The Book Of James

Chapter 3:9-14


3:9 "With it we bless our Lord and Father; and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God";

"bless"-to speak well of, praise, extol. "John Bunyan tells us of Talkative: 'He is a saint abroad and a devil at home'. Many a man speaks with perfect courtesy to strangers and even preaches love and gentleness, and yet snaps with ungracious and impatient anger and irritability at his own family at home. It has not been unknown for a man to speak with piety on the Sunday, and to curse a squad of workmen on the Monday…It has not been unknown for a woman to speak with sweet graciousness at a religious meeting, and then to go outside to murder someone's reputation with a malicious and a gossiping tongue" (Barclay p. 105).

"we curse men"-"It is grossly inconsistent to pronounce blessings and praise upon God and then curse those who are patterned after His likeness" (Kent p. 123). "God despises inconsistency, and nowhere is our inconsistency more readily seen than in the use of our tongues. Some of the most graciously uttered prayers, some of the most skillfully delivered sermons have been spoken by people who later used their words to destroy someone" (Draper p. 104).

"who have been made in the likeness of God"-The Greek here echoes the exact wording of Genesis 1:26 in the Greek Old Testament.

Points To Note:

  1. Adam and Eve were not the first and the last to be created in the likeness of God (Genesis 5:1; 9:6). 2. Even after the fall, this likeness was still present or still possible (1 Corinthians 11:7). 3. This is one of the reasons we are not to mistreat our fellowman, for every man and woman is created in the likeness of God (Proverbs 14:31 "He who reproaches the poor reproaches his Maker"). Carefully note that James did not believe in the doctrine of total depravity. Despite his or her sins, even the sinner still retains the image of God. This is one reason why killing a man is far different than killing an animal. We know that we don't resemble God in a physical sense (compare John 4:24 with Luke 24:39). Hence, this must be an inward image. God is an eternal spirit, and we are composed of a created spirit (Zechariah 12:1). This image would include such attributes as reason, conscience, knowledge, the power of dominion, the ability to understand and apply moral and spiritual truths, and the ability to pattern ourselves after the character of God (1 Corinthians 11:1; 1 Peter 1:14). 4. But it is only through the gospel message and our obedience to it that we can fully manifest the image of God and live up to what God intended for mankind to be (Ephesians 4:23-24; Colossians 3:10).



3:10 "from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way."

"from the same mouth"-Which reveals something is seriously wrong with a heart that pours out both blessings and curses. The mixture of cursing with blessing proves the unreality or insincerity of the good that is said.

"things ought not to be this way"-"In the strongest possible Greek---only here in the New Testament…..His phrase is rather like our 'It's not right!' spoken with all the force of protesting condemnation" (Adamson pp. 146-147). In addition, how can mere humans call down any evil upon another person? God isn't influenced or impressed by our curses. Such language is useless, pointless, profitless, ungodly and hypocritical if we claim to love God at the same time we are saying such things. Numbers 23:8 "How shall I curse, whom God has not cursed?".

"ought not to be"-the present tense is here used, thus "these things shouldn't keep on happening".

Illustrations

Let the reader be impressed with the type of illustrations which James presents to illustrate the previous point. They are very simple, easy to understand, and within the knowledge of most people. God isn't trying to keep us from understanding His word, rather He is doing everything He can to make His communication to us easy to grasp.

3:11 "Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?"

The above fountain would be a spring, a source of water springing forth from the ground. Many springs in the ancient world were unfit for human consumption. "travelers in the Holy Land have discovered that most of the springs on the eastern side of Judah and Benjamin are hardly fit for use; and water tasting of sulphur or salt is commonly found there" (Woods p. 177). Again we are brought back to the source of the above curses. How can such things come from a good heart? The truth is, they don't (Matthew 15:18-19). But how we rationalize and protest that while we can say mean and hurtful things, at the same time we didn't mean to say such things. How we claim to love those whom we abuse!

3:12 "Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Neither can salt water produce fresh."

Once again God selects illustrations that everyone can follow. "From the plant life James mentions three of the commonest agricultural products native to his part of the world-the fig tree, the olive, and the grapevine…..The reader can draw his own application. An inconsistent tongue is contrary to nature. It indicates something wrong with the heart, which expresses itself by the tongue. With such inconsistency even the admirable things we might express from time to time are rendered suspicious because of the contradictory uses to which our tongues are often put" (Kent p. 125-126). If we misuse our tongue, we shouldn't be shocked when our loved ones and others fail to believe our apologies or attempts at being sincere. Jesus taught the same basic truth in Matthew 7:16.

The Challenge To Live Wisely

At this point it appears that James goes back to 3:1 and admonishes the teacher or the person who wants to be a teacher to live up to what they believe, to practice the wisdom they are imparting to others. In addition, the connection is also that a misuse of the tongue is a proof that one is living by earthly wisdom, not divine wisdom.

3:13 "Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom".

"Who among you is wise and understanding?"-"But suppose some teacher says, 'Such advice is good for those not qualified to teach; but, I do not need it, inasmuch as I am a wise and understanding man'" (Woods p. 180). James issues the challenge, who really is the wise and skillful teacher? Who really is the qualified teacher? "In an era of specialization and emphasis on methods of effective communication, it is easy to ignore James's message. If the concentration is upon speech techniques, group dynamics, and motivational skills, the truth James was insisting upon can be overlooked" (Kent p. 128). "Which one of you is a wise and well-instructed man" (Wey).

"Let him show by his good behavior his deeds"-"True wisdom is the ability to live a beautiful life, to put into practice what we say we believe and teach" (Draper p. 105).

Points To Note:

  1. This isn't some abstract warning. There have always arisen individuals among the people of God who insisted that they were leadership material, and have only done harm instead of good (1 Corinthians 14:37; 3 John 9). 2. The truly qualified and skillful teacher is the person with the life that matches the word of God. 3. Note, every believer is expected to live a life which manifests wisdom (Ephesians 5:15). The word "good" means, praiseworthy, noble, morally good. Our conduct preaches a very loud sermon (1 Timothy 4:12; 1 Peter 1:15).


"in the gentleness of wisdom"-"guided by a wise gentleness" (Wey); "done in humility which wisdom prompts" (Wms). "Gentleness" means, humility, courtesy, consideration toward others, the opposite of a rough, egotistical and unyielding attitude.

Points To Note:

  1. The above is a very interesting expression. Here we learn that humility always accompanies true wisdom. The gentleness under consideration, "is not passivity, or weakness, but strength under control. It is the opposite of arrogance, which demands that superiority be recognized…..It is the humble recognition that even one's superiority in some area does not need to overstep the bounds of courtesy, considerateness, and kindness….a meek and gentle attitude is certainly appropriate in any teacher" (Kent p. 130). 2. If a person is truly wise, then good works, good fruits will naturally be seen in that individual's life. "One's wisdom is evidenced, not by argument or assertion, but by a godly life garnished with good deeds. It is interesting to note that here, as often elsewhere in the New Testament (Matthew 20:20-28), the world's standard and rule or measurement differs greatly from that of inspiration. We are disposed to regard men as wise as they are able to impress us with their learned oratory, or wit" (Woods p. 181).



3:14 "But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth."

"But if you have"-Which infers that a Christian could fall into this trap.

"bitter jealousy"-"habour envy" (TCNT). A harsh, embittered envy and contentious rivalry. "Apparently some in James's day were misusing their knowledge, letting it become the basis for self-glorification" (Kent p. 130). This is a zeal that has become selfish, "the person sees himself as jealous for the truth, but God and others see the bitterness, rigidity, and personal pride which are far from the truth" (Davids p. 151). Paul encountered professed Christians whose motive for teaching and preaching was to make a name for themselves (Philippians 1:15). "This pictures a spirit of harsh resentment, someone who cannot bear to see someone else succeed. Some will do anything they can to hurt or humiliate someone else who receives a degree of success" (Draper p. 106). Carefully note that selfish anger fuels envy and jealousy. Zeal which springs from impure motives can quickly degenerate into bitter jealousy.

"selfish ambition"-"party spirit" (ABUV); "spirit of rivalry" (TCNT). "denotes ambition, self-seeking rivalry, self-will being an underlying idea in the word" (Vine p. 68). (Phil. 1:17). The ambition which is out for self and nothing else, "and which is ready to intrigue and to plot and to use any means to gain its ends" (Barclay p. 107). The picture is, "canvassing, solicit support for themselves or their faction while advancing their own glory, pride, profit, pleasure, personal interest or ambition" (Adamson p. 151). Paul makes it clear that the party-spirit is an attitude which is carnal (1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 3:1-3). Woods notes, "We are not to overlook the fact that these words were penned primarily with teachers in view, whose activities afford frequent occasion for the temptations against which he warns. Teachers, preachers, writers…..are all in a position where humility is often difficult and were selfish ambition is a constant temptation" (p. 184).

"in your heart"-This is the source (Matthew 15:18-19). The teacher who is really going to be a help to the people of God, must be the teacher who has cleansed their own heart (James 1:21; Matthew 23:26). Knowledge without the proper motives is useless (1 Corinthians 13:1-4).

"do not be arrogant"-"do not boast in defiance of the truth…..those full of party spirit and bitter zeal ought at least to be honest and stop claiming to be inspired by God's heavenly wisdom" (Davids p. 151). Those who try to preach the truth, but do so from wrong motives, are denying the very truth that they are proclaiming. Their arrogance was being displayed in the manner in which they were trying to put themselves forward-rather the message they were proclaiming. Selfish ambition and bitter envy are rooted in human pride.

"so lie against the truth"-because the truth condemns arrogance, selfish ambition and envy (Galatians 5:19ff).

Barclay makes the following observations: "We may find in this passage four characteristics of the wrong kind of teaching: 1. It is fanatical. The truth it holds is held with unbalanced violence rather than with reasoned conviction. 2. It is bitter. It regards its opponents as enemies to be annihilated rather than as friends to be persuaded. 3. It is selfishly ambitious. It is, in the end, more eager to display itself than to display the truth. 4. It is arrogant. Its whole attitude is pride in its own knowledge rather than humility in its own ignorance. The real scholar will be far more aware of what he does not know than of what he knows" (p. 108).

Earthly And Heavenly Wisdom


3:15 "This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic."

"This wisdom"-That is the wisdom that some among James's readers were manifesting. The wisdom that included arrogance, bitter envy and selfish ambition. James makes it very clear that there is nothing Divine or godly concerning such attitudes. Paul also talks about a wisdom which isn't godly, a wisdom of this world (1 Cor. 1:20,21; 2:4-6; 3:19; 2 Cor. 1:12).

"but is earthly"-"Its standards are earthly standards; its sources are earthly sources. It measures success in worldly terms; and its aims are worldly aims" (Barclay p. 109). (Philippians 3:18-19 "…who set their minds on earthly things".) That is, a wisdom that doesn't take into account eternal and spiritual values or truths. A wisdom that arises no higher than this physical existence, an under-the-sun view of life. "it is earth-bound" (NEB). Carefully note, when God and the truths from God are not factored into our thinking processes, we are destined to manifest a mere earthly wisdom-which is very short-sighted. "false wisdom is based upon earthly standards, earthly sources, earthly aims---and measures itself by earthly success" (Draper p. 107). Macknight says, "mere worldly policy" (p. 380). Every human philosophy is nothing more than earthly wisdom.

"natural"-unspiritual, the person who lives, acts and thinks purely at a material level of existence (1 Corinthians 2:14; Jude 19). Natural wisdom opposes the things of God, refuses to accept the supernatural claims in Scripture. Refuses to factor God into the solution to any problem or the answer to any question. Evolution is a classic example of "natural wisdom". Those who claim that the Bible contains myth or error, are practicing natural wisdom. The atheist is a practitioner of natural wisdom. The attitude is, 'our reality is the only true reality'. The same word can be translated "sensual". The type of wisdom which is often based on physical impulses and desires, rather than higher considerations. The claim that homosexuality isn't a sin, is based on "natural wisdom", where selfish and twisted physical desires become the standard for what is true. This is the philosophy which says if I find myself wanting to do something, then what I want to do must be right.

"demonic"-"demonic in origin" (Arndt p. 169); demonic or devil-like. The type of wisdom, rationalization and thinking practiced by the devil and his demons. Which means that the devil himself is filled with bitter envy, arrogance and selfish ambition. Whenever we start manifesting such qualities, we are acting like the devil himself. The devil tries to convince us that his path, the path of selfishness, putting yourself first, looking out only for yourself, and being completely unsatisfied unless you can have it all constitutes the way to gain happiness. This also reveals that false wisdom isn't neutral or merely useless, rather is it positively evil and will generate more sins.


3:16 "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing."

"there is"-and not, there might be or could be. One cannot practice such earthly wisdom without harming self, loved ones and others.

"disorder"-"instability, a state of disorder, disturbance" (Thayer p. 21); "unruliness" (Arndt p. 30); "anarchy, restless disturbance" (Alford p. 1614). This would include disorder in the home, in a marriage and in the congregation. "There is a kind of person who is undoubtedly clever; he has an acute brain and a skilful tongue; but his effect in any committee, in any Church, in any group, is to cause trouble, to drive people apart, to foment strife, to make trouble" (Barclay p. 110). (1 Corinthians 14:33; 2 Corinthians 12:20).

"and every evil thing"-that's quite an assertion! Every worthless, vile, wicked, base and good-for-nothing thing. The wisdom from above is full of good fruits, the wisdom of this world is full of trouble and evil. "disharmony and all other kinds of evil" (Phi). "All sorts of confusion, from public squabbles in the church to personal tensions and frustrations, are sure to result when Christians employ earthly wisdom" (Kent p. 134). Such verses cry out for a complete dependence upon God and His truth. For apart from such things, human wisdom can very quickly degenerate into jealousy, personal ambition…and human leadership can very quickly become tainted by human pride. God seems to be telling us here that the damage done by earthly wisdom is immeasurable, it just never has a stopping point concerning the evil and harm that it can generate. "Such an attitude…leads to every conceivable kind of evil: immorality, dishonestly, discord. Nothing good can grow in such an atmosphere as that" (Draper p. 107).

Point To Note:

Before we move on, let us seriously reflect upon the above verses. Do such things characterize our lives? What about our relationships with other people and especially our brethren? What about our marriage? If our human relationships are always in turmoil, something is seriously wrong. Too many professed Christians are trying to live by earthly wisdom---and this is seen in marital conflicts and strife in too many local congregations. But God never simply leaves us with the negative, hence the next section.

3:17 "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy".

"But the wisdom from above"-Such wisdom cannot be found outside of a relationship with God. People try to be all the following things without God, but all such attempts will end in failure (Jeremiah 10:23).

"is"-God doesn't beat around the bush. This is what it is, this is what such wisdom looks like in daily life. This is the wisdom that God gives to those who faithfully serve and ask Him (James 1:5, 17). A healthy respect for God is the first step in acquiring this wisdom (Proverbs 9:10; 15:33; Psalm 111:10).

"first pure"-"first"-first in rank and time, "first essentially" (Vincent p. 754). Purity of heart, sincerity, a good and honest heart is a foundation stone for this wisdom (Luke 8:15). The insincere, the doubters and the manipulators can't gain this wisdom, until they change their motives. "Pure"-Barclay says that the word pure in Greek meant, "pure enough to approach the gods"---"The true wisdom is the wisdom which is so cleansed of all ulterior motives, so cleansed of self….The true wisdom is able to bear the very scrutiny of God" (p. 111). This wisdom doesn't argue that the end justifies the means or "whatever it takes to get the job done". This wisdom is concerned with motives, with integrity and honesty. This is the person who wants God to inspect every aspect of their lives (John 3:21; Psalm 139:23-24 "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me"; 2 Corinthians 7:1.

"peaceable"-"loving peace" (Thayer p. 183). Here is the exact opposite of self ambition which so often results in strife. This is the wisdom which attempts to settle disputes rather than provoke them. Barclay notes, "The true wisdom is the wisdom which produces right relationships. There is a kind of clever and arrogant wisdom which separates man from man, and which makes a man look with superior contempt on his fellow-men. There is a kind of cruel wisdom which takes a delight in hurting others with clever, but cutting words" (p. 111). This isn't peace at the expense of the truth, but it is the person who works hard at reconciling men with men and man with God. This wisdom will sacrifice pride, fame, and other worldly considerations for such peace. This person is big enough to admit when they are wrong and ask for forgiveness (Colossians 3:15; Eph. 4:3; Phil. 4:7; Romans 12:18 "so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men").

"gentle"-"equitable, fair, mild" (Thayer p. 238), "sweet reasonableness" (Matthew Arnold). The same word is rendered forbearance (Phil. 4:5). People who listen to reason, those who don't insist upon their rights, the person who is willing to forgive, rather than rigid and exacting in his relations with others. "being considerate of others and making allowance for their feelings, weaknesses, and needs. Such qualities as being equitable, fair, reasonable, and forbearing" (Kent p. 135). Which means that the truly wise man does not get angry, combative, or defensive even under provocation. Woods notes, "Some assume they are strong in argument only if they are violent in argument" (p. 193). This wisdom believes the truth and stands for the truth, but it does so with patience, reason, and fairness. Godly wisdom is careful to properly represent those who have opposing views, and to take the time to really understand what the other person is saying.

"reasonable"-"ready to obey" (Vine p. 269); "approachable" (Robertson p. 47). The truly wise teacher, must himself be teachable (Proverbs 9:8-9). "in the sense of not being stubborn, and of being willing to listen to reason and to appeal…The true wisdom is not rigid and austere and beyond all appeal. It is willing to listen, willing to be persuaded, skilled in knowing when to wisely yield" (Barclay pp. 112-113). This is also the person who is easy to talk to, who will intently listen to what you are saying. "does not indicate a person without convictions who agrees with everyone and sways with the wind (1:5-8; Eph. 4:14), but the person who gladly submits to true teaching and listens carefully to the other instead of attacking him" (Davids p. 154). "It is a poor teacher who does not learn from his pupils" (Roberts p. 147).

"full of mercy and good fruits"-"rich in compassion and good deeds" (TCNT); "kind actions" (Wey). "Full of"-not just a few or some. This is mercy and good fruits demonstrated on a consistent basis. "Mercy"-mercy which issues in practical help. Unfortunately, it is so easy to see someone in need and then say, 'Well, I bet it was their own fault'. It is so easy to find a reason for not helping people, that we end up sinning by failing to do something (James 1:27; 2:13; Luke 10:37).

"good fruits"-This passage clearly contradicts those who would argue that Christianity is the cause of many of the world's problems. Real wisdom is a merciful wisdom. True wisdom is not found in the attitude, 'What is the least that I have to do to end up saved'. This type of wisdom doesn't resent responsibilities, and neither does it have the attitude, 'Let someone else do that'. Christians are to be people who manifest a life full of good works (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 3:1; 14).

"unwavering"-"without uncertainty" (Thayer p. 11); "unhesitating, not doubting, this wisdom does not put a premium on doubt" (Robertson p. 47). A wisdom that concerning the truth is unwavering and uncompromising. In contrast, the wisdom of the world often believes in an ethic which is situational and would consider it foolish to sacrifice self-advancement for the sake of principle. Barclay hits the nail on the head when he notes, "There are those who think that it is clever never to make one's mind up about anything" (p. 113). God isn't impressed with the skeptic. "Here the word seems to mean 'not vacillating', 'not acting one way in one circumstance and another in a different one'" (Roberts p. 148). Godly wisdom is single-minded, it is focused on serving God. "Those thus directed follow a compass which is not deflected by worldly acclaim or selfish interests, nor by current views announced by favorite preachers" (Woods p. 195).

"without hypocrisy"-"unfeigned, undisguised" (Thayer p. 52). The Bible often exhorts and commends a sincere faith (1 Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 1:5) and love (Romans 12:9; 1 Peter 1:22). This wisdom doesn't play-act. "It does not deal in deception….It is not the wisdom which is clever at putting on disguises and concealing its real aims and motives" (Barclay p. 114). This wisdom doesn't pretend. This wisdom is straightforward, the person manifesting this wisdom doesn't put on an act. While intrigue, scheming and plotting are essential elements of human wisdom, the wisdom from above is offended by such tactics.


3:18 "And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace".

"the seed whose fruit is righteousness"-the seed that produces righteousness. The fruit which consists of righteousness includes the wonderful qualities mentioned in the previous verse. "Righteousness" is integrity, virtue, purity of life, uprightness, the condition of being in a right relationship with God. Definite fruit or fruits are seen in the life of someone who is truly righteous (Philippians 1:11; Hebrews 12:11).

"the seed"-We have access to this seed! The seed which can produce righteousness in the lives of individuals is the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Therefore, righteous fruit can arise out of any family or congregation, when people in that relationship take the Word of God to heart.

"is sown"-This seed must be sown! The qualities in 3:17 don't just happen or naturally arise. Such wonderful traits must be taught and nurtured.

"in peace"-Teaching or preaching the truth from impure motives won't bring about righteousness in your life. "betokening the spirit and mode in which the sowing takes place, as opposed to 'where envy and rivalry are'" (Alford p. 1614). Too many professed Christians try to cultivate righteousness, while at the same time of insisting upon remaining selfish in their motivation. Too often people follow the Bible from the motive of looking for an instant reward.

"by those who make peace"-"by peacemakers" (Gspd); "by those who work for peace" (TCNT).

Points To Note:

1. Again we are brought back to motive. The best personal worker, the best teacher will be the individual who is intent upon bringing men and women into a peaceful relationship with God and with each other. The person who wants others to enjoy the quality relationship with God and their brethren that they are presently experiencing. 2. Jesus praised the peace-makers (Matthew 5:9). 3. Righteousness can really only be sown by those who are presently practicing it. This isn't theoretical righteousness, but the real thing, in practice. 4. Many passages stress the idea of making peace (Romans 12:18; 14:19; Colossians 3:15; 2 Timothy 2:22; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 3:11). 5. The wisdom of this world cannot achieve such peace (Romans 3:17). 6. Peace is a reward for those who actively pursue what is good (Romans 2:10).