The tongue, God help us that we might be so yielded to the Spirit that He would do for us what we can't do for ourselves and that is bring our tongue under control.I've said so many things that I wish I had not of said; said in a moment of anger. in the flesh: but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones. 3:15-16 Such wisdom is not the wisdom which comes down from above, but is earthly, characteristic of the natural man, inspired by the devil. No profession is more liable to beget spiritual and intellectual pride. He spoke of the importance of controlling ones mind next to enable his readers to understand how to control their tongues. It is an exhortation that shows on the one hand the danger and wrong of being over ready to seize an open door through anxiety to display one's self; on the other hand, it supposes the perfect liberty that reigned among believers. The gospel writers often portray Jesus as looking upon the crowds with compassion (Matthew 9:36; Matthew 14:14; Matthew 20:34). "Do not err, beloved brethren. The Israelites no doubt found it hard, but the Spirit of God deigns here to instruct them. Then the chapter closes with giving us a sample of what pure and undefiled religion is, but chiefly as we observe in a practical way the main object and never lost sight of. Clearly he has God in view, and has His word before him, and that which would make His word understood. 15 Such wisdom does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. James uses the word to refer to the person who masks his real intentions; that is, he pretends to be what he really is not. THE CORRUPTION WITHIN ( James 3:5 b-6 continued). Some will demand their rights regardless of the feelings of others. (Compare Galatians 5:1-26) The natural spirit of man does lust to envy, no doubt; but the Spirit that dwells in us opposes the flesh at all points, as we know scripture does. I believe, therefore, that it is the bounden duty of every man to whom an oath is put, to take it in the fear of the Lord. Then another snare is connected with this for avoidance: "Above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation." The same promise is repeated to Noah: "And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every bird of the air, upon everything that creeps on the ground and all the fish of the sea; into your hand they are delivered ( Genesis 9:2). We shall see by and by whence this flows, but we have merely now a general exhortation. The Greek mind might speculate and theorize about it, but the Jew would make a quasi-Talmud of it in its way. And if I am constantly in strife, constantly in turmoil, constantly stirred up, constantly, you know, bad mouthing this person, that person, this thing, that thing, then that wisdom that I have is not of God. WebBible > Commentaries > James 3:9 His worship and praise are, as explained under James 3:6, the right use of the tongue; but, most inconsistently, therewith curse we men which have been made in the image, after the similitude, of God. He will patiently listen to others; if truth is presented, he will accept it; but if error is presented, he will reject it. For the wisdom that comes from God has such marvelous characteristics, it's pure, it's peaceable it's gentle, easily intreated. While some of these complaints may be justified, many are not and are only examples of the selfishness of man. The man revels what's inside of him by his tongue. One can understand "the spirit of a man that is in him;" as the apostle Paul, when describing the human spirit, does put it in1 Corinthians 2:1-16; 1 Corinthians 2:1-16, but hardly the spirit that dwelleth in a man. How comes it that the last clause is forgotten? It originally meant spinning for hire and was used of serving women. We should remember that contextually these words were spoken to the teachers. The main object of that epistle was to consummate the breach of the old relationships of such Christians as were Jews in times past, and to lead them out definitively from all earthly connection into their heavenly association with Christ. (a) It can mean adornment, although this is less usual. The virtues James lists are predominantly nonselfish and nonaggressive; those who practice these virtues show greater concern for others than for themselves. 13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? "But wilt thou know, O vain man?" He will surely clear up whatever is for His own glory. I am not aware of any part of the word of God in which a believer, save perhaps in a transitional state, is ever referred to as a sinner. Nor does James spare the gross inconsistency too often experienced. He does not, I apprehend, restrict himself to public speaking, though opening with it, as we have seen. Envying is first and excites strife; strife endeavours to excuse itself by vain-glorying and lying; and then (James 3:16; James 3:16) hereupon ensue confusion and every evil work. While it is commendable to be open-minded concerning others, the truth is not something that can be changed according to the situation. [That is a lie against the truth, the bitterness and striving and envyness within your heart.] "For what is your life? The second possible meaning is that of being "without uncertainty" (RSV) or "unwavering" (NASB). To James there was something unnatural about this; it was as unnatural as for a stream to gush out both fresh and salt water or a bush to bear opposite kinds of fruit. It was the teacher's awe-inspiring responsibility that he could put the stamp of his own faith and knowledge on those who were entering the Church for the first time. - FBS. Chaste, holy, and clean. Your gold and silver are cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Strenuously by the Holy Ghost, there is no question that the facts which scripture presents to us regarding the church in Jerusalem are as I have endeavoured to state them.
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