Great results from small means - James 3:3-6
Several examples from everyday life demonstrate the disproportionate power of the tongue for both good and ill. First, James describes how
horses are controlled only by small
bits. One tiny piece of wood or metal in a horse’s mouth gives us the power to
direct their whole bodies. Second,
ships…are steered by a very small rudder. Though the tongue is a very small part of the human body, it influences the whole. Finally, because the tongue
boasts great things and lies, James compares its destructive power to a
fire. Though it starts small, it can grow quickly to burn a
forest.
Tongue remains uncontrollable - 3:7-8
James uses more examples to illustrate man’s seeming inability to tame his tongue. Ironically, though humans are called to take dominion over
all of nature, the tongue remains
uncontrollable and full of deadly poison. Perhaps continuing an allusion to the creation and fall narratives in Gen 1-3, James identifies the effects of a lying tongue with the deadly poison of a serpent.
Hypocrisy...same tongue to praise and curse - James 3:9-10
Continuing his allusion to the creation and fall narratives, James underscores the hypocrisy of using the same tongue both to
praise God and to
curse men. Because all human beings are made in God’s image and
likeness our tongues should be used to honor and love both. The great commandments are rooted in the doctrine of the Imago Dei (image of God).
Fresh water. . . salt water - James 3:11-12
James concludes his section on wise speech with several more illustrations that amplify the hypocrisy of using the tongue for both blessing and cursing the image of God.
Springs do not produce
sweet and bitter water.
Fig trees do not produce
olives and a
grapevine cannot produce
figs. These observations from nature are designed to jolt readers to attend to their speech, if they want to grow in wisdom.
Two Kinds of Wisdom. - James 3:13-18
In this section, James describes two possible sources of wisdom: the way of wisdom from above and the way of wisdom from below. Wisdom from below is
earthly, self-absorbed, unspiritual, and demonic. The way of wisdom from God above leads to peace and communal flourishing.
Wisdom - James 3:13
The theme of
wisdom is threaded throughout this letter from James. Wisdom is demonstrated by hearing and doing God’s Word; believing God and walking in righteousness; remaining steadfast under trials; and self-control in speech. Here, James summarizes the posture of wisdom as . If his readers are truly
wise and understanding, they will display it in a
good life.
Jealousy and ambition - James 3:14-16
But, some of James’ readers are controlled by
jealousy and ambition within them. This kind of wisdom or way of life comes from within ourselves, not from God. It is
earthly, unspiritual, demonic (2 Thess. 2:9-10; 1 Tim. 4:1). This is not to say that the physical world is evil, but that its misuse opposes the wisdom of God’s creational design, resulting in
confusion and every vile practice.
Wisdom from above - James 3:17
Wisdom from above (1:17), however, is
pure. Unstained by human pride,
heavenly wisdom is
gentle and
responsive, full of mercy and good fruits. Wisdom
from above (1:17) perseveres through adversity, practicing righteousness for the glory of God and the good of neighbors, not the glory of self. Its source and results are opposed to the
earthly wisdom James describes in 3:14-16.
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