"My brethren," says he, "count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trial of your faith worketh patience. The word James uses is difficult to translate. gentle: Being "gentle" (epieikes) is another characteristic of true wisdom. James 1:17. by Grant Richison | Jul 30, 2000 | James | 30 comments. It is gentle or considerate of others. But then this leads the way, and makes one feel the need of wisdom from God in order intelligently and happily to profit by the trial; for, as we know, the blessing of all trial is "to them that are exercised thereby." It is reasonable, that is, open to reason and willing to yield to reasonable requests. Means peace loving or peace promoting (cf. First pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without (ii) He is under the temptation to bitterness. James 1:17 | Bible Exposition Commentary But this would be judging their actions apart from God, because of whose will they were done, and apart from faith, which alone gave these works their life and character. There is confusion in every evil way, "but the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable." Web3:13-18 These verses show the difference between men's pretending to be wise, and their being really so. At the same time it is evident that to be a saint and a sinner at the same time is simply a flat contradiction. Finally we have, "Brethren. 13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Here we have the full contrast, and the reason why all this is brought in; for there is a perfect chain of connection between these verses, little as it may appear at first sight. While it was possible to feel compassion for those suffering unjustly, the consensus of the world was that mercy was not to be shown to those who were suffering because it was their own fault. James now begins to describe the second type of wisdom, the one that is to be desired. Still he is careful in this place to show that the word deals inwardly with the man, that it is this implanted word, as he calls it, and not an external law, that is able to save the soul. A man that did look straight up to God, swift to hear and slow to speak, was Abraham; a man in whom the loud voice of nature was utterly silenced, that God's will and word might alone govern his soul. This passage should not be applied, as it often is, to the doctrines of religion, as if it were the first duty of a church to keep itself free from errors in doctrine, and that this ought to be sought even in preference to the maintenance of peace - as if it meant that in doctrine a church should be first pure, then peaceable; but it should be applied to the individual consciences of men, as showing the effect of religion on the heart and life. This is applied to the subject in hand. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. It is not at all likely that any Christian would think in terms of a cyclical life which was not going anywhere. The moment we bring into view God and His will and His purposes, it is needless to say that these two memorable acts stand out clothed with the light of heaven. He knows how to forgive when strict justice gives him a Perfect right to condemn. Proverbs 17:6: , - Utley, good fruits -- This is linked with full of mercy. This is a concern and care for those in need. ", But another thing is to be heeded. The reason also is given: "For as the flower of the grass" (which is mere nature) "he shall pass away. He does not simply look at the whole twelve tribes, but at the faithful; as we find in the beginning of the next chapter, "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons." James writes then after this double manner. 3:5b-6 See how great a forest how little a fire can set alight. Chaste, holy, and clean. "And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." They used the faith of Christ rather for conscientious, godly, thorough carrying out of their Jewish thoughts. but the rich, in that he is made low." True wisdom may be know by the meekness of the spirit and temper. To be utterly convinced of one's own beliefs without at the same time being bitter to those of others is no easy thing; and yet it is a first necessity for the Christian teacher and scholar. - Utley, gentle -- a character trait of sweet reasonableness - MSB. Worldly wisdom might well wish to escape God's sight; the true wisdom is able to bear his very scrutiny. Without variance Gibson tells us that scholars are not altogether sure of the meaning of the word thus rendered, "without variance, without doubtfulness or without partiality,"[42] all being possible denotations of it. He who thinks well, or he who talks well, is not wise in the sense of the Scripture, if he does not live and act well. The world cannot receive the Spirit ( John 14:17). In Psalms 12:6, David says, "The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times." James 3:17 No otherwise is it with wisdom. However, it is an application of "wisdom from above" that drives these Compare James 2:14-26. Assuredly not in talking much, which usually tends to talking ill. "Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom." There were many great and saintly Rabbis, but the Rabbi was treated in a way that was liable to ruin the character of any man. Demonstrate the wisdom. At some point early in the history of the church, Peter pays a visit to Antioch. ( Sir_22:27 ). It works nothing suitable to His moral nature. He must have every care that he is teaching the truth, and not his own opinions or even his own prejudices. Therefore we are not to assume that the passage in Matthew 5:1-48, or this portion of James, has the smallest reference to judicial swearing. The picture of the tongue as a fire is also a common Jewish picture. There is not a man who has been led in any measure to the understanding of the ways of God that has not proved the very passages, which he once found so difficult when they were not understood, to be the means of exceeding light to his soul when they were. There was a remarkably direct intervention of God, but it was in no way connected with any gift of miracles committed to the people who were praying. Never reverse this order; it is not only that this wisdom is pure and peaceable, but it is first pure, then peaceable. You can check these in your browser security settings. It is from this word that we have derived the word gentleman; and the effect of true religion is to make everyone, in the proper and best sense of the term, a gentleman. There were no people so prone to ordinary swearing as the Jews. James explains to the Christian early in his epistle that he should ask God for this wisdom (James 1:5) and that every good and perfect gift comes down from God (James 1:17). If this wisdom is not freed from fault, it will be no better than the worldly wisdom. WebJames 3:17 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. Clearly he is in this place addressing his brethren in Christ. James 3:17 NIV - But the wisdom that comes from heaven - Bible The word is used in the LXX. in the flesh: but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones. James 3:17 - Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary - StudyLight.org It is not a connection that we could have anticipated, but it is just such an one as would be discerned by the Holy Ghost ever sensitive to the Lord's glory; and so in fact it is as we may feel on reflection. Your gold and silver are cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. In its own province there is nothing better, plainer, or more striking. Who is a wise man endued with knowledge among you? easy to be treated; or those who have it readily yield to the superior judgments and stronger reasonings of others; and are easily induced to hope and believe all things, and entertain a good opinion of men, and their conduct; and are far from being proud, arrogant, obstinate, and overbearing: full of mercy and good fruits; of compassion and beneficence to the poor; feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the widows and fatherless in their affliction; and doing all other good works and duties, both with respect to God and man, as fruits of grace, and of the Spirit: without partiality: to one another; or making a difference between them; showing no respect to persons; bestowing upon the poor and indigent, without any distinction: and. He spoke of the importance of controlling ones mind next to enable his readers to understand how to control their tongues. Let us prayerfully seek to avoid the snare. says he. There was nothing good from man's nature as a fallen creature,-nothing but good from God. Ronny Marriott nominee for BGCT first vice president. The importance of loving peace 3:17-18. This wisdom is willing to yield: Not stubborn nor obstinate; of a yielding disposition in all indifferent things; obsequious, docile. (Clarke) Conciliatory (only here in N.T.) These last two words [without partiality and without hypocrisy] rule out the habit of using speech to half reveal and half conceal the mind of the speaker, who has something (as we say) at the back of his mind all the time. (Moffatt). James 3:17 - Bible Verse Meaning and Commentary - Bible Study Temptations, trials (for clearly he refers to outward trials), are in no way the dreadful ogres that unbelief makes them to be. Seeking nothing but Gods glory, and using no other means to attain it than those of his own prescribing. (Clarke), ix. Web35 views, 3 likes, 2 loves, 1 comments, 2 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from The Church at the Mount: Study of the book of Galatians with pastor Cliff. Now we come to the other side. Of course, this refers only to cases where it is right and proper to be easily persuaded and complying. We were singing tonight the praises unto God and that is the highest capacity for which I can use my tongue is use it to declare praises unto God. Such a course would only have aggravated the evil instead of uprooting it. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. I am not aware of any part of the word of God in which a believer, save perhaps in a transitional state, is ever referred to as a sinner. James His instrument is speech and his agent the tongue. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1950), p. 45. There is not a man of exercised soul in this building, or any other, who has not proved the truth of what I am now saying. But although everyone makes mistakes, communication amplifies the effects of these slip-ups. Then let him live a life of such beautiful graciousness that he will prove to all that gentleness is enthroned as the controlling power within his heart. WebJames 3, Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible, James Burton Coffman's commentary on the Bible is widely regarded for its thorough analysis of the text and practical application My brethren, [he said,] be not many masters [or teachers] ( James 3:1 ), The idea of master there is a teacher, Then follows a grave and searching consideration for those who talk about the law, "for whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. Lie not thus against the truth." It has no disguises nor deceits. WebJames 3:17 In-Context. The man revels what's inside of him by his tongue. It's not Godly wisdom, it's earthly, it's sensual, it's devilish. Then, let it be repeated, it is not merely good we see here, but a communication of His own spiritual nature; and this He is doing by the word of truth. In short it is evident that, among inspired epistles, James's address has a special and an exceptional place. This is put, "first of all," The reason why people often find legality in James is because they themselves bring it. Two constant demands of a child of God are a positive attitude and appropriate action. Good fruits Each temper and disposition producing fruits suited to and descriptive of its nature. "Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations." These things, said James, should not be. This wisdom knows that the same measure of mercy we grant to others is the same measure God will use with us (Matthew 7:2). Temptations elsewhere mean trials, not inward solicitations of evil; they have no bearing upon, nor connection with, the evil nature, but on the contrary are the ways in which the Lord out of His love tries those in whom He has confidence, and works for the greater blessing of those whom He has already blessed. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. WebJames 3:17,18. The Orphic religion believed that the human soul was continually undergoing a process of birth and death and rebirth; and the aim of life was to escape from this treadmill into infinite being. The apostle here reproves ambition, and an arrogant magisterial tongue; and shows the duty and advantage of bridling it because of its power to do mischief. Therefore, certainly, he in no way contradicts Paul, any more than in what is said of faith, or justification; indeed he does not at all treat of the same question that Paul has before him. The Israelites no doubt found it hard, but the Spirit of God deigns here to instruct them. James first of all describes it in itself, and then in its effects. WebTo this truth - that the body of every Christian is a temple of the Holy Spirit of Christ - St. Paul returns again and again (Galatians 2:20; Galatians 4:19; Ephesians 3:17; Colossians 1:27).
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