But if you have bitter zeal and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. Truth to Learn Strong, bitter feelings towards others and loud, boastful proclamations are not marks of a good teacher. Behind the Words The words translated “bitter zeal” are dzelos pikros. The...
James 3:13 – Wise Teacher
Who is wise and knowledgeable among you? Let him show his works by his good behavior, in meekness of wisdom. Truth to Learn Many who desire to be teachers don’t qualify. But it’s not due to lack of knowledge or understanding. Behind the Words “Wise” is translated from the Greek...
James 3:12 – Olives and Figs?
My brothers, is a fig tree is able to produce olives, or a grapevine figs? So neither can a sprint yield both salt water and fresh water. Truth to Learn Just like a fruit tree or a fountain of water, our tongue should only produce a single kind of fruit:...
James 3:11 – Sweet and Bitter?
Does a spring out of the same opening send forth fresh water and bitter? Truth to Learn Not only is it not right that the same mouth should be used for the noble act of praising and also the vile act of cursing, it is unnatural. Behind the Words James...
James 3:10 – It Shouldn’t Happen
Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, it is not fitting for these things to be so. Truth to Learn It is not right that the same mouth should be used for both the noble act of praising and the vile act of cursing. Behind...
James 3:9 – Offending God?
With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Truth to Learn When we curse a fellow member of the human race it is offensive to the God who created us. Behind the Words The word...
James 3:8 – Poisonous Tongue
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...
James 3:7 – Taming the Beasts
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...
James 3:6 – The Inflaming Tongue
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...
James 3:5 – The Kindling Tongue
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...