The allusion is to the Lord, not the just in general, but the Just One, even Christ, "and he doth not resist you. Are they the persons called to weep and howl for the miseries that are coming upon them? "For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment. Since ancients primarily learned through hearing, writers utilized sound to enhance the sense of the text and aid in memorization. To ensure stability, all must rest on one who is God as well as man, giving us a nature according to God. There is, first, the "visiting the fatherless and widows in their affliction," persons from whom one could gather nothing flattering to the flesh, or in any way calculated to minister to self; there is, on the other hand, the keeping one's self unspotted from the world. Such is the law of liberty. And so there is a paradox in our tongue it's different from anything else. In the New Testament itself we get glimpses of teachers who failed in their responsibility and became false teachers. "Submit yourselves therefore to God. word occurs only here in the NT and denotes a consistent, unwavering person who is undivided in his commitment and conviction and does not make unfair distinctions. in the wrath of a fallen creature. This order is for the good of the Christian. "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures." And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace, of them that makes peace ( James 3:18 ). What kind of wisdom comes forth from you? James first of all describes it in itself, and then in its effects. So don't be many masters knowing that we will receive the greater condemnation. It is full of love and a giving heart, consistent with the holiness of God. Study Guide for James 3 by David Guzik - blueletterbible.org James Who is there that should not desire that its blessed influence should spread around the world? 3:5b-6 See how great a forest how little a fire can set alight. A chance word dropped at one end of the country or the town can finish up by bringing grief and hurt at the other. The reason why people often find legality in James is because they themselves bring it. James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. The adjective "full" indicates there is an abundance of mercy in this wisdom and not a shortage. "I have a particular doctrine that I have embraced, I adhere to, and though there are scriptures that would seemingly contradict the position that I believe in. In all the Bible we meet no more energetic and truthful picture of the desperate evil to which men are exposed by that little active member. Holy zeal and bitter envying are as different as the flames of seraphim and the fire of hell. 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. The idea of the taming of the animal creation in the service of mankind is one which often occurs in Jewish literature. James does not deal with such matters; he never takes up the question how a sinner is to be justified. Where there is simple truth, nothing is needed but the quiet statement of the fact. Eirene ( G1515) means peace, and when it is used of men its basic meaning is right relationships between man and man, and between man and God The true wisdom produces right relationships. What fires it can spark. Instead of producing peace, it produces strife. However, nothing can be simpler than that which the apostle here describes and recommends to us, and nothing more certain. At least they do feel; and so far there is a greater effect produced than on these reasoning Jews. Many of the letters also end with the wish for peace. The most notable thing about it is that it issues in disorder. 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). [That is a lie against the truth, the bitterness and striving and envyness within your heart.] It is not the salutation that the Epistles of Paul and the other apostles have made so familiar to us, but exactly the form of salutation that was used in the famous epistle of Acts 15:1-41 from the apostles and elders in Jerusalem, who wrote to the Gentile assemblies to guard them from yielding to legalism. One sin begets another, and it cannot be imagined how much mischief is produced: there is every evil work. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." [James said there is an inconsistency here.] The first of William Law's rules for life was, "To fix it deep in my mind that I have but one business upon my hands, to seek for eternal happiness by doing the will of God." v. This wisdom is full of mercy: It does not judge others strictly on the basis of the law, but will extend a generous hand full of mercy. In this the theologian and the sceptic come to the same conclusion, and from the same source a lack of seeing and appreciating Jesus. Clearly there we have a broad ground which even a Jew would respect. Chaste, holy, and clean. It is also translated as "open to reason" (RSV), "willing to yield" (Goodspeed), and "ready to be convinced" (Knox). Can faith save?" It is grace alone that has communicated the nature of God; it is grace alone that strengthens the new nature by the gift of the Holy Ghost who dwells in us; and yet more than this, "He giveth more grace. He said, "It's not really that which goes into a man that defiles a man, but that which comes out of a man that defiles him. James 1:17. by Grant Richison | Jul 30, 2000 | James | 30 comments. Commentary WebJames here defined exactly what he meant by the meekness of wisdom in James 3:13. b. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without The seed, as ever, must produce its own proper fruit. James tells us. John MacArthur is the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, as well as an author, conference speaker, president of The Masters University and Seminary, and featured teacher with the Grace to You media ministry. But the common view of this passage is not chargeable with any such absurdity. Here he looks at sin in the conduct, and accordingly there are evil workings within, and then the outward act of sin. 1416. The NIV accepts that definition and translates the word "impartial." For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. Thus we see it is only, to say the least of it, a very great want of perception, and a dulness that certainly is unworthy nay, worthy of any person that sets up to judge the word of God a shameful position for a creature for a man above all for a Christian to take. So the Orphic devotee who had achieved could say, "I have flown out of the sorrowful, weary wheel." To my mind it is not only inexact but misleading and dangerous. easy to be entreated: James here presents another characteristic of wisdom. In kingdoms, in families, in churches, in all societies, and in all interviews and transactions, heavenly wisdom makes men peaceable. Therefore, the phrase most probably means the whole of life and living. There were teachers who tried to turn Christianity into another kind of Judaism and tried to introduce circumcision and the keeping of the law ( Acts 15:24). What an honour to be sons of peace in a world ever at war with God and those who are His! III. WebMatthew Henry :: Commentary on James 3 Chapter 3 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. James urges these individuals to exhibit these characteristics of wisdom in their daily walk. You know we sometimes just don't want to give that person that consolation of saying, "Well that's all right, I understand." that with Paul we may be able to say, Not with fleshly wisdom, but in simplicity and godly sincerity, by the grace of God, we have our conversation. The sense is, that he who is under the influence of the wisdom which is from above, is not a stiff, stern, obstinate, unyielding man. There is no room for pride in human life, for there is not a man upon earth who has not some blot of which to be ashamed. He says "a servant of God." The hypocrite, on the other hand, quietly leads his deceptive life and, thus, may subtly influence others in a negative manner for years. He has a lengthy passage which is so nobly and passionately put that it is worth quoting in full: Curst the whisperer and the double-tongued; for such have, destroyed many that were at peace. The first of the apostle does not indicate even preference of the pure spirit to the peaceful spirit, but only the order in which they are to be exercised. The mouth is the voice piece of the heart of man. Le don de l'Esprit non par les uvres de la loi, mais par l'coute de la foi. ", Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. This led to the establishment of the Inquisition; this kindled the fires of Smithfield; this inspirited Laud and his friends; this has been the origin of no small part of the schisms in the church. Compare James 2:14-26. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law." Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. He may have ever so clear a view of himself; he sees clearly what he is like for a moment; but he as soon forgets all. We have some account of true wisdom, with the distinguishing marks and fruits of it: Who is a wise man, and endued with knowledge among you? It is pure, meaning free of the defilements mentioned. If on the contrary there were bitter envy and strife in their hearts, how could they boast against the truth, or he against it? James 3:1-12 Who Can Tame the Tongue? WebThe Lunar Module landed on the Moon at 21:17:39 BST (16:17:39 EDT) on Sunday, 20 July 1969. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. James 4:8). Hence many are of opinion (and to this I am rather disposed, though I would not venture to say more) that the verse ought to be thus divided: "Do ye think that the scripture speaketh in vain? It was used even by those who were clothed with miraculous power. James 1:17. by Grant Richison | Jul 30, 2000 | James | 30 comments. Christians are to be "gentle" to all men (Titus 3:2). As a whole, you are aware that the prophets addressed themselves to the people of Israel. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.". In its own province there is nothing better, plainer, or more striking. "For what is your life? Here, it would seem, we begin to learn more definitely the reason. This is worldly wisdom. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Will any man argue still that this means the saints of God? What an unexpected moral link! There was no miracle in their part of the business, as far as they were concerned. There is nothing so impossible to kill as a rumour; there is nothing so impossible to obliterate as an idle and malignant story. There was nothing good from man's nature as a fallen creature,-nothing but good from God. Without making a difference-rendering to every man his due; and being never swayed by self-interest, worldly honour, or the fear of man; knowing no man after the flesh. Without partiality - Margin, or wrangling. The word here used ( adiakritos) occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. Those who live in malice, envy, and contention, live in confusion, and are liable to be provoked and hurried to any evil work. The second meaning here suggested seems best to accord with the sense of the passage; and according to this the idea is, that the wisdom which is from above, or true religion, makes us impartial in our treatment of others: that is, we are not influenced by a regard to dress, rank, or station, but we are disposed to do equal justice to all, according to their moral worth, and to show kindness to all, according to their wants. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle. There is thus the need of dependence on God, the spirit of habitual waiting on Him of bowing to Him, and, in short, of obedience. The word enters by faith, or, as the apostle has it in Hebrews, is "mixed with faith in them that hear it." willing to yield -- reasonable; easy to be entreated; accommodating; submissive; It implies a willingness to hear and respond appropriately, not selfishly or egotistically. A faith that is unproductive has no living link with God. (ii) The true wisdom is eirenikos ( G1516) . "Behold we put bits into horses' mouths." Read Introduction to James Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes The fruit of righteousness; either the fruit we bring forth, which is righteousness itself, Luke 3:8, 9; Romans 6:22; Philippians 1:11; or the fruit we reap, which is the reward of righteousness, viz. This universality of sin runs all through the Bible. Its attitude is pride in its knowledge rather than humility in its ignorance. Let not such a one, therefore, expect anything of the Lord. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. This reappears as a final appeal. have the practical exhortation: "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear." But he presses also the necessity of dependence on God in another form in the end of our chapter. Why Does God Compare Our Relationship with Him to That of a Bride and Groom? When we are mild and calm, we are best able to hear reason, and best able to speak it. So far is he from shaking faith that he supposes it, and the works which he commends are stamped with it in the most definite and striking manner. That wisdom which is from above is without hypocrisy. He has given him a life that loves His ways and word, that hates and revolts from evil, and is pained most of all by falling through unwatchfulness under sin, if it seemed ever so little. 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. Those who are truly wise do what they can to preserve peace, that it may not be broken; and to make peace, that where it is lost it may be restored. James 3:13-17 Meaning and Commentary - Bible Study Tools
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