james 3:17 commentary

word occurs only here in the NT and denotes a consistent, unwavering person who is undivided in his commitment and conviction and does not make unfair distinctions. That is why I seek to be so careful in teaching the Word of God to keep, as much as possible, my own opinion out of it and speculation out of it completely.A lot of times people want you to speculate on a subject and to me that is extremely dangerous. He who thinks well, or he who talks Philip Lilley reminds us that Dr. H. F. Stewart said that the arguments of Pascal with the Jesuits reminded him of Alan Breck's fight with the crew of the Covenant in Stevenson's Kidnapped: "The sword in his hand flashed like quicksilver into the middle of our flying enemies, and at every flash came the scream of a man hurt." Surely the one stream from the same cleft in the rock does not gush forth fresh and salt water? James 3:17 - Commentary, explanation and study verse by verse A backbiting tongue hath cast out virtuous women and, deprived them of their labours. This reappears as a final appeal. He does not conclude, however, without another appeal to conscience. Thus it has been often and very aptly described as a loving parent who tells his child that he must go here or there; that is, the very places which he knows perfectly the child would be most gratified to visit. "For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. James 3 Commentary But here the apostle is exposing the absence of an internal work where intelligence is severed from conscience, and this he illustrates, as we have seen, by the man that gets a glance in a glass, and then all is gone directly his back is turned. Luther would have been none the worse, but all the stronger, for a real understanding of this writing of James. These words serve to remind the teacher of the great responsibility he has voluntarily chosen. My brethren, [he said,] be not many masters [or teachers] ( James 3:1 ). See the rabbinical meaning of this phrase at the end of this chapter. 21, James (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. This is evident on the face of it. James is not pleading for a cowardly silence but for a wise use of speech. James 3:17-18 (Part 10, Heavenly Wisdom) May 27, 2021 / Jeff Stott. The manner of stating a truth, however well-meant, may sometimes stumble souls, through our own want of subjection to the precious truth and the wonderful wisdom of God in His word. While some of these complaints may be justified, many are not and are only examples of the selfishness of man. (iii) It is devilish. If the danger of hypocrisy was real for Peter, it remains just as much a threat for Christians today. If an individual is accidentally injured, he often sues the unfortunate party for millions. True peace is also a positive force (not just quitting something but also doing something constructive). without hypocrisy; either with respect to God or man; not making show of that which they have not, or do not intend. All rights reserved. Those who possess worldly wisdom and nature jealousy and selfish ambition, will see all around them disorder and every vile practice (v.16). Again this idea is woven into Jewish thought. Gibson says this means "forbearance, even under provocation. It was a practical incongruity and contradiction of the mind of God. ( Sir_19:15 ). But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy. Beware thou slide not by it, lest thou fall before him, that lieth in wait and thy fall be incurable unto death. At the same time it only confirms, as it appears to me, what has already been shown to be the comprehensive character of the epistle. - MSB, peaceable -- This is the Greek term eirene. At this point, James lists seven characteristics of this beneficial wisdom. James 3:17-18 NIV - But the wisdom that comes from heaven In our bodies, that is to say, the tongue stands for the whole wicked world. Must we translate and punctuate as in the common Greek Testament and English Bible? We get it in the creation story. 7. There is, first, the "visiting the fatherless and widows in their affliction," persons from whom one could gather nothing flattering to the flesh, or in any way calculated to minister to self; there is, on the other hand, the keeping one's self unspotted from the world. so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh ( James 3:9-12 ). Heavenly wisdom is full of mercy and good fruits, inwardly disposed to every thing that is kind and good, both to relieve those who want and to forgive those who offend, and actually to do this whenever proper occasions offer. Whatever people may say or think about it, there is no denying this. WebVerse James 3:5. As in the previous chapters, James began his discussion of human speech with a practical exhortation and continued to deal with increasingly basic issues. These are my notes from a sermon series I did through the book of James. The form of the word used here also occurs in Hebrews 12:11. His instrument is speech and his agent the tongue. "My brethren," says he, "count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trial of your faith worketh patience. Compare Phi 4:8; 1 Timothy 5:22; 1 John 3:3; where the word is rendered, as here, pure; 2 Corinthians 7:11; where it is rendered clear, (in this matter); 2 Corinthians 11:2; Tit 2:5; 1 Peter 3:2, where it is rendered chaste. . Only it is a mistake to suppose that it contemplates nobody else. Pretending outwardly to be faithful to the Lord with words, while inwardly the heart is far from loving Him, is another example of hypocrisy (Matthew 15:7-9). "Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed." I think that we should keep it just as pure as possible as we seek to teach the Word. This wisdom is full of good fruits: This wisdom can be seen by the fruit it produces. Yet most people today have never heard of John Gill. Full of mercy - Merciful; disposed to show compassion to others. WebThe idea of master there is a teacher, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation ( James 3:1 ). He said, "It's not really that which goes into a man that defiles a man, but that which comes out of a man that defiles him. Means peace loving or peace promoting (cf. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1950), p. 45. It is not that there is the very smallest contradiction between the two. c. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace: This fruit is like a seed that will bear fruit as it is sown by those who make peace. Christian pity is the reflection of God's pity; and that went out to men, not only when they were suffering unjustly, but when they were suffering through their own fault. Nor do I deny that there are answers to prayer of a very striking kind. We had it at the commencement of the chapter; we have it again here that it should by all means be remembered. 3:7-8 Every kind of beast and bird, and reptile and fish, is and has been tamed for the service of mankind; but no man can tame the tongue. _TOMBER_ Vous donc, bien-aims prenez garde de ne tombez pas de votre propre fermet. The word James uses is difficult to translate. Accordingly the epistle savours of this. If you bring this or any other preconception to the word of God, no wonder His word leaves you outside its divine and holy scope. The wisest men are least apt to be censurers. It has not been unknown for a man to speak with piety on Sunday and to curse a squad of workmen on Monday. "There is no man," says the Jewish sage, "among them that be born, but he hath dealt wickedly; and among the faithful there is none who hath not done amiss" ( 2Esther 8:35). You know we sometimes just don't want to give that person that consolation of saying, "Well that's all right, I understand." But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle. Here indeed is its terror. But now ye glory in your boastings: all such glorying is evil." This type of peace is not some mysterious emotion falling upon man at Gods whim but, rather, a condition of inner calmness knowing all is well with his soul. One thing man hasn't been able to tame is his own tongue. One of the distinguishing characteristics of Christianity can be found in the Christians attitude toward others. John says, "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure" (1 John 3:3). This he brings in: "If any of you lack wisdom." 3:1 My brothers, it is a mistake for many of you to become teachers, for you must be well aware that those of us who teach will receive a greater condemnation. "There is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins," said the preacher ( Ecclesiastes 7:20). It is not only a question of trials that come upon the believer when he is here below. Our wisest course is to discard every unscriptural phrase which we find current and influential. Still he is careful in this place to show that the word deals inwardly with the man, that it is this implanted word, as he calls it, and not an external law, that is able to save the soul. - MSB, Without partiality (); here only in the New Testament. To James there was something unnatural about this; it was as unnatural as for a stream to gush out both fresh and salt water or a bush to bear opposite kinds of fruit. (b) Kosmos ( G2889) can mean world. But, he is not so proud as to think he knows all truth and someone else cannot possibly teach him anything. - Utley, Good deeds the fruit of righteousness (Philippians 1:11) - RWP, without partiality "free from prejudice"; "without a trace of partiality", without partiality -- The Gk. It is pure, meaning free of the defilements mentioned. (iv) It is arrogant. The great point of all seems this: that there were works, but the works that James insists on are works where faith constitutes their special excellence, and indeed alone could be their justification. Then the chapter closes with giving us a sample of what pure and undefiled religion is, but chiefly as we observe in a practical way the main object and never lost sight of. It need scarcely be remarked that it is no question here of the righteousness of God in a doctrinal sense. This is God's wisdom. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. His argument runs like this: "Is there any of you who wishes to be a real sage and a real teacher? Compare the notes at 2 Corinthians 10:1. James first of all warns against a desire to teach the Word of God that would stem or emanate just from your own desire to be in front of people or whatever. Here at once would spring up a divergence of feeling among them. Instead of a friend become not an enemy; for thereby thou shalt inherit an ill name, shame and reproach; even so shall a sinner that hath a double tongue" ( Sir_5:13 through Sir_6:1 ). It is said to be "from above," indicating it comes from God. It is perfectly plain that according to man Abraham would have been in danger of losing his liberty, if not his head, for intent to kill Isaac; and unquestionably, judged by her country's law, the conduct of Rahab must have exposed her to the worst punishment of the worst political crime. It is, in the end, more eager to display itself than to display the truth; and it is interested more in the victory of its own opinions than in the victory of the truth. Read Introduction to James Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes (v) We take the next two terms together. WebClarke's Commentary Verse 17. It was this selfishness that came into direct personal collision with the Lord of glory, "who, though he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich." The real scholar will be far more aware of what he does not know than of what he knows. And if I am constantly in strife, constantly in turmoil, constantly stirred up, constantly, you know, bad mouthing this person, that person, this thing, that thing, then that wisdom that I have is not of God. Eirene ( G1515) means peace, and when it is used of men its basic meaning is right relationships between man and man, and between man and God The true wisdom produces right relationships. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. And here it seems seasonable to say that, so far from James being legal in the evil sense of the word, he is the inspired man who, at least as much as any other, slays legality by this very expression. The first of William Law's rules for life was, "To fix it deep in my mind that I have but one business upon my hands, to seek for eternal happiness by doing the will of God." First pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy: The character of this wisdom is wonderful. It is evident that it cannot. This too is a practical subject. When kosmos ( G2889) is used in this sense it means the world without God, the world in its ignorance of, and often its hostility to, God. Commentary on James 3 "The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." Abstention from anything is never a complete substitute for control in its use. So don't be many masters knowing that we will receive the greater condemnation. is first pure; it is pure in itself, it is free from everything that is earthly, carnal, or sensual, or devilish; it produces purity of heart, of life, and conversation; and is the means of keeping persons pure and chaste, and free from impure lusts, lusts of uncleanness, pride, envy, wrath, c. which prevail in carnal and unregenerate men: and then peaceable it inclines and engages those who have it to live in peace with the saints, and even with all men; with those of their own household, with their neighbours, yea, with their enemies: it is also "gentle"; or makes men gentle, moderate, and humane, so as that they bear, and forbear; they bear with the infirmities of the weak; readily forgive injuries done them; do not rigidly exact what is their due, but recede from their just right for the sake of peace and love; and do not bear hard upon others for their failings, but cover them with the mantle of love: and it is. We can tame lions, we've seen the lion tamers and we've watched them in the circus. Nor is this an opinion, but what God says. It is the power of the Spirit of God alone that can grave these things on the heart. He who thinks well, or he who talks well, is not wise in the sense of the Scripture, if he does not live and act well. The tongue also is small, yet it can direct the whole course of a man's life. i. He proves that the least things are often those which govern other bodies incomparably larger. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." 17 "Easy to be entreated" (eupeithes) is found only once in the New Testament and means "easily obeying, compliant" (Thayer 261). What Every Christian Should Know about the Protestant Reformation. Let us be, then, not only slow to speak, but "slow to wrath." The Psalmist thought on the same lines: "Thou hast given him dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet; all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field; the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the sea" ( Psalms 8:6-8). It is evident that His good works were so outstanding that the common people saw them, not anything evil, as the hallmark of His career. In Paul's list of those who hold great gifts within the Church they come second only to the apostles and to the prophets ( 1 Corinthians 12:28; compare Ephesians 4:11). We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. WebJames 3:17-18. The passage speaks of practice, not of doctrine. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not." Without partiality . We have translated this peaceable but it has a very special meaning. To report dead links, typos, or html errors or suggestions about making these resources more useful use the convenient, Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. They are used to being listened to and to having their words accepted. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above." Wednesday Night Bible Study at Waco First Assembly on April Full of mercy Ready to pass by a transgression, and to grant forgiveness to those who offend, and performing every possible act of kindness. James 3:17 (KJV) - Forerunner Commentary - Bible Tools The wisdom that is from above is peaceable. The picture was one the Jews of Palestine knew well. WebJames 3:17 New International Version 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial Behold, we count them happy which endure. Compare the notes at that passage. Envying is first and excites strife; strife endeavours to excuse itself by vain-glorying and lying; and then (James 3:16; James 3:16) hereupon ensue confusion and every evil work. Masquerading evil thoughts with flattering compliments is yet another form of hypocrisy that Jesus exposes (Matthew 22:16-18). WebJames 3:17New International Version. Where there is simple truth, nothing is needed but the quiet statement of the fact. It is the prayer of the Psalmist that God may make the wicked like chaff before the wind; and that his tempest may destroy them as fire consumes the forest and the flame sets the mountains ablaze ( Psalms 83:13-14). These last two words [without partiality and without hypocrisy] rule out the habit of using speech to half reveal and half conceal the mind of the speaker, who has something (as we say) at the back of his mind all the time. (Moffatt). It was actually held that a man's duty to his Rabbi exceeded his duty to his parents, because his parents only brought him into the life of this world but his teacher brought him into the life of the world to come. It is not a connection that we could have anticipated, but it is just such an one as would be discerned by the Holy Ghost ever sensitive to the Lord's glory; and so in fact it is as we may feel on reflection. This wisdom is then peaceable: This is one of the great words of character description in the NT. One sin begets another, and it cannot be imagined how much mischief is produced: there is every evil work. but with the same tongue we curse men, who are made after the similitude or the likeness of God. It works nothing suitable to His moral nature. Since ancients primarily learned through hearing, writers utilized sound to enhance the sense of the text and aid in memorization. But it must really be so where Christ is not known. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.". WebJames 3:17-18 New International Version 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, This does not refer to the doctrines of religion, but to its spirit. James 3 Web3. Now this ought not to be. This is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless gems of information that are found nowhere except in the ancient writings of the Jews. Yet the remarkable feature we have also to weigh here is that when works are thus introduced, attention is directed to what would be perfectly valueless if they were not the result of faith, nay, worse than valueless, positively evil, and entailing the severest punishment. His very name means, "My great one." Yet the authors statement here seems somewhat overcharged; possibly his own personal history may have contributed a little to this result. Boasteth great things. Surely we may ask this; for those who value the word of God are not precluded from enquiring what the object is. And therefore, haste to solve difficulties is really and practically a finding fault either with God or with His word;-with His word, because it is deeper than we are; with Himself, because He does not give the babe the knowledge that would be proper to the grown man. So, for instance, Euripides can make one of his characters say, "My hands are pure, but my heart is not." Elias is cited in support of this. I do not know how a man's spirit can with propriety be said to dwell in a man. James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." It is the true love that interests itself, not only in that which is good, but even in what is, alas! Here he looks at sin in the conduct, and accordingly there are evil workings within, and then the outward act of sin. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. The Jewish Rabbis had this picture: "Life and death are in the hand of the tongue. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Demonstrate the wisdom. 3 The applecart of their prestige and influence among the people was upset. Therefore, certainly, he in no way contradicts Paul, any more than in what is said of faith, or justification; indeed he does not at all treat of the same question that Paul has before him. "Life," said Lord Fisher, the great sailor, "is strewn with orange peel." He is speaking of what is not pleasing to, because, inconsistent with, His nature; and clearly the wrath of man is offensive to Him. A truly wise man is a very knowing man: he will not set up for the reputation of being wise without laying in a good stock of knowledge; and he will not value himself merely upon knowing things, if he has not wisdom to make a right application and use of that knowledge. Thus evidently not only does James's doctrine set forth clearly the blessed truth of a new nature, as already shown, but his exhortation supposes just the same openness among Christians in the exercise of ministerial gift as was found, e.g. In contrast, the wisdom God gives has several characteristics. "But wilt thou know, O vain man?" Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. No wonder, therefore, when persons approach scripture with preconceived thoughts, hoping to find confirmation there instead of gathering God's mind from what He has revealed, no wonder that they find disappointment. What an honour to be sons of peace in a world ever at war with God and those who are His! He is writing as he says himself, to the Israelitish stock, and not merely to those of Israel that believe. JAMES 3:17 "We are appointed thereunto," says the apostle Paul. At least they do feel; and so far there is a greater effect produced than on these reasoning Jews. If in your hearts you have a zeal that is bitter, and selfish ambition, do not be arrogantly boastful about your attainments, for you are false to the truth. WebMatthew Henry's Commentary on James 3:17 Commentary on James 3:13-18 (Read James 3:13-18) These verses show the difference between men's pretending to be wise, and their being really so. He will surely clear up whatever is for His own glory. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Still he who is saved has a new life and the Holy Ghost, and to sin is not natural for him: he is bound to walk in the Spirit as he lives in it. The reason why people often find legality in James is because they themselves bring it. Now one who is the servant of God looks up to God, confides in God, and expects from God. 3:13-14 Who among you is a man of wisdom and of understanding? Again, the epistle of James was written not merely to the church in Jerusalem, but to the twelve tribes that were scattered abroad. One can understand "the spirit of a man that is in him;" as the apostle Paul, when describing the human spirit, does put it in1 Corinthians 2:1-16; 1 Corinthians 2:1-16, but hardly the spirit that dwelleth in a man. Zelos ( G2205) need not be a bad word. The exact meaning of this word is difficult to translate into English. God was indeed eulogetos ( G2128) , The Blessed One, the One who was continually blessed. That is to say, nothing good can ever grow in an atmosphere where men are at variance with one another. This, then, I suppose though not venturing to speak with more decision is the practical result. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Here the idea is that wisdom acts consistently. This will be, as far as government is concerned, in the millennium; but, being only government, evil will remain to be controlled and kept down to His own glory. This is the governing thought and aim of the epistle. Jesus, one day, said something that is worth considering at this point. It was the advice of one of the wise men: "It rests with thy colleagues to choose whether they will adopt thy opinion: it is not for thee to force it upon them." The adjective "full" indicates there is an abundance of mercy in this wisdom and not a shortage. It may not be always consciously known, and it was not in Old Testament times; but in order that there should be a basis of immutable blessing, and of communion in any measure between God and the creature, there must be the communication of the divine nature. The comfort is that God can deal with it God who gives the believer His own nature, and knows how to bring down the old nature so that there may be scope for the manifestation of what is of Himself. Their field was the whole Church; and they did not stay long in any one congregation. Click on the different category headings to find out more. The wisdom from above is contrasted with the wisdom from below: the latter has envy and contention; the former is pure, being free from envy, and is peaceable.. They used the faith of Christ rather for conscientious, godly, thorough carrying out of their Jewish thoughts. Here, on the other hand, we find the common sense of temptation. Consequently it has an action exactly the opposite of that exercised by the law of Moses on the Israelite. (James 1:2-3) Thus it is at once apparent that we are on practical ground the manifestation of godliness toward both man and God, that here the Holy Ghost is pressing this as the very first injunction of the epistle. In short it is evident that, among inspired epistles, James's address has a special and an exceptional place. WebExode 17:3. When the question is concerning Christ, there come three things in question, Whether he be, who he is, and what he is. It is gentle or considerate of others. But that shouldnt distract preachers from the clear, strong, timely emphasis on the importance of considering the effects of what we say. - Utley, gentle -- a character trait of sweet reasonableness - MSB. Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible by Matthew Henry Bible Hub Then in James 5:1-20 we have a solemn word for rich men, to weep and howl for their miseries that shall come upon them. The tongue can damage at a distance. Do We See Any Gospel Connections in the Book of Numbers? James warns these Christians not to show preferential treatment to certain ones. The tongue, God help us that we might be so yielded to the Spirit that He would do for us what we can't do for ourselves and that is bring our tongue under control.I've said so many things that I wish I had not of said; said in a moment of anger.

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