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James 3:13-18
The apostle reveals here the nature of "the bit and the rudder" that control the horse and the ship. It is spiritual wisdom and understanding that descend upon us directly from God above that empowers us to keep our tongue in check. As earthly men, we have no means or strength to control this wild beast that resides in our tongue and expresses itself in our words. But as children of God, endowed with the power of His spirit and wisdom of His character, we can gain control over this member within. Not only that, we can use it in service to His will and purpose. If we examine our words and run them carefully through the filter of the fruit of the Spirit, we stand a far better chance of releasing the fresh waters that give life and restraining the salt waters that cause destruction.
Staff
Are You Sharp-Tongued? (Part Two)Related Topics: Bit as Metaphor | Bitter and Fresh Water | Freshwater as Metaphor | Fruits of God's Holy Spirit | Fruits of the Spirit | Rudder as Metaphor | Saltwater as Metaphor | Tongue | Tongue, Control of | Words, Controlling our | Words, Power of
James 3:13-18
Peace is so very important in our relationships with one another in the church.
James 3:13-18 and Ephesians 4:1-3 instruct us in our relationships in general and specifically within the church. James clearly tells us that the world's wisdom comes from the Devil, and the Devil has been self-seeking from the beginning. He is only trying to do what he considers good for himself. So, a person who follows this way, the way of worldly wisdom, is self-seeking and cares nothing about anybody else. This is not the way God has called us to live because it creates division and confusion.
James goes on to say that the wisdom we must follow is one of peace. It is without ulterior motives, sacrificial, and outgoing. When we act toward others in this way, it produces harmony and ultimately, mutual love, which binds us together.
Love is the great bond, and peace has a lot to do with it because it is hard to love when people are in conflict. But if peace is present, that love can then grow and strengthen.
Richard T. Ritenbaugh
The PeacemakersRelated Topics: Blessed are the Peacemakers | Called to be Peacemakers | Jesus Christ as Peacemaker | Love as the Way of Outgoing Concern | Love is Outgoing Concern | Peacemaker | Peacemakers as the Children of God | Self Seeking | Trusting in Worldly Wisdom | Worldly Wisdom
James 3:13-18
One way to begin taming our tongues is to speak in meekness. Meekness is not weakness. It is knowing at all times where we stand with God, fully realizing who He is and the nature of His power in contrast to ourselves, His creation. Joshua cried out in confidence for the army of Israel to go forward; His confidence was not in himself or his leadership but totally in his awareness of God's purpose in his life, God's law to live by, and God's sovereignty over him. He was, after all, clay in the Potter's hands. If we keep this in mind, we will never have cause to feel better, more righteous, more successful, or more honorable than another.
Meekness is the ability to esteem others better than ourselves and to allow God to use us as He wills. II Timothy 2:20 shows us that God will honor whom He will. To seek honor for ourselves or to feel worthy of honor is a dead end, and it will taint how we communicate to others. We will naturally look down on them, disrespect them, overlook them, and criticize them.
Test: If we have experienced dishonor, perhaps we need to look closely to see where we have dishonored others. We all stand guilty as charged.
Staff
Are You Sharp-Tongued? (Part Two)Related Topics: Esteem Others Better than Ourselves | Fruits of God's Holy Spirit | Fruits of God's Holy Spirit: Meekness | God's Law | God's Sovereignty | Meekness | Potter and Clay Analogy | Tongue | Tongue, Control of | Words, Controlling our | Words, Power of
James 3:13-17
Since we do not naturally have the wisdom from above—spiritual wisdom—then we must ask God for it in faith. We must be sure that our faith is in accordance with His will, and we must come to Him with the utmost confidence that He will grant it. When we go to God with a request, His answer, whether yes or no, will be for our ultimate good. Our faith is not believing that God will give us what we want regardless of our request, but that His answer will always be the wisest answer for our ultimate good.
Martin G. Collins
Parable of the Unjust Steward
James 3:13-15
We can see here why sin involves so much division: There is a demonic influence. Satan is clearly stirring people up against one another and against God. He does not do it openly or blatantly, but he influences them through their flesh to go in a certain direction. Most people have no defense against this, and the result is division among themselves and from God.
John W. Ritenbaugh
Division, Satan, HumilityRelated Topics: Demonic Influence | Division | Satan's Influence | Separation | Separation from God | Sin Causes Division | Sin Produces SeparationOther Forerunner Commentary entries containing James 3:13:
Matthew 7:24-26
Luke 6:47-49
James 3:13-18
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What Does James 3:13 Mean?
Meekness involves knowing one's position before God and His power, allowing Him to direct one's life without seeking personal honor, which prevents disrespect toward others. Spiritual wisdom descending from God enables control over speech, producing peace and harmony rather than the self-seeking ways influenced by the Devil that lead to division. Asking God for this wisdom in faith ensures answers aligned with His will for ultimate good, fostering conduct that builds relationships through sacrificial love and the fruit of the Spirit.