James 3 Enduring Word (2024)

FAQs

What is the main point of James chapter 3? ›

Rather, in James 3 the focus is on how faithful Christians speak about other human beings made in God's own image (James 3:9), calling us to account for abusive language. However, to get to this argument, James begins with a meditation on human speech and on the potentially destructive power of the human tongue.

Human words are powerful. Our tongues are small, but they are capable of wreaking great havoc. Any person who could perfectly control their words would be in perfect control of their entire bodies. Instead, as sinful human beings, our tongues are untamable.

More specifically, James writes that no human being can tame his or her own tongue. We can't control the words that come out of our mouths. It's not an ability that human beings possess in our own power. Our tongues are more powerful than we are.

People cannot merely think they have wisdom. Wisdom must be shown in action. The evidence of humble, meek wisdom is shown in good conduct. To state the point more sharply: we prove which wisdom we have by our actions. James is asking us to evaluate who not only knows what is right but also practices what is right.

Uncontrolled words and the wisdom of the world always lead to destruction. Those who trust God understand that neither human speech nor human philosophy will lead them toward a faithful life. First, James tackles the tongue. His bottom line: the tongue is unbelievably powerful, and it cannot be fully controlled.

Bible Gateway James 3 :: NIV. Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 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.

“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: but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:7–8).

James 3:1–12 discusses talking. This passage continues James's big idea that faith and works go together. Specifically, that what one does (or says) proves what they really believe. Those who trust God, who really believe Him, begin to be changed in their speech, as well.

Because the tongue is all muscle and no bone, it is very supple, boasting a huge range of motion and shape while preserving its volume. “It's kind of like a water balloon,” says Tasko.

Why is taming the tongue important? ›

The Bible says, "No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need, in order to give grace to those who hear." Eph 4:29 (HCSB) The Bible challenges us to use our words to help people, to build others up, not to tear them down.

Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.

From there, James compares and contrasts two kinds of wisdom: wisdom from above versus wisdom from below. The wisdom from below, human, or sometimes called earthly wisdom, is in 3:14-16 and that isn't the kind of wisdom we are to walk by. We are to walk by heavenly wisdom, and he defines that in 3:17-18).

His immediate answer was that wise people live wisely, participating in good deeds with great humility. Now he warns his readers not to lie to themselves. A person should not assume they are "wise" if they carry bitter envy and selfish ambition in their hearts. And certainly, they must not boast about it.

In describing the uncontrolled, evil nature of our tongues—our words and how we use them—James now points to two contrary ways we use our tongues. First, we can use our words to bless or praise our Lord and Father.

A tongue under control is evidence of spiritual maturity, and if a believer's tongue is controlled by the Holy Spirit then every other aspect of his life will be under the Spirit's control (v. 2). The tongue is a comparatively small part of the human body but it has great power.

While James doesn't teach new theology, it does challenge believers on how they should live. When believers listen to and obey God's word, they show their love for him and others. Their actions match their words, and their lives are made whole and perfect.

The message of James is that those who have been truly saved through the gospel must manifest that salvation in practical ways in their lives. A transformed life of love for others should be the result of experiencing God's love.