BibleTools
James 3:1
Compare all

The Untamable Tongue

1 My brethren, alet not many of you become teachers, bknowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.  
2 For awe all stumble in many things. bIf anyone does not stumble in word, che is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.  
3 Indeed, awe 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 athe tongue is a little member and bboasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!  
6 And athe tongue is a fire, a world of1 iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it bdefiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of2 nature; and it is set on fire by3 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, afull of deadly poison.  
Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
<< James 2:26   James 3:2 >>


James 3:1

DANGER OF EAGERNESS TO TEACH, AND OF AN UNBRIDLED TONGUE: TRUE WISDOM SHOWN BY UNCONTENTIOUS MEEKNESS. (Jam. 3:1-18)

be not—literally, "become not": taking the office too hastily, and of your own accord.

many—The office is a noble one; but few are fit for it. Few govern the tongue well (James 3:2), and only such as can govern it are fit for the office; therefore, "teachers" ought not to be many.

masters—rather, "teachers." The Jews were especially prone to this presumption. The idea that faith (so called) without works (James 2:14-26) was all that is required, prompted "many" to set up as "teachers," as has been the case in all ages of the Church. At first all were allowed to teach in turns. Even their inspired gifts did not prevent liability to abuse, as James here implies: much more is this so when self-constituted teachers have no such miraculous gifts.

knowing—as all might know.

we . . . greater condemnation—James in a humble, conciliatory spirit, includes himself: if we teachers abuse the office, we shall receive greater condemnation than those who are mere hearers (compare Luke 12:42-46). CALVIN, like English Version, translates, "masters" that is, self-constituted censors and reprovers of others James 4:12 accords with this view.




Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing James 3:1:

1 Timothy 3:1
James 1:19

 

<< James 2:26   James 3:2 >>

DISCLAIMER: Church of the Great God (CGG) provides these resources to aid the individual in studying the Bible. However, it is up to the individual to "prove all things, and hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:21). The content of these resources does not necessarily reflect the views of CGG. They are provided for information purposes only.

Join 137,084+ readers

A Verse and a Thought,
Every Morning

Consistent Bible study is hard to start.

The Berean gives you the starting point: one scripture and a focused commentary in your inbox each morning — read it in minutes, or go as deep as you like.

Free, daily, and spam-free. We never share your address. Unsubscribe anytime.

Close
E-mail This Page