1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.
Chapter three opens with a warning for Bible teachers. Even though the context and wording of verse one implies ‘official’ teaching (such as a pastor, teacher or it can even refer to a church’s doctrine), it could also apply to individuals who talk to others about Jesus. We have to remember God provides the teacher with everything they need (read 1 Corinthians 12:27-31; 14:26; Ephesians 4:11-12) to equip others so that they can to do the work we have all been assigned by Jesus to do, namely the Great Commission (read Matthew 28:18-20).
However, James warns that teachers will be held to a higher standard. What could go wrong teaching the Word of God? The Bible warns about pride or lack of humility. It is very easy for a teacher to get prideful, especially those who have received the gift of teaching from the Holy Spirit. Jesus taught us to be humble (see Matthew 23:2, 5-7). Another potential issue is selective teaching. This is a common problem especially for those who only hear God’s Word during Sunday sermons. We need to hear and learn about the whole council of God, the entire Bible. Listen to Paul in Acts 20:26-27, “Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.” Plus, besides being humble, teachers need to be thorough and accurate (see 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 6:3-5; 2 Peter 1:20-2:3; 1 John 4:3-6). Every epistle writer in the New Testament warns about false teachers and false prophets. This includes those who carelessly or ignorantly interpret the Word. Paul spoke about the Bereans in Acts 17:11 saying they were more noble-minded than the Thessalonians since they looked up in Scripture to see what they had heard from Paul earlier that day was actually true. On the surface that sounds like they didn’t trust what Paul was saying, however the truth is Paul was encouraging them to know the truth for themselves, God’s Word is to be explored carefully and understood by Christians.
James was not discouraging people to be teachers, he was reminding them that they will be held accountable. That means remain humble, teach the entire Bible (not just select topics or ideas) and teach it accurately even when it is not popular (read 1 Timothy 4:6-16 and 2 Timothy 2:15).
In verse two James reminds us that we all make mistakes. Paul says we have all sinned (see Romans 3:23) and John tells us that if we think we haven’t sinned we are only deceiving ourselves (see 1 John 1:8-10). Our mouths certainly give evidence of our sins! James goes on to say that if you do not stumble in your speech then you’re perfect (Greek ‘téleios[1]’, meaning complete or in this case a mature Christian). The Christian Standard Bible translates this verse, “For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is mature, able also to control the whole body.” (CSV)
Speaking of speaking, it appears James had issues with loose tongues. The subject of controlling our mouths and what we say is in every chapter (see James 1:19, 26; 2:12; 3:5, 6, 8; 4:11; 5:12). Since James was a leader in the church in Jerusalem he undoubtedly heard first hand a lot of people complaining, insulting, gossiping, etc. about each other. James will amplify in this chapter what may be the greatest challenge for any Christian, the taming of the tongue. No, we can’t use the excuse of not being responsible for our words claiming our tongue said it. What we say often betrays our heart, disclosing what’s on our mind. Many believe speaking is the easiest way to sin. So controlling our tongue is definitely another test of our faith. More external evidence that exposes what is in us. Interesting to note that David referred to the tongue as being like arrows since the tongue can kill from a distance. He wrote “Hide me from the secret plots of the wicked, from the throng of evildoers, who whet their tongues like swords, who aim bitter words like arrows, shooting from ambush at the blameless, shooting at him suddenly and without fear.” (Psalm 64:2-4, see also Psalm 54:7; 64:8; Proverbs 12:13; 18:7; Jeremiah 9:8).
The Bible has a lot to say about the careless or destructive nature of the tongue. For example during Paul’s famous discourse in the book of Romans regarding righteousness (including the fact that we are all sinners: “none is righteous, no, not one”) Paul quotes Psalm 5:9 in verse 13, “they use their tongues to deceive” and “the venom of asps is under their lips,” followed by verse 14 (quoting Psalm 140:3) “their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” But for me one of the greatest examples in the Bible that points to the importance of what we say comes from Isaiah’s mouth during his commission: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” (Isaiah 6:5, see also Isaiah 59:3). He was more concerned about his verbal lifestyle than seeing God, he really thought he was doomed.
3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
James next describes how something small can guide or move something much larger, such as a bit in a horse’s mouth or a rudder on a ship. James then relates how the tongue, being small can boast of great things. Great destruction that is, as he compares the words of our tongues to a small fire that starts a much larger forest fire. James identifies the tongue as being a flame of an unrighteous fire that affects every part of our bodies, ’staining’ (Greek ‘spilóō’,[2] to defile) the whole body (see Matthew 15:18). Gossip, slander, false accusations, lying, filthy language, etc., are all harmful and can destroy. The tongue was set on fire from the flames of hell (Greek ‘géenna’,[3] or ‘ghenna’, transliterated from the Hebrew phrase meaning “the Valley of the son of Hinnom,” a notorious location known for horrific human sacrifices to the ‘god’ known as Molech, Jesus used this term to describe the final destination for those condemned, not to be confused with Hades, see Matthew 5:22, 29, 30; 10:28; 18:9; 23:15, 33; Mark 9:43, 45, 47; Luke 12:5), referring to the fact that the tongue can be Satan’s tool, fulfilling hell’s purpose. Even mature Christians know how easy it is to speak destruction; we need to be constantly on our guard. How can we tame the tongue? Actually we can’t, using our own abilities, but we can through God, so we need to “stay plugged in” to Jesus!
7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,
James continues on the subject of controlling our tongues. Here he uses the analogy of taming wild animals by pointing out the fact that mankind has in some form or another tamed “every kind of beast,” but has yet to tame the tongue. We can easily skim over what James is saying here so I think it is important to take a look at the word ‘tame’ to understand the scope of the contrast James is using. Wild animals resort to instinct; simply put they do not follow the same ‘rules’ or as we do, as they cannot reason like us. For example when they encounter a human they are usually very ferocious and unforgiving. Perhaps the biggest barrier between us and them is due to our inability to communicate our intent to them. So how does one make a wild animal submissive to a human being, or tame a savage? From a laymen’s perspective it certainly sounds impossible! However mankind has done just that and now James is saying that controlling our tongues is harder to do than to tame a wild animal.
8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
Now James proclaims that no one can tame their tongue. A reality often mentioned in Scripture, King David understood what our tongues were able to do, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” (Psalms 141:3, see also Romans 7:18 and Galatians 5:17). James then says the tongue is a restless evil. The Greek word used here for ‘restless’ (‘akatástatos’)[4] is the same word James used earlier in James 1:8 which is most often translated as “unstable,” suggesting wild-like fighting or like a wild animal fighting against the restraints of captivity. When I read this verse I think of caged lions pacing rapidly back and forth anxiously waiting for freedom. James next adds that the tongue is full of deadly poison.
The Bible has several examples of where poisonous words (or propaganda) were used. David found out early in his political career about “verbal warfare” (see Psalms 64:1-10). Other Biblical examples include: Laban’s sons speaking out against Jacob (see Genesis chapter 31), Doeg lying to Saul (see 1 Samuel 22:9-19), Naboth slandered and ultimately killed as a result of the slandering (see 1 Kings 21:1-13), those that gave false testimony against Jesus (see Matthew 26:57-60) and Stephen falsely accused of blaspheming Moses and God (see Acts 6:8-7:60). According to the Law it required two or more witnesses to accuse a person of a crime and, when applicable, sentence that person to death (see Deuteronomy 19:15-21).
9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
James now points out that we use the same mouth to “bless our Lord and Father” and curse people. First of all is it possible to ‘bless’ God? Absolutely! David blessed God (see 1 Chronicles 29:10 as an example of him blessing God in public). To bless God is closely related to praising. Paul adds one more dimension to blessing and that is through obedience. He reminds us that our Spiritual act of worship is done through continued obedience (see Romans 12:1-2). Essentially blessing God is giving Him back some of what He has given us!
However, from the same mouth we can curse others who were made in the image of God. Note how James emphasizes “made in the likeness of God.” Is that important? Yes, we and our fellow human beings were made in the image of God (see Genesis 1:26-27; 5:1; 9:6; 1 Corinthians 11:7; Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10). Even though we are sinful beings, we were created differently than all of animals and creation, we still retain a likeness to our Creator. This is not a minor point, our uniqueness allows us to praise and acknowledge our God, and ultimately be forgiven by Him. As we all are made in the likeness of God, we are to treat each other with love and respect (see Genesis 9:6), and that includes not cursing them (Greek ‘kataráomai’,[5] to wish evil).
10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
Now for the unsettling truth, James says we bless God and curse people with the same mouth. Obviously we do not have two mouths, one for praising and one for cursing (although it would make it a lot easier to see when someone was cursing or lying) James is simply saying we “ought not” do it. The English translation make it sound like a minor issue but the Greek word for ought (‘chrē’)[6] is a strong word that implies an absolute necessity (used only this one time in the Bible). James is expressing that this practice of praising God and cursing people from the same mouth has no place in a Christian’s life. Simply put, it’s unacceptable! In other words, stop cursing (wishing evil) on others.
11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.
James once again illustrates his point by asking three questions: 1) does a fountain or spring give fresh and salt water simultaneously from the same outlet? 2) can a fig tree bear olives? and 3) can a vine produce figs? The answer to each inquiry of course is no! He concludes by saying then neither can salt water produce fresh or pure water. James is teaching that our words can be like salt water corrupting the purity of our lives. A hateful heart cannot produce loving works or speak loving words!
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
James next addresses the subject of wisdom, especially Spiritual understanding. Wisdom and knowledge are highly regarded in both the Bible and secular writings. One can’t think of wisdom without thinking of Solomon, the wisest man ever (see 1 Kings 3:5-12 and 4:29-31). Although not found in the Septuagint, Solomon once wrote: “Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7 NKJV). So what happened to Solomon? Well let’s just say it didn’t work out so well. Solomon broke every restriction God placed on future kings of Israel. Kings were not to have many wives, not to acquire a lot of horses, nor acquire excessive silver or gold (see Deuteronomy 17:14-20). Again, we ask, what happened to Solomon? It appears his wisdom made him arrogant and cocky. His many wives brought many pagan ideas and detestable practices with them from around the known world. He soon accepted their idols, and as a result ultimately brought idolatry into Israel.
The phrase “by his good conduct,” James makes it clear that includes everything we do, our conduct in doing business, family matters, recreation, etc. In our conduct we are to show (to be seen without flaunting, showing off, etc.) in meekness (not outrageous, see Galatians 5:23) and wisdom, or put in another way, “be smart about what you are doing.” Know that you may be watched, but don’t put on an act, always be genuine. Know how to use your knowledge, especially when it comes to morality and the use of Scripture.
The Bible teaches that real wisdom comes from God. Man’s wisdom, or wisdom from that which comes from experience is almost always in conflict with God’s wisdom (see Deuteronomy 32:28-29; Romans 11:33; 1 Corinthians 1:24-30; Colossians 2:3 and Ephesians 3:10). Our conduct and submission to God is an indicator of our acceptance of God and His Word, which should be the only source of any Christian’s wisdom. The moment we add wisdom from the world, or “mix in” our own point-of-view in to our thinking is when we will undoubtedly run into trouble.
From “taming the tongue” (the holding back of hurtful words) to the subject of wisdom and knowledge, James appears to be calling our attention that these subjects are indeed connected. We are to understand that what we say (the content of our speech) gives witness to our intellect and our beliefs (reminiscent to Paul’s discourse about speaking like a child, see 1 Corinthians 13:11).
For the last several years there has been a “truth erosion,” albeit subtle, but an erosion none-the-less of God’s truth and overall trust in the Bible. It appears that God is being deliberately pushed out of our society. The void is being replaced by man’s knowledge and understanding. Man believes we can know and determine the truth apart from the Bible. The ‘religion’ of secular humanism is (and has been) pushing God out their lives and those who promote secular humanism now want God out of your life as well. This void gives man the ultimate authority of what is right and what is wrong. God and His Word are under relentless attack. The world is less tolerant (it is interesting to note that the word ‘tolerance’ is often ranted by those who do not practice the concept themselves) of moral absolutes and as a result has become anti-Christian. “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20 KJV) The primary motivation for undermining the Word of God is actually quite simple. If the Word of God is wrong then there is no God, if there is no God then we do not need to be accountable to Him. If there is no need for accountability then people can have any life-style and do whatever they want to do. But there is a God and He gave us His Word so we can know Him and be saved.
Previously James pointed out that how we use our wisdom and knowledge is another test. He pointed out that we Christians should know and be experts in His Word, to use God’s (not the world’s) wisdom and knowledge.
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.
If we succumb to bitter jealousy or possess a selfish ambition, our primary focus in life is about us and not God (or others). Both maladies are closely related (almost never have one without the other) and they are always destructive. Jealousy has the tendency to ‘reset’ our priorities. No matter what we were doing, when we become jealous other things in life no longer matter, we can only focus on our own rage (see Acts 5:17; Romans 2:8; Philippians 1:17; 2:3 and 2 Corinthians 12:20). James says we are not to boast (verse 13), instead we are to be wise without arrogance, as life is not about us, it is about God. Here in verse 14 James makes a curious statement: “do not…be false to the truth.” We should never lie but James takes it one step further by pointing out we need to know and be aware of the truth. One of the greatest lies propagated today is thinking that truth doesn’t matter if as long as we believe something to be true and be sincere. But we can be sincerely wrong, wishful (without merit) thinking will ultimately condemn us.
15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
James reminds us that wisdom that is obtained while being selfish, jealous, or arrogant, is false, it is not God’s wisdom and knowledge. That ‘wisdom’ is earthly (based on a material world), unspiritual (only naturalistic) and demonic (whose purpose is to deny God, see 2 Corinthians 11:3-15). What happens if we embrace false, earthly wisdom? James clearly states that where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder (a disturbance like a protest, promoting division and distrust) and vile (or evil) practices. Essentially nothing worthwhile or God pleasing, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9) James is asking for us to do a heart assessment. What wisdom is your heart being led by?
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
James then gives eight examples of true wisdom, God’s wisdom. Many of these points mirror words spoken by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.
James calls us to know and use God’s wisdom. In reading this list we are reminded that following God’s wisdom and being obedient to Him is truly contrary to what the world teaches. Paul addresses this issue in the opening of his first letter to the members of the Church at Corinth:
18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” 20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)
Paul’s discussion regarding the use of wisdom and knowledge is vital for every Christian to understand since the Word should unite churches and Christians, not divide. Every Christian should be familiar with Paul’s full discourse on this subject (see 1 Corinthians 1:10-3:25), as he reminds us that if we handle God’s wisdom correctly we will be better witnesses for Jesus.
Yes, how you use your wisdom is important. What your wisdom represents and the source of that wisdom is equally important. Ask yourself what is the foundation of your worldview? Is it Christian? Biblical? How do you apply ‘facts’ in your life? Do you really trust God and His Word? How you handle the Word of God (read 2 Timothy 2:15) and make daily and long-term decisions also exposes what is in your heart. It is essential that every Christian rightfully handles the Word of God.
18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James includes this topic by writing, “And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” (NLT) When Christians apply the wisdom from God they will plant seeds of peace (offering the gospel message to others, to evangelize) and there will be a harvest of righteousness. Not self-righteous, but the righteousness obtained from Jesus alone. How do we get the wisdom from God? James tells us to ask (remember James 1:5). God will give you the, “Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.” (Ephesians 1:17b).
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[1] Strong’s Greek 5046.
[2] Strong’s Greek 4695.
[3] Strong’s Greek 1067.
[4] Strong’s Greek 182.
[5] Strong’s Greek 2672.
[6] Strong’s Greek 5534.