Commentary on James 3, Written by Mel

Commentary on James 3, Written by my Husband, Mel 

In the commentary on James chapter one, I shared some dreams God gave me about the power of the tongue. We will now look at other ways that our tongue affects our lives, as well as others. James states that not many of us should become teachers, because teachers will receive a stricter judgment. I have seen much hypocrisy in the lives of those who hold ministry positions. A minister should live a life that is above reproach.  1  Timothy 3:1-13, gives us the standard by which all potential ministers should be tested. A minister should live by what he preaches, so that he will receive praise from God, and not judgment at the Bema Seat. There are many ministers nowadays given over to greed, they live in multi-million dollar mansions and drive luxury cars. They will incur a harsh judgment for their mishandling of God’s money. There are many poor people, as well as missionaries, who need support. Whether you are a Sunday school teacher, street minister, home group, or youth leader, you need to live a holy, clean life, which lines up with God’s Word.

(1Tim 3:1) This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

I have seen many people hurt by malicious gossip. A person’s character may be scrutinized, or trust damaged, due to rumors. Our tongues can be a deadly poison, if we do not learn how to control them. James compares our tongues to a small fire that can burn down a whole forest. The little fire within our mouths can destroy the lives of others. I have seen families and churches divided, as well as co-workers at odds with each other over gossip. The tongue has the power to isolate us from the blessing of fellowship with family, friends, and fellow believers. The tongue is like the small rudder of a ship that can steer our lives in many directions.

If we will learn to sanctify our speech, we may become a blessing to many. There is power in the tongue. We may bless or curse others with it. I always pray that the Lord will use my tongue to edify and encourage others. If we quote scriptures, and speak words of faith, we will reap the benefits of a healthy relationship with the Lord. Words of fear, doubt, and anxiety, are the opposite of faith, and will empower the devil in your lives. Faith conquers fear, sickness, and the oppression of the enemy. Christ told some that he healed, “May it be done unto you according to your faith, or your faith has made you well.” Words of faith can move mountains and tear down strongholds of the enemy. May we learn to bless others with our speech, and give praise, honor, and glory, to our Father in heaven.

(James3:1) My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.

2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

3 Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.

4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires.

5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!

6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.

7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.

8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.

10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?

12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.  13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.

15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.