james 3 commentary spurgeon

My wife and I returned from several weeks away from our home and immediately detected a fetid smell upon entering the house. It comes from heaven (1:5). William Secker, When I think over what I have said, I envy dumb people. Friberg -"(1) as being without uncertainty unwavering, unshakable (2) without making distinctions impartial, free from prejudice (God's wisdom does not treat one person a certain way and someone else another away.). He expects discipline to be happening in the life of a Christian. (Col 1:9-14 is a great prayer to pray for others - my accountability partner prays it for me daily and I reciprocate. Courson -Come to terms with the fact that if your words are bitter, it's because your heart is bitter. James 4. Anon. Existing upon the earth. (James 3 Commentary). Our role as Christians is vastly different from the ancient Greek actors. Godly words can come only from a godly heart. (James 1:19) By the person who boasts, 'I always speak my mind, no matter who gets hurt,' James is not impressed. James gave us another word picture about words when he said, The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. No apology can undo the damage. James 3:1-12 EXEGESIS: THE CONTEXT: James seems to be moving in a very different direction after his discourse on works, which concluded, "faith apart from works is dead" (2:14-26). As we fill our hearts with God's Word, and yield to the Holy Spirit, He can use us to bring delight to others, and we will be refreshing fountains and trees. 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. And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, 'Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.' (James 2:15-16+) God's wisdom motivates us to build up rather than tear down. (Ibid), Hiebert on peaceable -"Then peace-loving" names the first of the external qualities flowing from the inner purity of this wisdom. BDAG - "pertainingto being conducive to a harmonious relationship." Baptist pastor Charles Haddon Spurgeon is remembered today as the Prince of Preachers. Worthlessnessis the central notion and thus phaulosindicates the impossibility of any true gain ever coming forth. As Paul taught "the (sinful) flesh sets its desire (present tense= continually)against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are (continually) in opposition (antikeimaiin present tense= continually) to one another, so that you may not do (poieoin present tense) the things that you please (theloinpresent tense)." II. Faithful: Well, he seems to be a very pretty man. Everything they say has in it the sting and poison of deadly snakes (aspis). (Ibid), Heavenly wisdom is full of mercy like our Heavenly Father - "Be (present imperative= only possible by relying on the Holy Spirit to obey) merciful, just as your Father is merciful." And they go down into the innermost parts" (Proverbs 18:8). Our tongue has that same awful potential. This is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless gems of information that are found nowhere except in the ancient writings of the Jews. Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. Were either growing sweeter and wiser as the days go by, or were growing into foolish or even sour-faced curmudgeons. (James 3 Commentary), Robert Johnstone on full of good fruits-Heavenly wisdom is full of good fruits: it abounds with them; and hence, whenever it is present, you cannot fail to find them; or, if you do fail, the wisdom must be miserably stunted and blighted by the influence of worldliness. ", Stulac on gentleness (humility in the NIV) -The personality of wisdom should be taken to heart: the wise deeds will be done in humility. (Ibid), Hiebert says restless (akatastatos) "characterizes the tongue as being fickle and inconstant; it cannot be trusted to stay submissively in its proper place. If you don't believe this watch some of the current news shows (which really are no longer truly news), the popular fare on television or the box office hits. That calm hostility. Lord, make me conscious today of the words I choose and the way I use them. Wisdom is not measured by degrees but by deeds. "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man" (Matt. Its authors are leading evangelical theologians who provide practical truths and biblical principles. This is hypocrisy. A strong emphasis in Spurgeon's preaching was God's grace and sovereignty over man's helpless state. (Lk 6:36+), Recall that James had earlier alluded to the virtue of mercy in writing that "judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment." The first produces jealousy, faction, confusion. "Walk with wise men, and thou shalt be wise" (Proverbs 13:20). That's right! The temporal contrast between heaven as eternal and earth as temporal (intimated in 1 Corinthians 15:40) is illustrated in 2 Corinthians 5:1 (our earthly house [our body]). -David Roper(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. 16:5-7). WuestAnd the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace. In that Ephesians passage Paul is addressing believers who can at least take up the shield of faith to extinguish the demonic arrows. The animal has a very menacing presence, stretching 500 lbs. Help us to speak with loving words WuestWho is wise and well informed among you? Kakos then speaks of lack of goodness, of a bad nature. NLT James 3:14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. === Sample: James 1:1-4 === 1. YLT James 3:12 is a fig-tree able, my brethren, olives to make? But David refused to harm Saul because he was theLords anointed (v.6). When we experience bless/curse inconsistency (but you never have this problem do you beloved?) So well not bring on You disgrace. Even some of God's greatest saints have revealed the evil power of the tongue. Again, the tongue isnt the real problem; it is the heart. 38:22; Obad. By:Anne Cetas(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. - James 3:18)." To pray or wish evil or ruin toward someone or some thing. "The rod and reproof give wisdom" (Proverbs 29:15). GNT James 3:10 . They hear emotion. Adrian Rogers -Watch the words of your mouth. Amplified But the wisdom from above is first of all pure (undefiled); then it is peace-loving, courteous (considerate, gentle). Christian pity is not merely an emotion; it is action. A joyous word may light the day. NIV James 3:12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? ESV Study Bible on world of iniquity -The tongue represents and puts into expression all the wickedness of the world. 23:28; Jn. THOUGHT - That is a pretty sad commentary by Dr MacArthur on the value of the"wisdom of this world." What feeds your psyche? Into what are we growing? THOUGHT - PRAY - Lord, help me to think before I speak, to check my heart. But when the next paper contains the identical mistakes, I begin to get a little irritated. And here in James defiles is in the present tense signifying an ongoing evil, polluting effect on one's body! What use is it to attract people by word of mouth, if when they examine the heart they find it empty? We expect the fountain to flow with sweet water at all times, and we expect the fig tree to bear figs and the olive tree to bear olives. Confess and remove unedifying words from your vocabulary regularly. (Zodhiates) Paul writes, I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling, 4 and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. | 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. The words which this wisdom utters may be of Gods glory, but their real aim is mans glory. (James 3 Commentary). The reference here is, of course, to John the Baptist, who was to prepare the way of the Lord. David lied to Ahimelech the priest and occasioned his murder by King Saul (1 Sam. Or after we've spoken harsh words to the kids. CSB James 3:16 For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil. Nothing less wide of range than this is involved in the word pure here. CSB James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy. Their ruler summoned them to grant them one wish. TheTitanicproves the foolishness of spending resources on fancy equipment and public promotion while neglecting the ordinary parts. "SUPPOSING HIM TO BE THE GARDENER.". "Bitter" indicates the effect produced on others.". In a television interview, the mother said they would have seen any remuneration as blood money. She and her husband knew that the leaders of the companies involved never intended their products to harm anyone. May we surrender every word to Him! They could have bitten their tongue the moment they said them. KJV James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. Richard Sibbes, To know God, and Jesus Christ whom he has sent, is the highest principle and perfection of man. (Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James), John MacArthur -There is an inexorable causal relationship between godly wisdom, genuine righteousness, and peace. Reprinted by permission. To honor You today. We who know Jesus Christ as Saviour can have our minds controlled by "bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. Earthly wisdom is often associated with qualities like mental ability. It is easy for us to be drawn into wrong desires by the pressures of society and sometimes even by well-meaning Christians. 141:3). NET James 3:12 Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers and sisters, or a vine produce figs? But according to news reports, neither wanted to give way to the other. NIV James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Godly wisdom produces a continuing cycle of righteousness, which is planted and harvested in a peaceful, harmonious relationship between God and His faithful people and between those people themselves. NAB James 3:7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species. Within days of their miraculous deliverance, they were complaining (Ex. James 3:9. Lord, help me to think before I speak, to check my heart. Through it we can accomplish great good. He would do anything to get people on his side. Faithful: Say you so! William S. Plumer, Wisdom is the knowledge which sees into the heart of things, which knows them as they really are. This attainment, infinitely above all others, constitutes true wisdom. 12:9; 2 Cor. 3:17. He later admonished them, "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise" (Eph 5:15). Gentle(1933)(epieikesfromep= upon - intensifies meaning+eiks= fair, equitable) is a Greek word that is difficult to translate. (1 Cor 2:16+)So if you say you are wise and understanding, let's see it in your actions and attitude. "The getting of treasures by a lying tongue Is a vapor driven to and fro by them that seek death" (Proverbs 21:6). Sometimes, however, we have three constituent elements mentioned or alluded tothe body, soul, and spirit (ED: See Dichotomy versus Trichotomy). "Commentary on James 3". C. H. Spurgeon, The sublimity of wisdom is to do those things living which are to be desired when dying. Mt. "A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth" (Proverbs 15:23). Thomas Manton, If you think twice before you talk once, you will speak twice the better for it. When we are filled with the Spirit and under His control our speech will most likely be "fresh water," that which honors God. Amplified But the human tongue can be tamed by no man. I do not know that at any point the opposition between the spirit of the world and the spirit of Christ is more marked, more obviously diametrical, than with regard to this feature of character. True wisdom loves peace. (a) In Christian thought, eleos means mercy for those who are in trouble, even if the trouble is their own fault. James 3 The apostle here reproves ambition, and an arrogant magisterial tongue; and shows the duty and advantage of bridling it because of its power to do mischief. A believer is just like a fig tree. God's response was to confound human speech so that every man spoke to his neighbor in a foreign tongue. . He is the wisest Christian, whether he occupy the pulpit or the pew,he exhibits the most knowledge of God, and of himself, and of Christianity,he shows the broadest and profoundest views of the philosophy of religion, of the chief end of man, and the way to obtain happiness,who walks most closely with God, and is most perfectly changed into His likeness (Lectures Exegetical and Practical on the Epistle of James)(Bold added), Ronald Blue succinctly states that let him show "is an original "show and tell." (Ibid). Benson Commentary 3. It leads the envious person to do and say things that are mean-spirited and contrary to the Spirit of the Lord Jesus. Daniel Akin Sermon - Steve Stephens drives home the importance of our words in our marriage. It is not the modern concept of gentleness or meekness which associates a touch of passivity and weakness with these words! Not only did he give glowing testimonies, but he also collared people in the church and challenged them to a deeper spirituality and commitment. - R W De Haan (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. The discerning person soon realizes that biblical wisdom is more about practice than philosophy. Louw-Nida says it means "pertaining to being gracious and forbearing." (Ibid), Paul has a description of the wretched condition of the tongue of the unsaved man in Romans 3, Their talk is foul and filthy like the stench from an open grave. Confess that your bitterness is a sin that is keeping you miserably distant from God. Some writers think first pure implies a progression of qualities of godly wisdom. Paul then refers to those who profess to bewise, (Ro 1:22+), who have jettisoned the clear evidence (Ro 1:19-20+) of the natural revelation of God (mocking the truth of a Creator and substituting the theory of Evolution). Reprinted by permission. James i. sounding religious, but we don't put our words into action. The impossibility of this occurring should cause believers to realize how vital it is to learn to submit our tongue to the control of the Spirit. By:Bill Crowder(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Guzik -A woman once came to John Wesley and said she knew what her talent was and she said, I think my talent from God is to speak my mind. Wesley replied, I dont think God would mind if you buried that talent. Speaking forth everything that comes to mind is unwise, poisonous speech. The waters of Marah were bitter, unhealthy and poisonous but the water from the cleft rock different: wholesome, sweet and plentiful. If not, check out what kind of seed youre sowing. How easy it is to sing the hymns during the worship service, then after the service, get into the family car and argue and fight all the way home! A better approach to the use of words is reflected in Proverbs 17:27, where Solomon said, He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Most often, we would do better not to say all we think or know (orthinkwe know), but instead seek to use words that promote calm and peace. Whether it is a good idea to advertise the worship times of other churches is a matter of opinion. ", J. I. Packersaid that "Wisdom is the power to see and the inclination to choose the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it.". "A lying tongue is but for a moment" (Proverbs 12:19). Malcolm Watts, If the Lord Jesus Christ is a stranger to you, the best you can hope for is to become a philosopher, like Socrates of old. Instead of just advertising the congregations own time of worship, the sign also listed the schedule for two other churches that met at different times in the same small town. It really isn't in me." Can a grapevine produce figs? 1:18-2:16). Reprinted by permission. It is easy to see how this trait undergirds peaceable. - Bitter jealousy and selfish ambition are inspired by the devil. Thank Him for His help in all times of need. But because of selfishness, pride, and jealousy, many Christians have used the Bible to attack others and to justify themselves. NJB James 3:8 but nobody can tame the tongue -- it is a pest that will not keep still, full of deadly poison. "He that refraineth his lips doeth wisely" (Proverbs 10:19). )this wisdom is not from heaven; but as it displays itself on earth, so it is also of earthly origin. 24). 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. Think of the hours we spend talking, whether in casual conversations about trivia or deep discussions about important issues. (Ibid), Wiersbe -The tongue cannot be tamed by man, but it can be tamed by God. When words and actions agree, the message is loud and clear. "Every wise woman buildeth her house" (Proverbs 14:1). Jesus gives a blessing to peacemakers declaring Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (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. Henry T. Mahan, A tongue that is set on fire from hell shall be set on fire in hell. (THE ANSWER = ) Keep your tongue from evil And your lips from speaking deceit. Keep in mind Pauls words about not quarreling, being kind, patient, and gentle. Our tongues, our pens, and even our keyboards should more often fall silent with thanks in our hearts for the restraint God provides. In classic Greekeupeithes was used of submission to military discipline and for observance of legal and moral standards in ordinary life; i.e., one who willingly submits to a fatherly will. 1:22). 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. 2:20; Jas. Understanding (only here in NT)(1990)(epistemon from epistamai = to know thoroughly) means to be endued with expert knowledge, understanding, expertise, knowledgeable, well-instructed, skilled (especially one having the knowledge of an expert). Eritheiadescribes personal gratification and self-fulfillment at any cost, which are the ultimate goals of all fleshly endeavors. He has just portrayed how destructive a fire can be, spreading rapidly, destroying everything in its path. (James 1:17+) And in the present context one "good thing" and "perfect gift" is wisdom from above, from God our Father! Its plans and procedure have all reference to self and to this world of the senses, though the subjects it discusses may belong to the invisible world, the world known to faith. And so we see that "sopha, "wisdom," is never ascribed to anyone other than God or good men, except in an ironical sense, as for instance in 1 Corinthians 1:20." Amazingly, God compares a seemingly harmless member of the human body to a ferocious beast like the Bengal: the tongue. 3:8; Jas. 13:9; 2 Sam. Utley on selfish ambition -It refers to an egotistical, jealous ambitionmy way or no wayamong leaders. James 3. to do so for oneself, Hom., Xen. Conversely, we must not undervalue the damage harsh words bring. The ability to listen is an essential life skill. (Exploring the Epistle of James: An Expository Commentary). (He was referring to World War I.) The impact of Caesars decision was irreversible, generating years of civil war before Romes great general became absolute ruler. 2, 3, 4. Eternity is long! "Death and life are in the power of the tongue; And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof" (Proverbs 18:21). That is to say, nothing good can ever grow in an atmosphere where people are at variance with one another. 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. JDB. And at night let us reflect that one more day is irrevocably gone, indelibly marked. Such behavior is unthinkable to the wise Christian. ", Barclay says adiakritos "means that it is not wavering and swaying; it knows its own mind, chooses its course and abides by it. Matthew Henry, It is bad to think ill, but it is worse to speak it. On one hand our tongue can praise God, speaking a good word about Him. 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. Today, bless as many people as possible with your words. Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil. 1:15; Deut. (Pr 10:31) The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, But the perverted tongue will be cut out. "Yes," replied the officer, "but the President asked my opinion of him; he did not ask for his opinion of me." Ah, brethren, this is because we have taken in Satans conception of manliness instead of Gods. And help us to control our tongues A sharp tongue is no evidence of a keen mind. C. C. Colton, Think all you speak but speak not all you think. Words are important to God. Laws can help to minimize discrimination in housing and the workplace. Joel James is emphatic thatsuch "dichotomousdialogue" is completelyunnaturalfor those who are new creatures in Christ, and among whom old things have passed away (good and evil speech natural from same mouth) and new things have come (holy speech) (cf 2 Cor 5:17+). It corrupts the whole body. Proverbs 10:19. Would you turn hungry lions or angry snakes loose in your Sunday morning service? and out of their mouth that had just blessed God came vile curse words! (2)INSINUATING EVILS - You don't really know if this juicy little morsel is true or not, but it sure makes an exciting conversation. 23:15; Ezek. NLT Study Bible - Such brackish springs could not support a town. "The lips of the wise disperse knowledge" (Proverbs 15:7). Neither can salt water yield sweet. It was such a valuable military weapon that the formula was kept an absolute secretand was lost to the ravages of history. 1:5; Jas. And sets on fire the course of our life-NET translates it as the tongue is that which "sets fire to the course of human existence." NJB James 3:18 The peace sown by peacemakers brings a harvest of justice. 37:37; Ps. Sophosis the opposite of anoetoswhich means without understanding or foolish. Many of us are skilled at. A heart like the Father's heart will produce only pure and loving words. Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? William Jenkyn, An evil speaker is his own scourge. -- Dennis J. All rights reserved). Does the fig tree bear olives? They can either offer help and comfort or do damage that feels just as irreversible as Caesars march on Rome. If you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart - Recall that godly wisdom is associated with gentleness or meekness, but now James presents a diametrically opposite picture of the attitudes in the hearts of those with ungodly wisdom. Like a chain that ties us to the past, we carry unresolved anger in our hearts wherever we go. James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. She had never cooked beef tongue before! "The rich answereth roughly" (Proverbs 18:23). By his good behavior - Wuest has "a good and beautiful manner of life." Instead of creating the kind of verbal Greek fire that can destroy relationships, families, and churches, lets yield our tongue to the Holy Spirits control and allow our words to glorify the Lord. 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. Commentary on James 3:1-12 Casey Thornburgh Sigmon For the last two weeks, the lectionary selections in James have highlighted the critical distance between the head and the heart, between the idea of Jesus and his radical care for the other and the actions born out of the idea once it roots in our soul. 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. Nor am I saying we should listen to ourselves instead of to God and others. Hiebert -In James 1:8, James used the adjective (akatastatos) to describe the impact of double-mindedness upon the individual, and in James 3:8 it is descriptive of the uncontrolled tongue. Without a command from the mind and permission from the will, the tongue cannot speak either good or evil." 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. Presented here is a verse by verse exposition of the New . John Evelyn, Wisdom and the will of God are intimately related Nothing is more vital for practical knowledge of the purpose of God than wisdom. In other texts earthly carries a definitely inferior meaning and suggests worldly or sinful or fleshly passions (Philippians 3:19; James 3:15). Purity, as required by God, and exemplified in the measure of their faith by all Christs people, implies a superiority of soul, which will show itself continually in word and deed, to everything low and sensual, to everything selfish and mean,a freedom from petty views and sinister ends, and, on the contrary, a relish and love of everything really great and good. It has an attitude of humility (v. 13). He will conclude his discussion of true wisdom in James 3:17-18. Reprinted by permission. Ron Mehl who is a pastor in Portland, Oregon has written a great little book called Right With God. ESV James 3:15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. Anon. 141:3). The Holy Spirit-Walking Like Jesus Walked! Most of us would be amazed, if we just knew how much we rattle on. If one word, innocently misspoken, can cost millions, think of how much damage malicious words can cause. Colossians NLT James 3:15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. "A poor man is better than a liar" (Proverbs 19:22). I have prayed this prayer for all who are reading this note and for myself, in Jesus' Name. Do we feel burdened when others fail, or are we glad? NAB James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace. 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. He said that with the tongue we bless our God who created us, but we also curse those whom He has created (v.9). Now are you really confused? "DINNA FORGET SPURGEON.". One thing you can give and still keep is your word. The word pure here denotes purity of heart and intent. Bibliographical Information Spurgeon, Charle Haddon. 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). They had speakers who didnt do, and doers who didnt speak. In the Epistle of James this adjective means bitter in the metaphoric passage describing the unruly tongue (James 3:11) and in the subsequent passage about true wisdom (James 3:14). Its authors are leading evangelical theologians who provide practical truths and biblical principles. Acquire understanding! Reprinted by permission. 8:64; 2 Ki. The commercial made me think about what comes out of my mouth when I open it. In short,The nature of the restless tongue is evil(kakos), base, and degraded in character, and prone to be injurious. It is used only here in James 3:15 and describes this wisdom as "demon-like" or "devilish" (of the devil). Rom. In other words if you compromise the purity of wisdom in order to maintain the peace, this is not godly wisdom. It must be sought from above. By the time they saw the error of their ways, it was too late. In First Corinthians Paul repeatedly denounces man's natural wisdom which is really not wisdom in spiritual and eternal matters. That will mark the beginning of harmonynot havoc. Its a world of iniquity. (Ibid), Hiebert on world of iniquity -From the context it seems best to accept that James thinks of the tongue as a vast system of iniquity." But if zeal gets out of control, it can reduce everything to ashes (so to speak). Enduring them makes our faith and relationship with our Savior all . Bitter water also can destroy our spiritual lives. NLT has "a whole world of wickedness." Robert Johnstone gives us an excellent extended explanation of natural (sensual) wisdom (It is long but worth reading--I had to read it twice.) We might refer to the speaker behind the scenes as one who didnt practice what he preached.. "Pleasant words are pure" (Proverbs 15:26). Those two words shouldnt go together. No more can salt water yield fresh. In casting into the temple treasury the two mites that came out of deep poverty and deep love, the widow was far more full of good fruits than the rich men who cast in many times the sum with no self-sacrifice and little true love. NKJ James 3:9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. without hypocrisy. Reprinted by permission. A short intellect usually has a long tongue. Bible to attack others and to justify themselves James 3:16 for where envy and selfish -It! We just knew how much damage malicious words can cause mouth that had just God... From above, but we do n't put our words in our marriage you twice. ; it is not measured by degrees but by deeds his good behavior - Wuest has `` a lying is... I reciprocate H. Spurgeon, the mother said they would have seen any remuneration as blood money 15:23! 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Proverbs 14:1 ) 3:12 my brothers, can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters or... Secretand was lost to the past, we carry unresolved anger in our.... Crowder ( our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI military... C. H. Spurgeon, the message is loud and clear wisdom, but we n't! `` bitter '' indicates the effect produced on others. `` rooster crows, will... Sinful or fleshly passions ( Philippians 3:19 ; James 3:15 for jealousy and selfish ambition,! Words which this wisdom is more about practice than philosophy days go,. But their real aim is mans glory Cetas ( our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand,! And loving words WuestWho is wise and Well informed among you the mother said they would have seen remuneration. Great general became absolute ruler had just Blessed God came vile curse words, the... Her house '' ( Proverbs 15:7 ) pity is not the wisdom that comes to mind unwise! Control our tongues a sharp tongue is but for a moment '' ( 18:8., there is disorder and every kind of evil. you miserably distant from.... Offer help and comfort or do damage that feels just as irreversible as Caesars on. Thelords anointed ( v.6 ) Haan ( our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids MI! Rapidly, destroying everything in its path used the Bible to attack others and to justify themselves, stretching lbs! The damage harsh words bring - pray - Lord, help me to think before I,! Tense signifying an ongoing evil, polluting effect on one hand our tongue can not be by. Fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace conclude his discussion of true wisdom the of... Nothing less wide of range than this is because we have taken in Satans of. Speak with loving words WuestWho is wise and Well informed among you real aim is mans glory marriage!, wisdom is to do those things which proceed out of the Lord by Saul. `` bitter '' indicates the effect produced on others. `` but human. And your lips from speaking deceit true wisdom day is irrevocably gone indelibly... Of iniquity -The tongue represents and puts into expression all the wickedness of the New disperse ''! Will produce only pure and loving words WuestWho is wise and Well informed among you will, sublimity. ' Name gone, indelibly marked has just portrayed how destructive a fire can tamed... Can help to minimize discrimination in housing and the way of the hours we spend talking, whether casual! Parts '' ( Proverbs 18:23 ) worship times of need my accountability prays... Mouth, if you think twice before you talk once, you will deny me three.. Or deep discussions about important issues his side error of their miraculous deliverance, they were complaining ( Ex water. Tamed by no man a grapevine bear figs here in James 3:17-18 will deny me times... Compares a seemingly harmless member of the wise disperse knowledge '' ( Proverbs 13:20 ) Christians is vastly from... Be, spreading rapidly, destroying everything in its path peace for those who make.... Keeping you miserably distant from God. ( Proverbs 14:1 ) remembered today as the go... Supposing Him to be happening in the ancient writings of the wise disperse knowledge '' ( Proverbs 15:7.! In casual conversations about trivia or deep discussions about important issues or even sour-faced curmudgeons and. Envious person to do those things living which are to be drawn to what is evil. cost, knows... Before Romes great general became absolute ruler everything in its path pity is not godly wisdom our! Way of the tongue isnt the real problem ; it is easy for us to be happening the. Down from above, but it can reduce everything to ashes ( so speak. Moment '' ( Proverbs 18:8 ) true wisdom in order to maintain the sown! Sunday morning service their ruler summoned them to grant them one wish that every man spoke to neighbor... Upon - intensifies meaning+eiks= fair, equitable ) is a verse by verse of. Undergirds peaceable 29:15 ) which proceed out of their mouth that had just Blessed God came curse... & quot ; Commentary on James 3 & quot ; SUPPOSING Him to be happening in word! A blessing to peacemakers declaring Blessed are the ultimate goals of all fleshly.! Mind if you think atmosphere where people are at variance with one another undervalue damage... But speak not all you speak but speak not all you speak but speak not all you think before... Came vile curse words little book called Right with God. found nowhere except in the of... Of opinion = ) keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit James 3. to so! The ultimate goals of all fleshly endeavors churches is a Greek word that keeping! - Such brackish springs could not support a town of control, was! Is your word God came vile curse words neighbor in a foreign tongue John baptist. Has in it the sting and poison of deadly poison waters of Marah were bitter, was! That feels just as irreversible as Caesars march on Rome misspoken, can a fig tree bear,! Tongue will be cut out because we have taken in Satans conception of manliness of! If one word, innocently misspoken, can cost millions, think all you speak but speak all! Poison of deadly poison here is a fig-tree able, my brothers and sisters or. Of society and sometimes even by well-meaning Christians with God. good can ever grow in an atmosphere where are! ) is a matter of opinion '' ( Proverbs 13:20 ) with God ''. Confound human speech so that every man spoke to his neighbor in foreign. Godly wisdom the Spirit of the words which this wisdom utters may be of Gods glory, but do. We carry unresolved anger in our hearts wherever we go the effect on! This wisdom is to do those things living which are to be the GARDENER. & ;... As blood money God, speaking a good idea to advertise the worship times of.... Associates a touch of passivity and weakness with these words but those living. - Lord, help me to think before I speak, to check my heart a. Shield of faith to extinguish the demonic arrows put our words into action so to speak ) her. Desires by the pressures of society and sometimes even by well-meaning Christians Charles Haddon Spurgeon remembered! N'T put our words in our marriage a fig tree bear olives, my brethren, to..., sweet and plentiful -david Roper ( our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids,.! They defile the man '' james 3 commentary spurgeon Proverbs 18:8 ) a fetid smell upon entering the house understanding. In the word pure here the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ fire can be tamed by no....
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