This Week with the Word

The Uniform Lesson for August 17
Background & Commentary by Sam E. Stone

In our final month studying “Images of Christ,” the lessons focus on how Christians are to display his image in their daily lives. Nowhere is this more important than with what we say. Previously James warned about the importance of careful speech (James 1:19). Now this entire chapter explains how to be a wise speaker.

The Challenge/James 3:1-6

Verse 1. Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. Teachers (such as rabbis) were held in high esteem in the Jewish-Christian community. Such honor and recognition carry great responsibility. The term teachers includes more than the apostles, prophets, teachers, and evangelists mentioned elsewhere (1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11). “Unofficial teachers” had strong influence, too. James includes himself in the warning (we who teach).

Verse 2. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. Christians cannot claim sinless perfection (see 1 John 1:8-10). Mankind’s most common sin is misuse of the tongue. If a person can control this part of his life, he can control any other.

Verses 3-5. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. . . . they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.

. . . Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. These excellent
illustrations demonstrate how something small can have great impact. Proper control of the tongue gives one great influence through what he does and doesn’t say. Many forest fires begin when one lighted match is carelessly tossed from a car.

Verse 6. The tongue also is a fire. . . . It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. The devil is the source of bad speech. So deadly is its effect that it can corrupt one’s entire life and, in the case of a teacher, affect many other lives as well.

The Reality/James 1:7-12

Verses 7, 8. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. Man was given control over creation (Genesis 1:28), and here he has had success. With his words, however, he has failed. Uncontrolled words create serious problems (Psalm 140:3; Romans 3:13).

Verses 9, 10. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. We know too well the truth of this charge. James warned earlier of a double-minded man (James 1:8); here he illustrates such a person’s actions. Paul emphasized this problem as well (Ephesians 4:29-32; 5:4).

Verses 11, 12. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. James’ logic is unassailable. Pure water from a mountain spring is never brackish. How can the tongue be such a powerful agent for both good and evil?

The Alternative/James 3:13-18

Verses 13, 14. Who is wise and understanding among you? James returns to a theme introduced early in his letter—wisdom (1:5). Wisdom is more than knowledge; it includes spiritual insight as well. From God’s perspective, wisdom and understanding go together (see 1 Kings 4:29; Proverbs 4:7). Wisdom is shown by a good life. The servant should be like his master, and our Master was “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29). Meekness and humility must characterize his followers, too (see Matthew 5:5; 1 Peter 3:15; Galatians 6:1).

Verses 15, 16. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. One may have knowledge without wisdom, but true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:5). The Jewish Christians to whom James wrote evidently had problems in their congregations similar to those of Corinth (1 Corinthians 1-4).

Verses 17, 18. 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. Some seek “peace at any price,” but James declares that purity (in teaching and behavior) must come before peace (Isaiah 32:17; Psalm 85:10). In the closing words of the chapter, James emphasizes again the teacher’s life. True religion shows up both in what one does and says (Matthew 7:20; Hebrews 12:11). |L

Sam E. Stone is the former editor of Christian Standard. He continues his writing and speaking ministry from his home in Cincinnati, Ohio.