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...
James 3:4 – Mighty Little Rudder
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...
James 3:3 – Bridling Power
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...
James 3:2 – Perfectly Bridled
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,...
James 3:1 – Responsible Teaching
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,...