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.
Fruit of righteousness - James 3:18
Those who cultivate this wisdom will see the
fruit of righteousness among them (Matt. 7:16; Gal. 6:7-8). Though sin and conflict will manifest between members of the Christian community,
peace can be restored and relationships mended if the way of wisdom—characterized by humility and mercy—is pursued. As the following section explores, this result can only be experienced when we submit our inner, conflicting desires to God (see notes 4:1-12).
Submit Your Desires to God. - James 4:1-12
James opens this section with a question: “What causes quarrels and fights among you?” His answer is inner conflict and misdirected desires. In other words, James briefly explores the selfish ambition characteristic of
earthly(see 3:14-16). Submitting those desires in humility to God, the source of
heavenly wisdom (see notes for 3:17-18) is the cure for the conflict James describes here.
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