1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.
Commentary
Vs. 1 The Apostle James begins this section of his epistle by addressing a new topic and that is the proliferation of "teachers" amongst the brethren. Apparently, because of the latitude given brethren, many began to be, or seek to be, teachers of the Word of God. And so here the Apostle James cautions against such a proliferation, since these were not Holy Spirit equipped individuals given the gift of prophesy or teaching, nor were they apostles, these were more than likely new converts to the faith who though understandingly excited about all that they were learning, were too quickly gravitating to what they likely thought was a place or seat of honor and prestige. And in doing so they were not realizing that there are very real dangers, as well as responsibilities from God, that comes with holding such a position. And so here (as well as in verses 3:14-18) the Apostle James cautions against such "blind ambition". For those who enter into a teaching role or capacity will come under a stricter judgment from God certainly, but also from men, whether inside or outside of the house of faith as well. And so not until one is Spiritual mature should one consider entering into the Lord's service in such a capacity. For again, there is first and foremost a responsibility from God that He places on us when we serve Him and our brethren in a teaching position in the church, or as a teacher of the Scriptures in general. And that is that we seek to faithfully follow (i.e. obey) what is being taught (consider 1 Cor 9:27). As well that we "rightly divide" the Word of God (see 2 Tim 2:15), by placing it into its various contexts and covenants. And so James says here "let not many of you become teachers", because inherent to the position is a stricter judgment from God for those who teach the Word of God. Therefore becoming a teacher of the Word of God is not something that anyone should casually enter into, especially if you have not been Spirit gifted to do so, or your life is not in alignment with it. Same if you are relatively new to the faith, one should not be overtly ambitious for such a position, because of the inherent dangers of doing so (consider 1 Tim. 3:6-7). For teaching the Word of God requires not only knowledge of it, but also experience with it. And both take time. And so acquiring knowledge of God is not an end in of itself, but rather in acquiring knowledge of God, learning how to obey God through it, and how He deals with us when we falter in it, is a needed "pre-requisite" to be able to accurately teach it. For not until one learns obedience to the Word of God, can one rightly be said to be qualified to teach it. And since teaching generally involves the use of ones mouth; both disciplining ones mouth, as well as understanding the pitfalls of ones mouth, is critical if one is going to be an effective teacher of the Word of God, which leads us into verse 2-12.
Consider there are over seventy Proverbs in the Book of Proverbs that address ones mouth or tongue. And so just as ones works authenticate ones faith (James 2:26), so ones mouth likewise reveals the depths of ones obedience to it. Thus we have an exhortation given here by the Apostle James in verses 2-12 touching on the tongue and it's far reaching effects on us, and on all. Therefore the Apostle James here emphasizes our responsibility as Christians to discipline our mouths and make our tongues vessels of blessing by which we both declare and bring forth the righteousness of God.
Vs. 2-4 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.
The Apostle James here expands on his previous exhortation in James 1:19-20, again emphasizing our much needed discipline of our mouths. And so here in the context of not many becoming teachers, because of a stricter judgment that comes with it. James now says that we all stumble in many things, as a precursor statement to his warning us about the tongue and how it directs our whole bodies, and thus our lives! Now to make his point the Apostle James will draw analogy from a horses bridle, and how though little, through it we are able to steer such a large and powerful animal (vs. 3). Same with sail powered ships, though driven by fierce winds and raging sea, yet it is by a very small rudder that we direct their course (vs. 4). Now James is not saying that we will not stumble in word, rather he is making a point that if anyone does not stumble in word they are a perfect man (i.e. a mature individual), able also to bridle the whole body (consider Prov. 13:2, 3; 16:23; 21:23).
Vs. 5-6 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.
It's easy to overlook ones tongue when one considers disciplining ones body so as to be qualified for Jesus Christ's service (1 Cor. 9:27). Yet as James says here, the tongue though a little member can boast great things, and thus in doing so, like a little flame that sets an entire forest on fire, likewise can put into motion great and catastrophic events (consider Prov 29:8; also see Prov 11:11; 16:27). That the Apostle James says that the tongue is set on fire by hell, is his making a direct link between the works of Satan in this world through mortal individuals, as first and foremost being set in motion by the tongue. Thus in contrast to the wicked or foolish person whose mouth is full of cursing, lying, bitterness, flattery, foolishness, pride, slander, violence etc.(see Prov 5:3; 6:12; 7:21; 10:6, 11, 14, 18; 11:9, 11; 12:6, 13; 13:2; 14:3; 15:2, 14; 16:29-30; 17:4; 18:6, 7; 19:28; 24:1-2; 25:23; 26:24, 28 etc.) A Christian must bring forth words that are fitting our place and standing with Jesus Christ (Prov 4:24; 8:7-8; 8:13; 10:18, 19, 20, 21, 31, 32; 12:14, 18, 19, 22; 13:2, 3; 14:3, 7; 15:2, 4, 7, 14, 23, 28; 16:13, 21, 23; 17:7, 20, 27-28; 18:20, 21; 19:1; 22:11; 23:15-16; 24:26; 25:15; 27:2; 30:32-33; 31:26; Eph. 4:25, 31-32 etc.). For foolish and reckless and sinful speech not only defiles a person given over to it, it also unleashes through them all manner of upheaval, violence, injustice, and or inducements to sin amongst mankind. And so a Christian should be marked by words and conduct that are fitting our high and holy calling.
Vs. 7-12 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.
By way of analogy James here is emphasizing the unruliness of the human tongue. Though mankind has seemingly tamed every sort of wild and beastly creature in creation, yet the human tongue stands aloof of him. Being, as James says, "an unruly evil, full of deadly poison" (vs. 8). For "with it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude (i.e. likeness) of God" (vs. 9). Here cursing is more than directing swearing and blasphemous speech against an individual, it is literally to seek to bring harm to someone by calling down a curse on them! Something that clearly flies in the face of what we as Christians are commanded to do (consider Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:28; Rom 12:14). And so the Apostle James being made aware of these things says that such things ought not to be so (vs. 10). Now to make his point James will again draw an analogy from nature, using the natural spring which sends for fresh and life giving water which refreshes the soul. As opposed to the "bitter spring" which no-one can drink from because it is poisonous and thus dangerous to all. And so as a fresh water spring is refreshing, and thus a blessing to all who find it and drink from it, so should our mouths be instruments by which others become refreshed and blessed by God as well, and not cursed by us, or our speech. Again James looks to creation and says does a fig tree bear olives? Or a grapevine bear figs? For as it is not fitting for them to bear fruits contrary to their natural nature, so evil speech is not fitting for our mouths to bear and bring forth. For as James concludes "no spring yields both salt water and fresh." Thus as Christians we must seek to use and bring forth words of life, and thus use our mouths as instruments of grace and life, and not condemnation and death. (consider John 7:38)
Scripture Citations
Additional Resources Consulted
Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.
Word Studies
James 3:10, curse: Str. 2671; GK 2932; TDNTA 1.449; TDNTA 75; LN 33.471
Draft Version: Italics section still being edited
Commentary
Vs. 1 The Apostle James begins this section of his epistle by addressing a new topic and that is the proliferation of "teachers" amongst the brethren. Apparently, because of the latitude given brethren, many began to be, or seek to be, teachers of the Word of God. And so here the Apostle James cautions against such a proliferation, since these were not Holy Spirit equipped individuals given the gift of prophesy or teaching, nor were they apostles, these were more than likely new converts to the faith who though understandingly excited about all that they were learning, were too quickly gravitating to what they likely thought was a place or seat of honor and prestige. And in doing so they were not realizing that there are very real dangers, as well as responsibilities from God, that comes with holding such a position. And so here (as well as in verses 3:14-18) the Apostle James cautions against such "blind ambition". For those who enter into a teaching role or capacity will come under a stricter judgment from God certainly, but also from men, whether inside or outside of the house of faith as well. And so not until one is Spiritual mature should one consider entering into the Lord's service in such a capacity. For again, there is first and foremost a responsibility from God that He places on us when we serve Him and our brethren in a teaching position in the church, or as a teacher of the Scriptures in general. And that is that we seek to faithfully follow (i.e. obey) what is being taught (consider 1 Cor 9:27). As well that we "rightly divide" the Word of God (see 2 Tim 2:15), by placing it into its various contexts and covenants. And so James says here "let not many of you become teachers", because inherent to the position is a stricter judgment from God for those who teach the Word of God. Therefore becoming a teacher of the Word of God is not something that anyone should casually enter into, especially if you have not been Spirit gifted to do so, or your life is not in alignment with it. Same if you are relatively new to the faith, one should not be overtly ambitious for such a position, because of the inherent dangers of doing so (consider 1 Tim. 3:6-7). For teaching the Word of God requires not only knowledge of it, but also experience with it. And both take time. And so acquiring knowledge of God is not an end in of itself, but rather in acquiring knowledge of God, learning how to obey God through it, and how He deals with us when we falter in it, is a needed "pre-requisite" to be able to accurately teach it. For not until one learns obedience to the Word of God, can one rightly be said to be qualified to teach it. And since teaching generally involves the use of ones mouth; both disciplining ones mouth, as well as understanding the pitfalls of ones mouth, is critical if one is going to be an effective teacher of the Word of God, which leads us into verse 2-12.
Consider there are over seventy Proverbs in the Book of Proverbs that address ones mouth or tongue. And so just as ones works authenticate ones faith (James 2:26), so ones mouth likewise reveals the depths of ones obedience to it. Thus we have an exhortation given here by the Apostle James in verses 2-12 touching on the tongue and it's far reaching effects on us, and on all. Therefore the Apostle James here emphasizes our responsibility as Christians to discipline our mouths and make our tongues vessels of blessing by which we both declare and bring forth the righteousness of God.
Vs. 2-4 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.
The Apostle James here expands on his previous exhortation in James 1:19-20, again emphasizing our much needed discipline of our mouths. And so here in the context of not many becoming teachers, because of a stricter judgment that comes with it. James now says that we all stumble in many things, as a precursor statement to his warning us about the tongue and how it directs our whole bodies, and thus our lives! Now to make his point the Apostle James will draw analogy from a horses bridle, and how though little, through it we are able to steer such a large and powerful animal (vs. 3). Same with sail powered ships, though driven by fierce winds and raging sea, yet it is by a very small rudder that we direct their course (vs. 4). Now James is not saying that we will not stumble in word, rather he is making a point that if anyone does not stumble in word they are a perfect man (i.e. a mature individual), able also to bridle the whole body (consider Prov. 13:2, 3; 16:23; 21:23).
Vs. 5-6 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.
It's easy to overlook ones tongue when one considers disciplining ones body so as to be qualified for Jesus Christ's service (1 Cor. 9:27). Yet as James says here, the tongue though a little member can boast great things, and thus in doing so, like a little flame that sets an entire forest on fire, likewise can put into motion great and catastrophic events (consider Prov 29:8; also see Prov 11:11; 16:27). That the Apostle James says that the tongue is set on fire by hell, is his making a direct link between the works of Satan in this world through mortal individuals, as first and foremost being set in motion by the tongue. Thus in contrast to the wicked or foolish person whose mouth is full of cursing, lying, bitterness, flattery, foolishness, pride, slander, violence etc.(see Prov 5:3; 6:12; 7:21; 10:6, 11, 14, 18; 11:9, 11; 12:6, 13; 13:2; 14:3; 15:2, 14; 16:29-30; 17:4; 18:6, 7; 19:28; 24:1-2; 25:23; 26:24, 28 etc.) A Christian must bring forth words that are fitting our place and standing with Jesus Christ (Prov 4:24; 8:7-8; 8:13; 10:18, 19, 20, 21, 31, 32; 12:14, 18, 19, 22; 13:2, 3; 14:3, 7; 15:2, 4, 7, 14, 23, 28; 16:13, 21, 23; 17:7, 20, 27-28; 18:20, 21; 19:1; 22:11; 23:15-16; 24:26; 25:15; 27:2; 30:32-33; 31:26; Eph. 4:25, 31-32 etc.). For foolish and reckless and sinful speech not only defiles a person given over to it, it also unleashes through them all manner of upheaval, violence, injustice, and or inducements to sin amongst mankind. And so a Christian should be marked by words and conduct that are fitting our high and holy calling.
Vs. 7-12 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.
By way of analogy James here is emphasizing the unruliness of the human tongue. Though mankind has seemingly tamed every sort of wild and beastly creature in creation, yet the human tongue stands aloof of him. Being, as James says, "an unruly evil, full of deadly poison" (vs. 8). For "with it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude (i.e. likeness) of God" (vs. 9). Here cursing is more than directing swearing and blasphemous speech against an individual, it is literally to seek to bring harm to someone by calling down a curse on them! Something that clearly flies in the face of what we as Christians are commanded to do (consider Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:28; Rom 12:14). And so the Apostle James being made aware of these things says that such things ought not to be so (vs. 10). Now to make his point James will again draw an analogy from nature, using the natural spring which sends for fresh and life giving water which refreshes the soul. As opposed to the "bitter spring" which no-one can drink from because it is poisonous and thus dangerous to all. And so as a fresh water spring is refreshing, and thus a blessing to all who find it and drink from it, so should our mouths be instruments by which others become refreshed and blessed by God as well, and not cursed by us, or our speech. Again James looks to creation and says does a fig tree bear olives? Or a grapevine bear figs? For as it is not fitting for them to bear fruits contrary to their natural nature, so evil speech is not fitting for our mouths to bear and bring forth. For as James concludes "no spring yields both salt water and fresh." Thus as Christians we must seek to use and bring forth words of life, and thus use our mouths as instruments of grace and life, and not condemnation and death. (consider John 7:38)
Scripture Citations
Additional Resources Consulted
Walvoord, John F., and Roy B. Zuck, Dallas Theological Seminary. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.
Word Studies
James 3:10, curse: Str. 2671; GK 2932; TDNTA 1.449; TDNTA 75; LN 33.471
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