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Category: James 3

James 3:8 – Poisonous Tongue

Posted on April 22, 2015 by Will

But no man is able to tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

Truth to Learn

Although men have managed to tame every kind of wild animal, no man can tame the tongue.

Behind the Words

“No man” is translated from oudeis anthrōpōn, which literally means “not one of men.” There is not one human being who can tame the tongue, his own or anyone else’s.

The word translated “unruly” is akataschetos, which means “unrestrainable.” There is a variant reading on this word with some texts using the word akatastatos, meaning “unsettled” or “unstable.” Whichever is the proper reading, it is nonetheless clear that the tongue cannot be completely controlled.

The word “evil” is from kakos, which literally means “worthless.” It refers to that which is intrinsically or inherently worthless, bad, or evil.

“Full” is from the Greek word mestos, which means “stuffed completely full.” It is the picture of a vessel that is filled to the brim without any room for anything more.

The word translated “deadly” is thanatēphoros, which is a compound word made up of thanatos, meaning “death” and a form of pherō, meaning “to bring” or “to bear.” Hence, it refers to something which brings death.

Though it may appear in our English translation that evil is full of deadly poison, the Greek construction makes it clear that James is referring to the tongue as being full of deadly poison.

Meaning Explained

In spite of mankind’s ability to tame all the wild animals, no one can completely tame the tongue, according to James. This is not to say that it is never brought under control for a time, but eventually our tongue gets us all in trouble. The way it bites is like a poisonous snake.

The Apostle Paul, quoting from Psalms 5:9 said a similar thing in his letter to the Romans:

“their throat is an open tomb; with their tongues they used deceit”; “the poison of asps is under their lips” (Romans 3:13)

And the Psalmist, in Psalms 140:3 said:

They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; the poison of asps is under their lips.

How many times has someone said something to you that hurt deeply, whether they intended it that way or not? And which one of us has not experienced a time when we said something out of the emotion of the moment, only to regret it as soon as the words were out of our mouth. “Oh, I wish I hadn’t said that,” we tell ourselves, wishing we could control our tongue.

Keep in mind that James is not saying that we can’t control our tongue, therefore we shouldn’t try. He is saying that with God’s help we need to work especially hard at controlling the tongue because it is such an unruly thing!

Application

Let us all take a few minutes in prayer right now and ask God to help us control our tongue. May our words be a blessing to God and to others, and may we give the praise to God!

In God's service, for His glory,

James 3:7 – Taming the Beasts

Posted on April 21, 2015 by Will

For every kind of beasts and birds, of creeping things and creatures of the sea, is subdued and has been subdued by mankind.

Truth to Learn

Some things are hard to tame. Hard, but not impossible!

Behind the Words

The word “kind” is a translation of phusis, which is a derivative of phuō, meaning “to bring forth by natural birth.” It stands in opposition to that which has been created by or assisted by man. In other words, it’s natural. Hence, phusis refers to the nature of things. James is referring to all sorts, or kinds, of animals.

“Beast” is from the Greek word therion, which means a dangerous or venomous animal. It is one term that is used of the antichrist in the book of Revelation, indicating the beastly nature of this person. But, it is sometimes used to refer to any kind of beast including the tame species.

The word translated “creeping things” is herpeton, from herpō, meaning “to creep.” Hence, it refers to a creeping thing which could include insects and reptiles.

The phrase “creatures of the sea” is from enalion, which is made up of en, meaning “in” and a form of hals, meaning “the sea.” Therefore this word literally means “things in the sea.”

“Subdued” is translated from damadzō, which is from an obsolete word meaning “to reduce to stillness or quietness.” The first use of this word in this verse is in the present tense and passive voice meaning that it is something currently being done to something else (is being subdued). The second occurrence is in the perfect tense and passive voice, indicating something that has been done in the past with an ongoing effect in the present.

Meaning Explained

This is the fourth illustration from nature that James has used to help us understand the tongue (horse’s bridle, rudder of great ocean vessels, fast spreading fire, and wild animals). The wild animals, he says, have been tamed by man. He is not saying that every species of animal on earth has been tamed. He describes four classifications of animals, which is intended to show that all kinds of animals have been tamed by man.

Lest we think that we in the twenty-first century have excelled at taming animals above our ancestors, Pliny the Elder in the first century AD identified a list of animals which had been tamed at that time. This list includes: elephants, lions, and tigers, among beasts; the eagle, among birds; snakes and crocodiles among the creeping things; and various fishes, among the inhabitants of the water. Even the Egyptians did some remarkable animal taming, including lions which were used by them both in hunting and in warfare.

James is pointing out that we humans have been able to tame every kind of animal. He does not say that they have been easily tamed. In fact, he implies that it has been done with great difficulty, just as it is very difficult to tame the tongue, as we will see in the next verse.

Application

Do you feel like God, through the writings of James, is talking directly to you? If you do, that’s good. If you don’t, well, you should! Because of our sin nature, we all have a tongue taming challenge. Are you up to it? With God’s help, you are?

In God's service, for His glory,

James 3:6 – The Inflaming Tongue

Posted on April 20, 2015 by Will

And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. So the tongue is set among our members defiling the whole body, and inflaming the course of nature; and it is inflamed by hell.

Truth to Learn

Our tongue, like an out of control fire, is the source of much of our sinfulness.

Behind the Words

The word “fire” in this verse is from the Greek word pur which means “fire.” However, it is also the word that is specifically used of lightning, indicating the rapidity and unexpected nature of the fire.

The word “unrighteousness” comes from the Greek adikia, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “without” and a form of dikē, which means justice or righteousness. Hence, adikia refers to anything which is “unjust, unrighteous, or morally wrong.”

The word translated “defiling” is from spilos, which means “a stain” or “a blemish.” In the Greek text this word is expressed as a participle, so it could be rendered, “defiling” or “staining.”

“Course of nature” is translated from trochon tēs geneseōs, which literally means “wheel of birth.” That is to say, the wheel which is set in motion at birth and runs on th the close of life. Thus, it is a figurative description of human life. Metaphorically it refers to the entire circuit, or pathway, of life.

The word “inflaming” is a form of phlogidzō, which means “to set on fire.” It is expressed here as a present, passive participle, which implies continuous action done to the subject (course of nature).

Finally, the word translated “hell” in this verse is gehenna. Gehenna is a reference to the valley of Hinnom, on the south side of the city of Jerusalem, where trash and refuse were constantly burned. Because of the unceasing fire there, it came to mean an eternal fire, which is thus interpreted as “hell.”

Meaning Explained

This is one of the more difficult passages of James to interpret because of his use of so many odd or obscure words. He literally says that the tongue is “the world of unrighteousness.” That is, the tongue personifies all that is unrighteous. As was pointed out in verse two, we are all sinners. This is because we all have a sin nature and our sin nature is often revealed by our words. Hence, our tongue is the ambassador for the world of our sin nature and thereby stains, or defiles, all that we do. In other words, the tongue reveals the most basic unrighteousness in us, kindling the worst fires in the entire course of our life.

James is telling us that even though the tongue is only a small member of our body, it is a rapid fire starter, causing sin. Therefore it blemishes our entire being and continually inflames all of our being into a fire like that of Hell itself.

Lest we give up without even trying, however, let’s remember that God’s grace is greater than our sin. And through the power of the Spirit of God we can control our tongue.

Application

Wow! No wonder James said earlier that the man who can control his tongue is a fully mature Christian. I hope I get there someday soon, how about you? Don’t relax just yet, though. James has lots more to say about the tongue. Apparently, he felt that it was a subject about which we all need a lot of teaching.

In God's service, for His glory,

James 3:5 – The Kindling Tongue

Posted on April 17, 2015 by Will

Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!

Truth to Learn

Our tongue may be small, but it can get us into big trouble if we don’t control it.

Behind the Words

“Even so” is translated from houtōs, which we have looked at before. It literally means “in this manner” or “in this way.” James is directly equating the effect of the little tongue with the little bridle or little rudder of the previous verses.

The word “member” is translated from melos, which refers to “a limb or member of the body.” And, “little” is translated from mikrōs (from which we get out word, micro), meaning “small or little.” So James is stating that the tongue is a small part of our body just as the rudder is a small part of a ship.

The expression “boasts great things” comes from the Greek word megalaucheō, which is a compound from megas, meaning “exceedingly great or large” and aucheō, meaning to talk big or boast.

The Greek word translated “forest” is hulē, which means “wood” or “a forest,” and also “the matter or raw material of which a thing is made.” James’ use of the word here is most likely a reference to a large forest of trees which can be consumes by fire started from a small flame.

The word at the end of the verse which is translated “little” is oligos, which means “puny” or “tiny.” Some manuscripts, however, don’t use this word. Instead, they say, “See what-sized fire kindles what-sized forest?” Though the various manuscripts use different words, they essentially mean the same thing.

Meaning Explained

Now James drops the hammer (in some cases perhaps, right on our toes)! Having just given us examples of little things which have tremendous influence over much larger things, he compares them with the tongue. He tells us that the tongue, though small compared to other parts of our bodies, makes itself out to be something great. James then uses yet another word picture to help us understand the danger of an uncontrolled tongue. The picture is of a great forest fire which is ignited by a very small flame. And, like ill spoken words from our mouth, once the fire has begun, it is difficult to stop.

It was just such improper use of the tongue by Doeg the Edomite which David talked about:

Why do you boast in evil, O mighty man? The goodness of God endures continually. Your tongue devises destruction, Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. You love evil more than good, Lying rather than speaking righteousness. (Psalms 52:1-3)

Application

Do you have a problem with your tongue? If so, this is a very important chapter of the Bible for you. Pay close attention and let God speak directly to you. You will find out that you are not alone. In fact, all of us have problems with our words, some more than others. But don't just excuse it because we all do it, rather confront yourself and ask the Lord for His power in controlling your tongue!

In God's service, for His glory,

James 3:4 – Mighty Little Rudder

Posted on April 16, 2015 by Will

Look also at ships, being so large and being driven by hard winds, they are directed by a very small rudder wherever the helmsman determines.

Truth to Learn

Like the rudder of a ship, the tongue may be small but it can exert great influence, either good or bad.

Behind the Words

This verse begins in a manner very similar to the previous one: “Look also at ships …” which places “ships” in the emphatic position. James is now drawing attention to large ships which are also controlled by something small.

“Driven” is translated from elaunō, meaning “to push” or “to drive.” It is the word used to describe the action of oars or the wind on the movement of a boat or ship.

“Hard” is from the Greek word sklēros, which literally refers to something that is dry and hard. In its normal usage, however, it refers to something that is hard or violent. Its usage here refers to the power and fierceness of the wind at sea.

The word translated “small” in this verse is, elachistos which is the superlative form of the Greek word for short or small. Hence, James is emphasizing the fact that this ship, which is large and is pushed about by fierce winds, is steered with the smallest of things.

The Greek word translated “rudder” is pēdalion, which is a derivative of pēdon, meaning the paddle of an oar. Small boats in those days were steered with an oar directed out of the back of the boat and moved one direction or the other. Larger ships were controlled with a “tiller” or “rudder” which was an adaptation of the simple steering oar.

Meaning Explained

James now provides us with a second example of small things which exert great control over much larger things. In this case he is pointing out that seagoing vessels which are driven by powerful winds are effectively steered by a little rudder.

Even today, large ocean going vessels are steered with a rudder which is only a tiny fraction of the size of the overall ship. For instance, the rudder of the cruise liner Queen Elizabeth is only about two one-thousandths the size of the entire ship. The ships which sailed the Mediterranean Sea in James’ day were much smaller, but they were wind powered and very difficult to control when the winds were not blowing from directly behind them.

It takes a skilled pilot to steer a ship that is powered by the wind. If he slips-up and allows the ship to be aimed the wrong direction it takes considerable time and great effort on the part of all the crew to get the ship aimed the proper direction again. So, even though the rudder is seemingly insignificant in terms of size, it is crucial that it be used properly if the ship is to be steered in the right direction.

James’ point is that our tongue is likewise a very small part of our body. And, a slip of the tongue can cause much pain and hardship for both the speaker and the hearer. In some cases, the damage done by an uncontrolled tongue can be irreparable.

Application

Do you have control of your tongue? Hopefully, the Apostle Paul was describing you when he said,“ Let your speech always be with grace, having been seasoned with salt …” (Colossians 4:6a) If not, then you need to work on controlling your tongue so that you faithfully represent your Lord and King in everything you say.

In God's service, for His glory,

James 3:3 – Bridling Power

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Will

Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.

Truth to Learn

A small thing like a horse’s bridle wields great influence over the entire body of the horse. Likewise, our tongue, though small, has great power both for good and for evil.

Behind the Words

In the Greek text this sentence begins, “But if the horses…” By this construction, it puts “horses” in the emphatic position, not “bits.” James is using horses as an example of something large which is controlled by something small.

The word translated “bits” is chalinos, which we identified as part of a compound word in the previous verse. It refers to a bridle which is fastened around a horse’s head. This bridle contains a piece called a bit which goes into the horse’s mouth and it is this bit which exerts the persuasive force on the horse, causing it to turn or to stop.

Peithō is the Greek word translated “obey.” It literally means “to persuade” or “to convince.” In other words as it is used here it refers to firm persuasion rather than forced obedience. This is a subtle difference, but a significant one.

“Turn” is translated from metagō, which is made up of meta, meaning “a change in place or position” and agō, meaning “to lead.” So, it means “to lead to a different place or position.”

Meaning Explained

James, being the practical teacher that he is, gives us a real world example of what he is talking about. This is the first of two illustrations of how something large is easily controlled by something small. He shows us that we can control a horse, an animal much bigger that we are, simply by putting a bridle in its mouth. That little bridle is used to turn the entire body and to persuade the horse to go where we want it to.

In today’s modern, automobile oriented society we don’t have encounters with horses very often. I recall an experience several years back when we were in a field with a number of horses. The owners, who were with is, told us not to be concerned because the horses were very gentle. Unfortunately, the horses got spooked by our dog, turned away from us, and began kicking in our direction. All we could do was run. These animals were significantly larger and stronger than we were. They behaved very aggressively toward us and we had no control over them. And yet, when fitted with a bridle, these same large animals became gentle and easily controlled.

When it comes to the tongue, even King David recognized the necessity of a bridle (or muzzle):

I said, "I will guard my ways, Lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, While the wicked are before me." (Psalms 39:1)

In the previous verse James introduced the concept of being able to control our entire body if we can control our tongue. His point here is that controlling the entire body is easy if we control our tongue, just like controlling a large horse is easy if we have control of the bridle.

Application

We have all had times when we wished we could take back something that we said. Words are powerful and can be used for good or for evil. Let us all commit to putting more effort into bridling our tongue. Then, may the use of our tongues be for the glory of God!

In God's service, for His glory,

James 3:2 – Perfectly Bridled

Posted on April 14, 2015 by Will

For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

Truth to Learn

One sign of a mature Christian is the words he or she uses.

Behind the Words

“Stumble” is translated from ptaiō, which is a form of piptō, meaning “to fall.” This word, which we have looked at before, refers to an accidental stumbling, or tripping, as we traverse the pathway of life. In other words, James is referring to someone committing unintentional sin.

The Greek word translated “perfect” is also one we have looked at before. It is teleios, which means “complete” in terms of labor, growth, or moral character. James’ statement is in reference to a fully mature Christian. A more descriptive and less misleading translation of this word might be “mature.”

The word translated “bridle” is a very descriptive word in Greek. It is chalinagōgeō, which is made up of chalinos, which refers to “a bridle worn by an animal,” and a form of ago, which means “to lead or direct.” Hence, this word literally means “to lead by use of a bridle.” And, just like a person who controls a horse by leading it around by a bridle, this person is able to control his or her entire body.

Meaning Explained

James now introduces the first of five real world examples of what the tongue is like (a horse that is controlled by a small bridle; a large ship controlled by a small rudder; a small fire which can quickly spread to a flaming inferno; a wild, untamable creature; and a spring of water which brings forth both fresh and brackish water). With these five examples James will show how powerful and unruly the tongue can be.

He starts out the current verse with a reminder that we are all sinners and that we trip, or stumble many times. This is in complete agreement with what the Apostle Paul says:

As it is written, No one is righteous, not even one: There is no one who understands, there is no one seeking after God. (Romans 3:10,11)

None of us is perfect, we all stumble (even when we become a mature Christian). One of the ways we stumble in our Christian walk is with the words we use. In fact, it is often not so much the words, but the attitude behind the words we use. James tells us that if we don’t trip-up with our words, it is a sign that we are a completely mature Christian and are able to control our entire body.

Teaching is only mentioned in the first verse of this chapter. Yet, it is with our words that we teach, whether spoken or written. Words properly used can be a powerful force in building up the body of Christ, but they can also be the cause of great pain and contention within the body if used carelessly.

Application

Whether we have been called to teach or not, we are all called to be a witness for Christ, to be a servant of God, and to build up the body. Whatever service of ministry we have within the body, or to the world around us, we must be careful regarding the words we use.

In God's service, for His glory,

James 3:1 – Responsible Teaching

Posted on April 13, 2015 by Will

My brothers, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we will receive greater judgment.

Truth to Learn

Within the church, teaching carries a great responsibility and a greater judgment (good or bad) for those who teach.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “let … become” is ginomai, which means “to begin to be” or “to come into existence.” The use of the word here is in the present tense and imperative mood (command). Therefore, it could be translated as “stop becoming many teachers.”

“Teachers,” or “masters” in some Bibles, is translated from the Greek word didaskalos, which means “one who teaches or instructs.” It seems that there were many people in the early church who wanted to be looked up to as teachers.

The word “judgment” is translated from krima. This is derived from the verb krinō, literally meaning “to separate.” In the New Testament it means “to form or give an opinion after separating and considering the particulars of a case.” The noun form, used in this verse, refers to the resultant judgment that is handed down. It can refer to either a judgment of approval or a judgment of condemnation.

Meaning Explained

James has just finished talking about the works which are the evidence of faith. Now he’s going to talk about the works performed by those who teach within the church. In this particular verse he is cautioning church members not to all desire the position of teacher. In 1 John 2:16 the apostle John talks about the three types of lusts; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. This third one, the pride of life, is that desire within each of us to attain greatness and fame. Unfortunately, because the church is made up of sinful humans, this pride of life occasionally shows its ugly face within the church as well. Within the body of Christ each one of us has a function to perform. In 1Corinthians chapter twelve, the apostle Paul says that we are one body with many members, each one with a specific purpose. We can’t all be eyes, we can’t all be feet, and we can’t all be teachers.

Even though teaching is a good and necessary position within the church, James warns that those who hold the position of teacher are responsible for the content of their teaching and will receive a harsher judgment, good or bad, depending on whether or not they carry it out in a manner worthy of our Lord. A good teacher can lead people to a closer, more effective walk with God. But, a careless teacher can actually lead children of God away from that close personal fellowship that He desires with each of us.

Not only are teachers within the church responsible for the content of their teaching, they are responsible, even more so, for their actions. If good works are evidence of our salvation, then practicing what you teach is even more important for those who wear the mantle of teacher.

Application

We are all called upon at one time or another to teach and exhort less mature Christians. When such opportunities arise, we need to be careful that we do not lord it over them. What we say can have a powerful effect on others. And, we who have been called to teach need to ensure that we are being instructional and not judgmental. Remember that teaching is an honorable service, but other positions in the church are just as honorable if they are carried out with an attitude of humble service. Keep that in mind the next time you talk to one of the workers in the church nursery or the church janitor. Without these humble servants, the work of the body of Christ will be less effective. Be sure to thank them for their humble service. Serve where God has called you to serve and you will bring glory to God!

In God's service, for His glory,