A Verse-By-Verse Study Of The Book Of Chapter Three
Garland Elkins “James wrote more about the proper and improper use of the tongue than any other inspired writer except Solomon. ” J. J. Turner “James previously mentioned the tongue in 1: 19, 26. Now a more length dissertation is given”
James ~ By Chapters Chapter 1 – A mature Christian patiently endures troubles Chapter 2 – A mature Christian practices the truth Chapter 3 – A mature Christian has power over his tongue
Foundational Facts: Average person speaks 4, 800 words a day One’s speech is a revelation of his real character ~ Winfred Clark Book addressed to no particular church or individual – But to a number of scattered congregations and individuals ~ Vincent Tongue control further indicates “pure religion”
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control ity and ponsibil Res s. 1 -12 ngue – v f the to o sdom – er’s wi each The t. 13 -18 vs
James 3: 8 “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Six Pictures Of The Power to DIRECT Bit and Rudder Power to DESTROY Fire and Animal TONGUE Power to DELIGHT Fountain and Tree Bit for a horse Rudder for a ship Fire Poisonous animal Fountain Fig tree
“It is a revealing and profitable exercise in Bible study, to gather up, by means of a concordance, or similar word book, all of the passages of the Bible dealing with the abuses of the tongue, and the evils which may result therefrom. ”
He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned … He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah.
My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.
They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.
Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer.
For the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are opened against me: they have spoken against me with a lying tongue.
Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue? Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips. Selah.
Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood (THINGS GOD HATE)
Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.
A wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue.
The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips.
Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.
The north wind driveth away rain: so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue.
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.
Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
Masters didaskaloi = Teachers Warning to teachers An established problem Evidently many wanted the attention / influence which came with being a teacher Some had turned to “vain talking” (jangling) (1 Tim. 1: 6) Common level enjoyed in Christ = Brotherly love My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive Quick to greater the assume position of teachers (Turner) condemnation. “Not many of you should act as teachers, my brothers” (NIV)
Not discouraging any from being a TEACHER, but encouraging all to BE A GOOD TEACHER (Titus 2: 3 -4; Heb. 5: 12 ff; 1 Cor. 12: 28; Eph. 4: 11) Self-appointed teachers motivated by desires NOT worthy of those who teach / preach the Truth of God – (Woods, GA) “Stop becoming” “Do not become” My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
Winfred Clark: “Desired to be teachers, but not the right kind” (Prov. 21: 23; Prov. 10: 9) Wise man in Israel wrote: “Love the work but strive not after the honor of a teacher” My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
TEACHER Important Position Life shaping Character developing Eternity determining Paul’s exhortations – 1 Tim. 4: 13 -16; 2 Tim. 2: 2 Eph. 4: 11; 1 Cor. 12: 28
TEACHER 1 Timothy 4: 13 -16 (13) Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (14) Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. (15) Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. (16) Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
TEACHER 2 Timothy 2: 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
TEACHER Ephesians 4: 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
TEACHER 1 Corinthians 12: 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
Teacher = Important Biblical Examples Abraham was a teacher – Gen. 18: 19 Moses encouraged teaching – Deut. 6; Prov. 22 The priest taught the law The prophets taught God’s Word Synagogues = Places of instruction Elementary schools existed among the Jews Position of Rabbi was a coveted one among the Jews Parents must teach - Prov. 1: 8
Teacher = Important Practical Reasons Teacher is expected to be more mature Teacher is a leader Teacher must be well-prepared Teacher must be faithful Teacher is an instructor, inspirer and guide Teacher works with souls – for eternity Very influential • Careful in his speech Teaches the whole counsel of God In Presence Of Our Saviour
TWO DANGERS Teachers Must Avoid: Teaching opinion, ideas of man, and not the Truth of God Not contradicting his teaching with the way he lives
Judgment = Result of a judicial decision Sentence of punishment Knowing = Having full knowledge (Claiborne) James is also a teacher; He will also RECEIVE “Stricter judgment” Because of greater responsibility (Matt. 5: 19; 12: 36) My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
Many = Variety of ways Or, “repeatedly” “many times” Offend = Stumble, trip, fall “Refers to mistakes all of us make” (Woods) For in many things we offend all. Lit. “We all stumble If any man offend not with respect to many things” (WVBS) in word, the same is a Claiborne: perfect man, and “We all make mistakes” (Rom. 3: 23; 1 John 1: 6 -9) able also to bridle the whole body. To trip; to keep on stumbling Does not suggest an inadvertent mistake; Implies a moral fault for which the sinner is morally responsible (Claiborne)
IF = Conditional, assumes the reality / possibility of stumbling Teaching or conversation in general Have control of tongue = fully mature, full maturity spiritually Language is a common way of failure For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Tongue is a dynamic guideline for measuring Christian growth
Perfect Mature, Not sinless, Complete Like David – Psm. 119: 6 Like Zacharias & Elizabeth – Luke 1: 6 Like Noah – Gen. 6: 9 Like Job – Job 1: 1 Mature person can communicate better
If can / do bridle tongue, surely our whole life and actions are controlled ABLE = Capable, has the power Bridle = Keep under rein For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Whole Body = Sum of all the sins of which man is capable
SOCRATES: Woods (GA Com. ): Teachers ESPECIALLY need this instruction! For in many things “Such as thy words are, we offend all. such will If any man offend not thine affections be esteemed; in word, the same is a as such as perfect man, and thine affections, able also to bridle will be thy deeds; the whole body. and such as thy deeds, will be thy life. ”
Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
Iron bar, instrument of control and restraint ~ Winfred Clark Bridle (bit) exerts influence over the whole body of the strong horse ~ WVBS “To overcome a contrary force, the wild nature of the horse … Behold = Indeed “Lo, see…” – Claiborne Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Powerful horse has the power to affect others (runaway is destructive) …” ~ Wiersbe
Strong metaphor to indicate the difficulty of controlling the tongue ~ Winford Claiborne Must be “broken” Must keep them “broken” Tongue control (just as the horse) is a constant effort Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
The entire body may be easily turned / controlled by the small bit (bridle) The large animal (once wild and uncontrolled) is now under control (under reign) Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
Readers were familiar with LARGE SHIPS Large ships affect others Cf. Ship of Acts 27: 37 276 people on board Behold also the ships, Fierce = Harsh, stiff, which though they be so hard ~ Claiborne great, and are driven of Contrary force / fight fierce winds, yet are they the currents ~ Wiersbe turned about with a very small helm, Consider: Cannot control or stop the wind (desire) whithersoever but we CAN the governor listeth. control the ship (tongue)
Helm = Blade of an oar Ancient ships had an oar (paddle) working in a row-cock Oar controlled by a handle or port-hole for control Cf Ship’s weight to the tiny helm (blade of an oar) Turned the ship at the desire of the STEERSMAN In spite of fierce winds Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
They understood the “nautical terms” If written today, James might have used AUTOMOBILES or AIRPLANES to illustrate his point Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
Japanese Proverb: “The average tongue is three inches long and can kill a man six feet high. ” “The human tongue is the most volatile, dangerous weapon brought into the school building each day. ” ~ Peter Commanday (New York City Schools) Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
One can be LOST with the tongue as easily as sinning in any other way Must also overcome CONTRARY FORCES Sin on the inside and pressure on the outside are trying to gain control and make us sin ~ Wiersbe Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! When Christ controls the tongue, we need not worry about our words. When Christ is the Lord of the heart, he is the Lord of the lips too.
Small in size! Great in power! Continually boasts great things (Claiborne) Continually talks big; arrogant (Woods) Keeps on talking about its exploits (Turner) May claim or boast of its power (WVBS) Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
Tongue Has caused men to hate Has caused men to love Has caused men to war Has caused men to stop war Has brought comfort Has brought hurt, misery A little heresy can bring down a great church. A little gossip can bring down a great man.
Isaiah 9: 18 Isaiah 10: 16 -18 Zechariah 12: 6 Psalm 83: 14 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
For wickedness burneth as the fire: it shall devour the briers and thorns, and shall kindle in the thickets of the forest, and they shall mount up like the lifting up of smoke.
As the fire burneth a wood, and as the flame setteth the mountains on fire;
October 8, 1871 • 8: 30 PM Chicago • O’Leary’s barn Started As A Small Fire 100, 000 homeless 17, 500 buildings destroyed 300 people died Cost to the city - $400, 000
Thousands of acres destroyed by a tiny match
“Behold how great a forest is kindled by how small a fire” (Vincent)
Homes can be rebuilt Trees can be replanted Businesses can be revived But The TONGUE DOES DAMAGE NEVER TO BE RECOVERED
None are exempt from the hurt that results from misuse of tongue Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
Power Of F I R E & One Tiny Match Can kindle a raging inferno Can be accidentally started Starts small and grows Defiles / Soils Spreads (in relation to fuel given) Destroys Breaks hearts Ruins reputations Kills a lifetime of godliness and faithfulness
Euripedes, Greek Poet Compared the careless revealing of a secret to a spark catching hold of a forest
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.
Small / Powerful Beneficial / Destructive Involved in almost every sin committed by body IF UNCONTROLLED: Voices every evil feeling and every kind of sinful act And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members… Iniquity = Unrighteousness
DEFILE = To stain, spot (opposite of unspotted, James 1: 27); render defiled Defiles In THREE WAYS: (1) By suggesting sin to ourselves and others (2) By committing sin (3) By excusing and defending sin …that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. Vincent: “defiling the body”
Like pouring a cup of ink into a barrel; Tongue stains the whole body (Turner) Words are plain, the meaning is difficult to grasp (Claiborne) Ignites (as long as tongue is misused); keeps on setting on fire (Claiborne) Cf. rumors - once spoken, cannot be recalled …that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
The whole of man’s existence The whole period of our lives (Woods) Figurative description of human life (Vincent) Total course (or wheel) of human nature (Turner) The wheel that is set in motion at birth and runs to the close of life (Vincent) …that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
Gehenna - Perpetual source of the sparks that supply fire for the tongue (Turner) Source and final result of destruction by uncontrolled tongue …that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
Contrast set on fire of HELL vs HEAVEN Peter on Pentecost Seeking the lost Building up the church If heart is filled with hatred, Satan lights the fire. If heart is filled with love, God lights the fire (Wiersbe) …that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
“When the Holy Spirit wanted to convey how terrible an uncontrolled tongue is, the only adequate word was the awful place of fire and brimstone, the place of eternal darkness, the ultimate abode of Satan and all who follow him. ”
FIRE – (a) in the pain it inflicts (b) In the destruction which attends it (c) in the effects which follow it
Great Minds Talk About Ideas Mediocre Minds Talk About Things Little Minds Talk About People
The one who will talk to you about others will talk to others about you.
For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
Wild creatures have been brought under control Animals that fly Animals that crawl Animals in the sea (salt) Tongue can be dangerous as fire, dangerous as animals, deadly as poison (Winfred Clark) Four legged creatures For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
TAME: Bring under control, to overpower it, conquer, subdue Once an animal is tamed, men do not fear it NEVER let your guard down on the tongue For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
First, Know Animal Is Wild & Vicious Spend Time Be Patient Seek Help From Others Failure Does Not Stop Us Try Again & Again For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Smallest, most deadly troublemaker Able to “tame” the brute creatures Not one of all men can tame the tongue Sad commentary on man Embarrassing exhibition of his moral and spiritual degradation (Woods) Must be given to God each day (Wiersbe) But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
If accomplished, ONLY with Divine help Is he saying that NONE can ever bring it under control? But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. NO! He is saying that NONE can say “it is done, once and for all” Watch, keep close control as Psalm 141: 3, 17: 3; 39: 1
Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.
Bro Claiborne Asks: “Since the tongue can not be tamed, how can God hold us accountable for its improper use? ” FACT: Cannot “tame” the tongue, but it is possible to subdue it Then, must NOT let it run loose. Must KEEP the tongue under constant restraint But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Restless, Continually trying to evade the control of the trainer (Turner) Unruly, unsettled (Vincent) Restless, unrestainable, agitated (Claiborne) Lev. 19: 16; Prov. 11: 13; Prov. 16: 28; Prov. 25: 23; Psm. 41: 7 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Restless evil, agitated, unstable; like a wild beast continually moving up and down in his cage, resisting restaint as possible (Woods)
Like a snake hiding in the grass Fangs of moral venom Death-bearing Psm. 58: 4; 140: 3; cf Rom. 3: 13 } But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear;
They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips. Selah.
(13) Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: (14) Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: (15) Their feet are swift to shed blood: (16) Destruction and misery are in their ways: (17) And the way of peace have they not known: (18) There is no fear of God before their eyes.
Usually, THE TONGUE Does Not Kill Just ONE, But THREE But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, The Person Slandered full of The Person To Whom It deadly poison. Is Told And The One Telling The Slanderous Matter
Is James exaggerating the effect of the tongue? Consider the pain Potiphar’s wife caused Joseph (Gen. 39) Rehoboam’s unrestrained tongue split a nation, started a war (1 Kings 12) But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
INCONSISTENCY of claiming to be religious and controlling NOT the tongue (Clark) CURSE = Invoke evil on them; damning someone; put them under an anathema; pronounce a curse upon BLESS = Say good things about, speak well of Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
HABITUAL PRACTICE – Not an occasional lapse Thinks he is able to look UP to God and bless Him, And DOWN to man and curse him Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
Which, not who Designates them generically To harm man is (in one sense) the same as harming God (Since man is made in the likely (image) of God) Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. SIMILITUDE = Likeness, to make like (Claiborne)
Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Spiritual Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Something radically wrong with the heart; Desperate need of spiritual medicine (Wiersbe) Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
SONGS: “Angry Words” “Be careful little lips what you say…” Test yourself regarding GOSSIP Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. (Turner, p. 102) Exa. - Peter, Matt. 26: 33, 69 -75
1. Do I spread rumors about other persons? 2. Do I always have good things to say about others? 3. Do I like to hear reports of a scandal in newspapers? 4. Do I judge others only on the basis of proven facts? 5. Do I encourage others to bring their rumors to me? 6. Do I precede what I say with, “Don’t tell anybody…”? 7. Do I keep confidential information confidential? 8. Do I reveal information about others under the guise of “feeling sorry for poor ____”?
9. Do I associate with ones who gossip? 10. Do I feel guilty about what I say concerning others? 11. Do I go to the other person first, about a matter regarding them? 12. Do I gossip by consent (facial expressions, remaining silent, slight grin, etc. )? 13. Do I ever say, “He told me not to tell anyone, but I will tell you if you promise not to tell anyone”? 14. Do I think before I speak? 15. Do I try to build others up in my words about them?
It doesn’t pay to say too much When you’re mad enough to choke; For the word that stings the deepest Is the word that’s never spoke. Let the other fellow wrangle Will the storm has blown away; Then he’ll do a heap o’thinking ’Bout the things you didn’t say!
1. Advertises the ignorance of the speaker 2. Displays a lack of self-decency 3. Reveals the inner character of the speaker 4. Disappoints friends of the speaker 5. Dishonors the parents, children, home, religion and God of the speaker 6. Makes the speaker a moral inferior in the presence of clean, righteous people 7. Would find no audience in Heaven
Problem is not the TONGUE, It is the HEART (Matt. 15: 18; Prov. 4: 23) “Little do we realize that when our tongue takes a base and destructive direction, that our soul is taking the same direction” (Donald Fream, Joplin Com. ) Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Woods: “It is not even in harmony with good sense” Only time this phrase is found in Scripture Denotes something completely out of harmony with the nature of things Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Heart cannot be occupied by God and the Devil (Cf. Matt. 6: 24)
Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
Send Forth = Full to bursting, gush (Vincent) Water is life-giving; Our words can give life Water can cleanse; Our words can cleanse Fountain = Fissure in the earth (Claiborne) Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Impossible to be INCONSISTENT In Nature (fountain & fig tree)
IMPOSSIBLE to have SWEET & BITTER from the same place (same opening or hole in the earth) Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? James likely could see fig trees, olive trees, vines and many springs -- all common in Palestine (Woods)
Sweet Water = Greek “glukus” (our word “glucose” (Claiborne) Illust. Uncontrolled water brings death & destruction (cf. Johnstown, PA flood of 1889 2, 209 lives and $17 million damage) Doth a fountain Many springs in send forth Palestine are brackish at the same place and bitter (Woods) sweet water Bitter Water = Prick, bad effect and bitter? on the tastebuds Cf. Bitter waters of Marah (Exod. 15: 23 and unwholesome springs at Jericho (2 Kings 2: 19)
Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
Fig trees, olives and grapes were abundant in Palestine (Claiborne) From the beginning = “after its kind” Technical term: “biogenesis” (development of life from pre-existing life) Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. Cf. Jesus’ words in Matthew 7: 16 -18 & 12: 33 -37
Heart brings forth AFTER ITS KIND: If the heart is sweet, the words will be sweet Can the fig tree, my brethren, If the heart is bitter, the bear olive berries? either words will be bitter a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield Great Salt Sea - 16 miles salt water and fresh. from Jerusalem
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
WISE = RSV has “wise and understanding” Woods: “While these considerations apply primarily to public teachers of the Word, they are applicable, in principle, to all, and should be so regarded. ” James returns to the subject of TEACHERS Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
Endued = Skilled, expert, scientific person (Turner) Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
Knowledge = Possession of facts; understands practical details of life (esp. one subject) Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
…is needed to handle the tongue properly …honors knowledge and practices it daily …is not a hearer only …lives in harmony with their teaching …is a great example
Teacher among you that is KNOWLEDGABLE and ABLE TO SPEAK EFFECTIVELY Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of (Claiborne) a good conversation his works with Wisdom & Knowledge meekness of wisdom. Possession of facts Proper Application
Prove or demonstrate (Claiborne) Challenge: If one is really wise, show it by a good life Matthew 5: 16 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. “What you are speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say. ”
Conversation = Manner of life Not by mere words, but a way of life that confirms wisdom / knowledge Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? (Claiborne) let him shew out of a good conversation By works that true his works with nobility of character is exhibited meekness of wisdom. (Woods) Cf. 1 Peter 1: 15
Actions speak _____! We can talk a good talk but can we walk a good walk? Who is a wise man and endued with (Claiborne) knowledge among you? let him shew out of Our works PROVE a good conversation or DISPROVE his works with we are wise enough to follow the teaching of meekness of wisdom. Scripture
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. } Meekness = Power under control; Does not selfishly assert himself Does away with arrogance, bitterness, know-it-allism, selfishness
Meekness is the right use of power Wisdom is the right use of knowledge Knowledge is proud to have learned so much Wisdom is humility that she knows no more A Wise Meekness Does What Wisdom Says Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
May be revealed, manifested, shown Shown by a good life (a walk attractive in nature) To be done in meekness of wisdom (stripped of all arrogance, pride and desire of worldly acclaim)
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
Qualities that disqualify one from being a teacher Bitter Envying = Cruel, jealousy, begrudge others their successes But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 1 Cor. 3: 3; Gal. 5: 20; Rom. 13: 33; Heb. 12: 15; Eph. 4: 31
Selfish ambition; personal gain; party spirit / faction But if ye have bitter envying and strife Works of the flesh in your hearts, (Gal. 5: 20) glory not, Pushing forward for and lie not personal ends, against the truth. partianship (Claiborne)
Boast not; feel superior; exult over Do not boast of your knowledge / wisdom Boasting proves he is NOT wise! Glorying is the opposite of the qualities of a good teacher But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
Play false; deceit; Be false to the truth Qualities reflect OBSESSION to do whatever necessary to obtain desired popularity, power, etc. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
Four Characteristics Of Wrong Teaching Fanatical – Not based on sound reasoning Bitter – Regards its opponents as enemies rather than friends to be helped Selfishly Ambitious – More interested in showing off knowledge than truth Arrogant – Pride in knowledge rather than humility in ignorance
This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
Kind that produces jealousy Teaching that is proved false by one’s life Does NOT come from God Factions & parties is NOT from God This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
Origin / Focus are of this world Affections set on things of world; fed by desires of the flesh; with behavior characteristics of demons (David Sain) Horizons are not beyond this world } This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
Belonging to sensuous or animal life (Claiborne) Subject to appetites and passions Concerned with senses, drives and instincts of flesh Human (natural) as opposite of spiritual } This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
Resembles or proceeds from demons Order of the Words (significant / progressive) Those who are earthly are of the earth Those who are sensual are influenced by baser desires of flesh Those who are devilish are of the nature of demons } This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
“Where envying and strife exists, there is disorder, division and a disruption of every thing that is good. ” For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. People lose all sense of right Values get scrambled One does and says whatever serves their interests
Confusion = Disorder, trouble, disturbance, anarchy, instability, turmult, Evil Work = Vile deed, foul, good for nothing, no true gain, worthlessness, cheap For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
God = Giver of wisdom Scriptures able to make us wise (2 Tim. 3: 16 -17). James returns to the POSITIVE “Godly Wisdom” But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
Every good gift from above – James 1: 17 Citizenship is in heaven – Phil. 3: 20 Our Father is in haven – Matt. 6: 9 Treasures are in heaven – Matt. 6: 19 ff Born from above – John 3 Believer’s home in heaven – John 14: 1 -3 Hope / affections in heaven – Col. 3
Wisdom is FIRST pure Uncontaminated, without fault, without added mixture wholly good, free from defilement, rejects all evil Without the mixture of human reason to adulterate it (Clark) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. No peace can exist until PURITY has been obtained
Harmonious relationship (Rom. 14: 19) Peace-loving disposition Preserves peace, Not given to conflict Contrast to bitter jealousy, selfishness, confusion No competition, rivalry and wars But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. Hebrew word of greeting (even today) is SHALOM (Peace)
Helping one in error is not condemned in these Scriptures. You are not the problem, not the cause of the problem as you tell one they are wrong (Rom. 12: 18)
Fair, moderate, courteous, forbearing, approachable (without fear of rebuke), graciousness, absence of bad manners “Velvet steel” (Lincoln) “Sweet reasonableness” (Wiersbe) “Does not demand its rights” (David Sain) WVBS: “Humble patience … able to submit to injustice … disgrace without hatred … trusting in God in spite of it all” But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. Woods: “Not a natural characteristic … not born gentle … results from wisdom … does not reflect weakness or deficiency of courage”
Open to reason, willing to yield (if needed), persuadable, teachable, A Gentleman Approach with ease and comfort, not react harshly, not a superior attitude But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
Full of compassion for those in need (David Sain) A compassion and pity toward ones in distress and need (Turner) An attribute of God (Psm. 86: 6 • 100: 5) Mercy for even those who are in trouble (even of their own making) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. God has mercy for YOU in sin • Any sin is our own fault
Mercy must result in GOOD FRUITS or “practical help” (WVBS) “Characterized by doing good for others” (David Sain) God’s Faithful People Are FRUITFUL (John 15) But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
Not making a distinction, Decisive, Without doubting or wavering, unshakable trust in God and His promises, Firm in his views with complete trust and confidence in God But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
Always sincere and genuine (yesterday, today and tomorrow) Wisdom has no connection to pretense or playing a part A WISE TEACHER is willing to teach the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Compare “man-made results” to “God-given fruit” The product of life Fruit growing out of righteousness (which right living produces) (Woods) And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
RSV = “harvest of righteousness” The harvest produced from the seeds planted by God’s faithful peacemaker And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
The realm where righteousness grows and flourishes, and where its fruit, good deeds, abound (Claiborne) What we are is what we live. What we live is what we sow. What we sow determines what we reap. If we live in God’s wisdom, we sow righteousness and peace. We reap God’s blessings. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
David Sain: “The good that we do grows out of peace in our hearts, produced by wisdom from above. ” “Peace is conducive to the spread of truth, contributes to it. Strife, division and faction hinder and restrain it” (Woods) And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Characteristics Of A good life (v. 13) Courteous (v. 17) Meekness (v. 13) Not partial (v. 17) Good works (v. 13) Not hypocritical (v. 17) Pure life (v. 17) Righteous (v. 18) Peaceable (v. 17) Peacemaker (v. 18 Gentle (v. 17) Sower of good (v. 18) Full of mercy (v. 17) Thus, A Good Teacher Reasonable (v. 17)
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