James, 3

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This chapter addresses the power of words, emphasizing the importance of controlling our speech and using words to build up rather than tear down. The author also discusses the difference between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom.

James, 3

18
verses
●
2
min

Bible version

The Power of the Tongue

1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Commentary

James 3 is a powerful chapter that speaks to the power of the tongue and how it can be used for good or for evil. James begins by warning us that no one can tame the tongue, and that it is a small part of the body but it can cause great destruction. He then goes on to compare the tongue to a small spark that can set a great forest on fire. He also compares it to a rudder on a ship, which can steer the entire vessel. James then goes on to explain that the tongue can be used to bless God and to curse people, and that it should not be used in this way. He also warns us that if we use our tongues to bless God, we will be blessed, but if we use them to curse people, we will be cursed. Finally, James encourages us to use our tongues to speak words of wisdom and to be slow to speak. He reminds us that the wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy. In conclusion, James 3 is a powerful reminder of the power of the tongue and how it can be used for good or for evil. We must be careful with our words and use them to bless God and to speak words of wisdom.

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FAQ

Assuming a reader with an average reading speed of 300 WPM reads the James, chapter 3 it would take approximately 2 minutes to finish.

There are 18 verses in James, chapter 3.