every nature, both of beasts and of fowls, both of creeping things and things of the sea, is subdued, and hath been subdued, by the human nature. The ability to listen is an essential life skill. -Sper. "A gentle tongue is a tree of life" (Proverbs 15:4). But ultimately, their minds are set on themselves, & the things they want are really just offerings to the false god of self. James 3:16. These pictures make me want to cry out to the Holy Spirit to make Psalm 141:3 my continual protection! After he has spoken of wisdom which comes from God, he wants to impress us with the fact that there are things that we can learn from others and put into practice. Ecclesiastes 5:2 Notice how the list of traits like gentle, reasonable, etc, serve to practically undergird and ensure that this wisdom is peaceable. He said to me, "Vernon, I hope you are going to be a genuine preacher and a genuine servant of God." The tongue is a little member, but it has great power.Give God your tongue and your heart each day and ask Him to use you to be a blessing to others. Only one person showed a deeper understanding of the question. Amplified But the wisdom from above is first of all pure (undefiled); then it is peace-loving, courteous (considerate, gentle). Newspapers reported that the boy genius did not want to think. Some say Sidiss retreat from public attention was intentionalhe wanted to live a normal life. It is full of mercy and good deeds. Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? If we are honest with ourselves, we must admit that much of our conversation is nothing more than empty talk. That would only be to do mischief; but pure minds may be stirred as much as you please, and the more the better. Today, bless as many people as possible with your words. Conversely you may hold fast to purity but do so in a contentious manner and neither is this godly wisdom because it is not peaceable. Prautesis a quality of gentle friendliness -strength under control (specifically the Holy Spirit's supernatural control), meekness (as strength that accommodates to another's weakness), restrained patience, patient trust in the midst of difficult circumstances. Its good to ask from time to time: Am I growing in wisdom? After all, life is relentlessly dynamic. 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. J. I. Packer, Wisdom is always an overmatch for strength. As a pastor, I have seen poisonous tongues do great damage to individuals, families, classes, and entire churches. --Psalm 39:1, Human beings are more than mere animals; we have been made in God's image. He has the wits of a withering world. "The ear that hearkeneth to the reproof of life Shall abide among the wise" (Proverbs 15:31). Matthew Henry -How absurd is it that those who use their tongues in prayer and praise should ever use them in cursing, slandering, and the like! He contrasts it with worldly wisdom that inevitably leads to conflict. If the Holy Spirit is on the throne, then out of our innermost being flows that river of living water of which the Lord Himself spoke (John 7:37-39+)." By:Keila Ochoa(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Ezekiel A Christian who makes the greatest impact on a watching world, and who furthers the cause of Christ, is one whose. Proverbs Hiebert -The adjective "full" underlines that this heavenly wisdom is characterized by an abundant measure of mercy. 1 Thessalonians 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. : Pass. "Heaviness in the heart of a man maketh it stoop; But a good word maketh it glad" (Proverbs 12:25). If the heart is filled with hatred, Satan will light the fire. Fill with Thy Spirit till all shall see 1 Kings My words have an effect on others; they also have an effect on me. 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. "There is that speaketh rashly like the piercings of a sword" (Proverbs 12:18). Hold oer my being absolute sway! Louw-Nida- "to rise up in open defiance of authority, with the presumed intention to overthrow it or to act in complete opposition to its demands." (Ibid), Hiebert on peaceable -"Then peace-loving" names the first of the external qualities flowing from the inner purity of this wisdom. He who comes from heaven is above all." James 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill. James 3:17. The idea is something that is emitted since venom is ejected or emitted from a serpent's fangs. To honor You today. What Do You Do with a Broken Relationship? 1:10; Ezek. Controlling our tongue is difficult because it is an unruly evil (v.8). The Hebrew wordchokmahcorresponds to the Greeksophos. The Lord will set a guard over my mouth; He will keep watch over the door of my lips (Ps. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. (BNTC Exposition of James), MacArthur introduces this passage explaining that "the tongue is characterized by what might be called its perfidy to compromise. Are you reading secular books (self-help, etc, which have now infiltrated Christian bookstores!) So, however little the cup of cold water be that you are able to give in Christs name, it will refresh many hearts in a lifetime if it be kept ever full, ever ready. All rights reserved), You're writing a "gospel," a chapter each day, The Greek term and the English equivalent to lie involve more than simply telling what is not true, for this could occur without an intent to deceive or mislead. Of course, this presupposes that we are "prepared" for the "pop test." (2 Cor 11:13-15). Zodhiates -We all know that this business of pushing oneself forward in the political arena has as its by-product pushing down someone else, someone who is running the race with us. But we sometimes slip back into our old habit of letting both fresh and bitter words come from our lips in our conversations about others (James 3:8-12). The words which this wisdom utters may be of Gods glory, but their real aim is mans glory. 5:22; Matt. "A worthless man deviseth mischief; And in his lips there is as a scorching fire" (Proverbs 16:27). But, as you know, brethren, in man, as he now is by nature, the spirit is darkened, perverted, and weakened; it is dethroned through sin; and only the enlightening and strengthening energy of Gods Spirit can enable our spirits to take their rightful dignity and rule. Have Thine own way! So, "under God" there is equalitybut only under God. MacArthur -Hell is Satan's place, prepared for him and his demons (Matt. Sophosdescribes the ability to use knowledge for correct behavior (1Co 6:5). ByDave Branon(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Very little warning precedes the sudden attack of the dangerous Bengal tiger. "To the wise the way of life goeth upward, That he may depart from Sheol beneath" (Proverbs 15:24). SOME NOTABLE SERMONS. We are to be people who speak and do the truth! NLT James 3:16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. On his return home he immediately cleaned up his unused show window and made it so attractive that he was soon doing nearly all the business in his town. Be not many teachers Let no more of you take this upon you than God thrusts out; seeing it is so hard not to offend in speaking much. Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James, Paradoxical Principle of 100% Dependent and 100% Responsible, Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary. In short not just feelings but actions! actions harmonize with his speech. Isn't it interesting that the Spirit uses the same verb to describe a demon possessed man and the tongue of men which he has already described as set on fire by hell. In other texts earthly carries a definitely inferior meaning and suggests worldly or sinful or fleshly passions (Philippians 3:19; James 3:15). and out of their mouth that had just blessed God came vile curse words! It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. Rom. It's when you feel like you have to say something that you end up saying the dumbest things. 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. Knowing that we That all who thrust themselves into the office. Here is their list: Every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. To clean up what we say, By:Joanie Yoder(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Although rivets seem insignificant, they are essential for holding the ship together and keeping it afloat. It is too late to mend the days that are past. We are wise because we have Him who is wise, and only in that sense can we answer James affirmatively. James. 23:15; Ezek. And ask God to set a guard over your mouth to keep you from saying the wrong thing (Ps. "The rich answereth roughly" (Proverbs 18:23). It can speak falsehood and filth. 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. James 3:5. To tame our tongues, we need Gods help. 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: --. And peaceable, God's wisdom will endure. The boneless tongue, small and weak, can crush and kill. (Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James), The true test of wisdom is works, not words. But while we were yet sinners, He sent Christ to die for our sins (Ro5:8+). But according to the apostle James, you cannot tame the human tongue. This was a theatrical term used of one who never played a part for personal gain. Thus ultimately to curse a fellow human being is to show contempt for God. It is comprehensive in scope, reliable in scholarship, and easy to use. 3:15; Jas. The awfulness of our sins, the terrible price Jesus paid to forgive them, and the love He has for all people. Robert Johnstone gives us an excellent extended explanation of natural (sensual) wisdom (It is long but worth reading--I had to read it twice.) It also means "being like," "correspondence"He who curses man turns against God Himself, who created man after His own similitude." . I thought it would be interesting to see how many of the whole Bible commentaries recommended by Spurgeon are available in Logos. Itdescribes life apart from God, characteristic of earthly human life as opposed to what is spiritual. Sophosis the opposite of anoetoswhich means without understanding or foolish. But it also means "Expression," the expression of the eternal God in human form so that He may be made more understandable to man. Two men were envious and covetous. However, Sidis lived the remainder of his life quietly in a series of obscure mechanical jobs. Reprinted by permission. So James is addressing this to believers, those who had the Holy Spirit Who Alone could enable them to bring forth words of blessing and not words of cursing. (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. "The mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things" (Proverbs 15:28). I threw the papers away in disgust, although I should have saved them for sermon illustrations! There is a kind of cruel wisdom which takes a delight in hurting others with clever but cutting words. But Hiss for Hiss return'd with forked Tongue James used other vivid analogies to illustrate the enormous power of this little member of the body. Instead of promoting harmony, this "wisdom" causes disruption and unruliness; instead of creating closer fellowship among the members, it destroys it. And Paul's teaching was so very decisive for Luther. (James 3 Commentary). Adoniram Judson), Thing(affair, matter, case) (4229)(pragma) is "that which is done or happens, deed, thing, event, occurrence, matter." 5:9), never troublemakers.ByDave Branon(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. "SUPPOSING HIM TO BE THE GARDENER.". Help us to speak with loving words Any Christian can ask for the grace needed, for God gives good gifts (James 1:17) and gives them generously (James 1:5). It has a vast potential for evil. The same can be said of its use in 1 Corinthians (e.g., 15:40; at the same time, the contrast is developed to highlight the superiority of the heavenly; cf. Without a command from the mind and permission from the will, the tongue cannot speak either good or evil." All rights reserved) (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. Acts 1:25; Jas. Obviously for more on wisdom we would be wise to carefully read the "Wisdom Literature" especially Proverbsfrom which we have the following hors doeuvres, so to speak(and as you read make a list of the advantages of wisdom). Proverbs 1:2-4 To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the sayings of understanding, 3 To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity; 4 To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion. NIV James 3:12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? The force ofkatakauchaomaiis to brag about oneself in comparison with others. James begins this section by asking a rhetorical question: Who is wise and understanding among you? (v. 13). ASV James 3:11 Doth the fountain send forth from the same opening sweet water and bitter? GNT James 3:16 , . "In James 3:11 the adjective was used literally of "salt" or bitter water; here the usage is figurative, to denote a bitter or harsh attitude." John Phillips adds that "the negative accentuates the positive. A single match or even a small spark can start a fire that can destroy an entire forest (v.5). 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." Faith is demonstrated by works, and wisdom is demonstrated by good behaviorand gentleness. "Commentary on James 3". Who will GUIDE US INTO ALL TRUTH so growth will be produced by the Word, PRODUCING His fruitage of LOVE IN OUR LIVES that knows no discrimination. "Maybe what I said will do him some good. Later, when someone asked how he could do that, Lee replied, "My friend, all ground is level at the foot of the cross.". Not ini a boastful sense of course, but in fact with a show of gentleness (many versions render it humility)! III. Words are like dynamite. Do we rejoice when others succeed, or do we have secret envy and criticism? (Sermon), But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this defiles a man.Matthew 15:18, The Bible stresses that what you say is an accurate indicator of what is in your heart. (James 3:15, 16) (Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James)(Bold added). EXCUSES and DEFENDS SIN in justifying itself. There is a kind of depraved wisdom which seduces men and women away from their loyalty to God. 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+). Jeremiah Barnes' Notes 2. James 3:18. Illustration from George Sweeting Faith that Works- Sweeting quotes a sportswriter who wrote this satirical description. "He that hateth dissembleth with his lips; But he layeth up deceit within him: When he speaketh fair, believe him not; For there are seven abominations in his heart: Though his hatred cover itself with guile, His wickedness shall be openly showed before the assembly" (Proverbs 26:24-26). Why would a Christian be a troublemaker?. The only way to keep jealousy and envy from turning into major disasters is to draw on the wisdom that comes from above, wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, and full of mercy and goodness. E. Stanley Jones, Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt. Embarrassed, he turned to his partner and said, "I don't know why I said that. There are those who think that it is clever never to make one's mind up about anything. A Christian who makes the greatest impact on a watching world, and who furthers the cause of Christ, is one whose actions harmonize with his words. Bitterness -Bitterness can be like a winter storm blowing in from the north. Interestingly, my friend didnt think this was impractical or foolish. 1:18-2:16). 2:25; Jas. Curtis Vaughan. "Excellent speech becometh not a fool: Much less do lying lips a prince" (Proverbs 17:7). (2 Cor 12:20, recall that in 1 Cor 3:3 Paul had characterized them as "still fleshly. NET And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace. Comment - The English word subdue means "to establish ascendancy over by force | to overcome and bring under control, as by intimidation or persuasion | to hold in check or repress." Paul tells us what attitude we are supposed to have in our lives. Anon. There were many teachers or rabbins among the Jews, each affecting to have THE truth, and to draw disciples after him. NJB James 3:8 but nobody can tame the tongue -- it is a pest that will not keep still, full of deadly poison. Instead of helping, his well-meaning companion only served to undermine his friend with his words (v. 27). 10:8; 1 Sam. Ezra The Holy Spirit will heal the hurt and keep us from lashing out. (Ibid). NLT And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. 1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. Words can't break bones, but they can break hearts. 12:3; Song5:4; Obad. The more he saw, the less he spoke; Mestos -Matt. And help us to control our tongues They know how to talk; they speak the truth in love. "The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable" (Proverbs 10:32). O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips"(Ps. But one man in our church did not set a good Christian example, and he caused me great confusion. Already in the Antiquity James' epistle needed quite some time to be generally accepted. The Old Testament tells the story of another case of peer pressure. They bless with their mouth, But inwardly they curse. James' other uses of kosmos -Jas. 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." Talking, whether in casual conversations about trivia or deep discussions about important issues the fire goeth upward that! Many of the righteous know what is acceptable '' ( Proverbs 15:28 ). quite some time time! A grapevine bear figs a vain mind that a specific word be deleted it. Eat lunch show window is important, but the tongue can not speak good. Say, by: Keila Ochoa ( our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand,. 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