Tiago 3
Kent Hughes · Citado em PreceptAustin
Tiago 3
Hughes - The uncontrolled tongue has a direct pipeline to Hell! This pipeline is reciprocal. Fueled by Hell, it burns our lives with its filthy fires. But it is also, as
Tiago 3
Hughes adds that "Jewish Christians were perpetuating the beautiful old Hebrew custom of saying, "Blessed be He" after each utterance of God's name, so that their worship times were continually punctuated by choruses of praise. Yet these same people, with the blessings still on their lips, would sometimes, after leaving worship, actually curse someone who had angered them! This was a shameful sin, and James would not tolerate it!" (James: Faith That Works - Page 141) Gilbrant comments that "it is absolutely inconsistent for the Christian to bless God and then curse man made in the likeness of God. Believers should not only refrain from cursing but also bless those who curse and persecute them (Luke 6:28; Romans 12:14). The likeness was natural, consisting of intelligence, emotions, and will; and moral, a tendency toward God, though accompanied with the power to make wrong choices. The tendency of fallen man is now away from God, to go his own way. When man sinned in Eden, the likeness to God was severely marred but not lost. Because man retains likeness to God, human life is sacred. To curse man is to curse the likeness of God in man." (Ibid) And with it - That is with the very same mouth that uttered blessings to God. It is as if the "fresh water" of praise is polluted by the poison water of cursing. We curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God (Ge 1:26, 27; Ge 9:6) - James spoke of "double minded" in James 1:6 and here speaks of "double mouthed," or "fork tongued!" James is showing that the reason cursing men is evil is because they are made in the likeness of God, the One we bless. So yes people still reflect God's image, albeit badly marred by sin. Thus ultimately to curse a fellow human being is to show contempt for God. Have been made (ginomai) is in the perfect tense which speaks of a past completed act and ongoing effect. Rienecker says "Perfect looks at the completed action or state of man being in the image of God." In short, the likeness of God in man is enduring. Marred by sin yes, but still retaining elements of the imago dei! When we experience bless/curse inconsistency (but you never have this problem do you beloved?) it is a clear witness to the truth of Paul's teaching of the ongoing war in our mortal bodies between the Spirit and the flesh... For the flesh sets its desire (CONTINUALLY) against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition (CONTINUALLY) to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please (LIKE WANTING TO GIVE SOMEONE "A PIECE OF YOUR MIND" FOR INSULTING YOU VERBALLY, ETC). (Gal 5:17+) Likeness (only NT use)(3669)(homoiosis from homoioo = to make like) describes a state of similarity likeness, resemblance, a becoming like. TDNT says "It means "making similar or like"... It also means "being like," "correspondence"...He who curses man turns against God Himself, who created man after His own similitude." There are 7 uses in the Septuagint (Lxx) where it most often means something like "similarity." Zodhiates - Although theologians continue to debate about the precise nature of the imago Dei in man, variously defining it as ontological, sociological, functional or moral, one thing is certain from this passage, namely, that even fallen man retains some semblance (however badly marred by sin) of the divine impress given him at the original creation. (Complete Word Study Dictionary) Homoiosis in the Septuagint (Lxx) - Ge 1:26; Ps. 58:4; Ezek. 1:10; Ezek. 10:22; Ezek. 28:12; Dan. 7:5; Dan. 10:16 Nelson's NKJV Study Bible has an interesting note (but be a Berean Acts 17:11+) - Although human beings have lost much of Godlikeness, there is still enough in our make-up to hint at what we once were like and what we can become again through the work of Christ. It is interesting how the ancient Alexandrian Christians understood Gen. 1:26, where man and woman are created in the “image” (eikon) and “likeness” (homoiosis) of God. The “image” was that Godlike part of us that we never lost in the Fall, while the “likeness” was that Godlike part of human being that we have yet to acquire. By “image” they meant a person's physical and intellectual nature; by “likeness” they meant a person's moral being. Related Resource: What does it mean that humanity is made in the image of God (imago dei)? | GotQuestions.org John Bunyan says such a person is "a saint abroad, but a devil at home." (See below) The harsh reality is that many a man speaks with perfect courtesy to strangers and preaches love and gentleness and yet snaps with ungracious and impatient anger at his family. There are women who will speak sweet and gracious words at a religious meeting and then go outside and murder someone's reputation with a malicious gossiping tongue. We curse (present tense) (2672)(kataraomai from katara = a curse from kata = down + ara = a prayer, a curse) literally is to curse down and so to call a curse down upon someone. The idea is to imprecate (= to invoke) evil on someone saying that a supernatural power will cause harm to someone or something. To pray or wish evil or ruin toward someone or some thing. The psalmist describes this hypocritical "forked tongue".. They have counseled only to thrust him down from his high position; They delight in falsehood; They bless with their mouth, But inwardly they curse. Selah. (Psalm 62:4 ) Milton's Paradise Lost: "According to his Doom: He would have spoke, But Hiss for Hiss return'd with forked Tongue To forked Tongue, for now were all transform'd... We see the description of this dual nature of the tongue in Proverbs...notice the contrasts all dealing with the tongue, words or speech... (Pr 10:11) The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, But the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. (Pr 10:19) When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise. (Pr 10:31) The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom, But the perverted tongue will be cut out. (Pr 10:32) The lips of the righteous bring forth what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked what is perverted. (Pr 18:21) Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. ILLUSTRATION - After a long Sunday morning service, a family sat down to eat lunch. The father bowed his head and led the children in the blessing. He thanked the Lord for the food, for the day, and for their home. Shortly after saying “Amen,” he proceeded to fuss about the preacher, the church, his job. Nothing but complaints poured from his lips. Following all that, his little daughter tapped him on the shoulder and said, “Daddy, did God hear you when you said the blessing?” Switching to theological authority, Dad answered, “Yes, darling, He did.” “Well,” asked his daughter, “did God hear you when you fussed right after you prayed?” “Well . . . uh, yes, honey, I suppose He did.” “Then, Daddy,” she said, “which one did God believe?” (Insights on James, 1 & 2 Peter - Page 66) Of course the answer is both, because both reveal the real condition of the heart. Brian Bell - “Open your mouth & say ahhh!” - a doctor often looks behind the tongue. (The 2 Ounce Beast) We need to look all the way down to the heart! Again, the tongue isn’t the real problem; it is the heart. (Mt.12:34-37) Who is in control? If your tongue is under God’s control, you will take what you say seriously and your whole body will be under His discipline Just as a horse needs a rider holding its reigns, & a ship needs a pilot at the rudder, so your tongue needs a master; & God is the only one who can do the job. Ps.141:3,4 Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips. Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil. More people have been slain by the tongue than the sword. Bridle our tongues today and we’ll be able to handle the rest of the horse. A short intellect usually has a long tongue. (Sermon) What Comes out of Your Mouth? But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this defiles a man.—Matthew 15:18 The Bible stresses that what you say is an accurate indicator of what is in your heart. If your words bless and encourage others, they give evidence of a compassionate heart. If you often share the good news about Christ, you demonstrate a heart that is grateful for your own salvation. When others are in a crisis, do they know they will find peace and comfort in your words? Do you frequently and spontaneously offer prayers for others? Do your words and the manner in which you say them reveal a patient heart? All of these behaviors indicate a heart that is like the heart of the Father. Or do you often regret your words? Are there people even now who are hurt or angry because of something you have said? Do you enjoy gossip? Do you tend to criticize others? Do you feel that you are not responsible for what comes out of your mouth when you are angry? Does your mouth spew grumbling and complaints? These behaviors come from a heart that is unlike God's heart. You may say, “Oh, but that's just the way I am! I'm always saying the wrong thing!” Yet Scripture clearly states that an abusive tongue is not under the control of the Spirit (James 3:3–l0). A sanctified mouth is a wonderful instrument for the Lord. A heart like the Father's heart will produce only pure and loving words. Without making any excuses for your words, ask the Holy Spirit to forgive you for any words that have brought harm. Then ask Him to discipline your mouth so that every word you speak is used by God to encourage and edify others. (Experiencing God) Twice Is Once Too Many With [our tongue] we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men. —James 3:9 Today's Scripture: James 3:1-12 When I begin to grade the papers from the students in my college freshman writing class, I’m rather lenient about correcting their mistakes, hoping I won’t see the same errors again. But when the next paper contains the identical mistakes, I begin to get a little irritated. I expect the students to learn from their errors and avoid them the next time. Usually, though, it doesn’t quite work that way. Sounds like our Christian life. The Lord patiently reminds us through the Holy Spirit’s presence, for example, that we shouldn’t say negative things about others. He tells us to be kind and compassionate instead of fault-finding and vindictive (Ephesians 4:31-32). But we sometimes slip back into our old habit of letting both “fresh” and “bitter” words come from our lips in our conversations about others (James 3:8-12). With my students, I go back to the basics to erase old habits. We train. We review. We practice. We eliminate the errors. Reflect & Pray To be like Jesus—that's our goal, Though it doesn't happen fast; We trust the Spirit—He's our Guide, Till we're glorified at last. —Branon To put failure behind you, face up to it. Language of Love With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. James 3:9 Today's Scripture & Insight: James 3:1–12 When my grandmother came to Mexico as a missionary, she had a hard time learning Spanish. One day she went to the market. She showed her shopping list to the girl helping her and said, “It’s in two tongues (lenguas).” But she meant to say that she had written it in two languages (idiomas). The butcher overheard them and assumed she wanted to purchase two cow tongues. My grandmother didn’t realize it until she got home. She had never cooked beef tongue before! Mistakes are inevitable when we are learning a second language, including learning the new language of God’s love. At times our speech is contradictory because we praise the Lord but then speak badly of others. Our old sinful nature opposes our new life in Christ. What comes out of our mouths shows us how much we need God’s help. Reflect & Pray Lord Jesus, take control of my mouth today. Forgive me for careless, thoughtless, and angry words. Let my words bless You and others. May the words we speak point others to Jesus. It’s All About The Heart Those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart. —Matthew 15:18 Today's Scripture: Matthew 15:7-20 Every time Susan opens her mouth, it sounds like the blare of an ambulance siren. This TV commercial uses humor to indicate that a dental problem could reveal a more serious physical ailment. So she’d better see her dentist soon! The commercial made me think about what comes out of my mouth when I open it. Jesus said that our words come from our heart (Matt. 15:18). He offended the Pharisees when He said, “Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man” (vv.11-12). They thought they were right with God because they followed strict rules, including ritual cleansing of their hands before eating and eating only “clean” foods. Jesus upset their pride. Jesus upsets our pride too. We may think we’re godly people because we go to church regularly or pray, but then we gossip or talk about people behind their backs. James 3:9-10 says, “With [our tongue] we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men . . . . Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. . . . These things ought not to be so.” Reflect & Pray Lord, cleanse our hearts so what we speak Will be reflective of Your grace; And help us to control our tongues So we’ll not bring on You disgrace. —Sper Every time you speak, your mind is on parade. A SAINT ABROAD AND A DEVIL AT HOME! John Bunyan's character "Talkative" Faithful: Now did Faithful begin to wonder; and stepping to Christian, (for he walked all this while by himself), he said to him, (but softly), What a brave companion have we got! Surely this man will make a very excellent pilgrim. Christian: At this Christian modestly smiled, and said: This man, with whom you are so taken, will beguile, with that tongue of his, twenty of them that know him not. Faithful: Do you know him, then? Christian: Know him! Yes, better than he knows himself. Faithful: Pray, what is he? Christian: His name is Talkative; he dwells in our town. I wonder that you should be a stranger to him, only I consider that our town is large. Faithful: Whose son is he? And whereabout does he dwell? Christian: He is the son of one Say-well; he dwelt in Prating Row; and is known of all that are acquainted with him, by the name of Talkative in Prating Row; and notwithstanding his fine tongue, he is but a sorry fellow. Faithful: Well, he seems to be a very pretty man. Christian: That is, to them who have not thorough acquaintance with him; for he is best abroad; near home, he is ugly enough. Your saying that he is a pretty man, brings to my mind what I have observed in the work of the painter, whose pictures show best at a distance, but, very near, more unpleasing. Faithful: But I am ready to think you do but jest, because you smiled. Christian: God forbid that I should jest (although I smiled) in this matter, or that I should accuse any falsely! I will give you a further discovery of him. This man is for any company, and for any talk; as he talks now with you, so will he talk when he is on the ale-bench; and the more drink he has in his crown, the more of these things he has in his mouth; religion has no place in his heart, or house, or conversation; all he has lies in his tongue, and his religion is, to make a noise therewith. Faithful: Say you so! then am I in this man greatly deceived. Christian: Deceived! you may be sure of it; remember the proverb, "They say and do not." But the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. He talks of prayer, of repentance, of faith, and of the new birth; but he knows but only to talk of them. I have been in his family, and have observed him both at home and abroad; and I know what I say of him is the truth. His house is as empty of religion as the white of an egg is of savor. There is there neither prayer nor sign of repentance for sin; yea, the brute in his kind serves God far better than he. He is the very stain, reproach, and shame of religion, to all that know him; it can hardly have a good word in all that end of the town where he dwells, through him. Thus say the common people that know him, A saint abroad, and a devil at home. His poor family finds it so; he is such a churl, such a railer at and so unreasonable with his servants, that they neither know how to do for or speak to him. Men that have any dealings with him say it is better to deal with a Turk than with him; for fairer dealing they shall have at their hands. This Talkative (if it be possible) will go beyond them, defraud, beguile, and overreach them. Besides, he brings up his sons to follow his steps; and if he finds in any of them a foolish timorousness, (for so he calls the first appearance of a tender conscience,) he calls them fools and blockheads, and by no means will employ them in much, or speak to their commendations before others. For my part, I am of opinion, that he has, by his wicked life, caused many to stumble and fall; and will be, if God prevent not, the ruin of many more. Faithful: Well, my brother, I am bound to believe you; not only because you say you know him, but also because, like a Christian, you make your reports of men. For I cannot think that you speak these things of ill-will, but because it is even so as you say. Christian: Had I known him no more than you, I might perhaps have thought of him, as, at the first, you did; yea, had he received this report at their hands only that are enemies to religion, I should have thought it had been a slander—a lot that often falls from bad men's mouths upon good men's names and professions; but all these things, yea, and a great many more as bad, of my own knowledge, I can prove him guilty of. Besides, good men are ashamed of him; they can neither call him brother, nor friend; the very naming of him among them makes them blush, if they know him. Related Resources: Click for commentary on the preceding dialogue between Christian and Faithful Continue reading The Fallacy of Talkative Return to Conversation with Talkative James 3:10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. (NASB95) Amplified Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing. These things, my brethren, ought not to be so. Phillips Blessing and curses come out of the same mouth - surely, my brothers, this is the sort of thing that never ought to happen! Wuest Out of the same mouth there proceeds eulogies and cursings. My brethren, these things ought not thus inappropriately to keep on taking place. NET From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. These things should not be so, my brothers and sisters. GNT ἐκ τοῦ αὐτοῦ στόματος ἐξέρχεται εὐλογία καὶ κατάρα. οὐ χρή, ἀδελφοί μου, ταῦτα οὕτως γίνεσθαι. NLT And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! KJV Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. ESV From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. ASV out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. CSB Praising and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers, these things should not be this way. NIV Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. NKJ Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. NRS From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. YLT out of the same mouth doth come forth blessing and cursing; it doth not need, my brethren, these things so to happen; NAB From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. This need not be so, my brothers. NJB the blessing and curse come out of the same mouth. My brothers, this must be wrong- GWN Praise and curses come from the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, this should not happen! BBE Out of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers, it is not right for these things to be so. from the same mouth: Ps 50:16-20 Jer 7:4-10 Mic 3:11 Ro 12:14 Luke 6:28 1 Peter 2:21-23 1Pe 3:9 these things ought not to be this way: Ge 20:9 2Sa 13:12 1Co 3:3 1Ti 5:13 James 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Youtube Video Verse by Verse Teaching on James 3 5W/H Questions on James 3 for teaching and personal study DOUBLE-SPEAK Double-speak is defined as language that deliberately obscures, disguises, distorts, or reverses the meaning of words.
Tiago 3
Hughes: Few sections of Scripture are so graphically relentless in making a point. In addition, this is the most penetrating (and convicting) exposition of the tongue anywhere in literature, sacred or secular. One must also conclude that it was not just James’ local concern for his churches that occasioned the writing, but also the Holy Spirit’s desire that the church at large learn to control the tongue (James: Faith That Works - Page 141) Paul writes to the believers at Corinth who were not acting as they ought to act in Christ, enabled by His Spirit... you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men (TO WHOM CURSING COMES NATURALLY)? (1Co 3:3) Ought (5534)(chre from chreia = need, necessity) is an impersonal verb meaning it is necessary, it needs to be, that which must be, that which should happen (with the implication of propriety). The necessity expressed by this word signifies a need resulting from time or circumstances or from the fitness of things. Here chre denotes the incongruity of blessing and cursing coming out of the same mouth. Chre was a common term in classical Greek literature, but as time passed it was almost totally replaced by its synonym dei. Dei is used over 100x but this is the only NT use of chre. In classical Greek writers such as Plato, Aristotle, and Xenophon, χρεία often referred to: 1. Necessity "What is needed." Example: "Necessity compels us." The idea is that circumstances create a demand requiring action. 2. Practical Need - Something genuinely required for life. Examples: food, clothing, etc. 3. Utility - Something useful or beneficial. Aristotle frequently contrasted things that were merely pleasant with things that had χρεία (practical usefulness). Bruce Barton - The deceitful, dual use of the tongue is the result of double-mindedness, fickleness, and the instability of a life that is ruled by impulse rather than by the love of God. The tongue reveals either maturity or immaturity. It gives a picture of our basic human nature, made in God's image but fallen into sin. God works to change us from the inside out. As the Holy Spirit purifies our heart, he gives us self-control so that we will speak words that please God. Instead of fighting, we need to be helpful, positive, and encouraging toward others. (James - Page 74) George M Stulac concludes this section on the tongue writing that "To the person who speaks praise to God in the worship service and then abuses people verbally at home or at work, James commands, 'Purify your speech through the week.' With the person who says, 'Oh, I know I talk too much,' and laughs it off, James is not amused. He insists, 'Be quick to listen, slow to speak.' (James 1:19) By the person who boasts, 'I always speak my mind, no matter who gets hurt,' James is not impressed. He commands, 'Discipline your speaking.' Of the person who says, 'I know I gossip too much, but I just can't help it,' James still requires, 'Control your tongue.' Of the person who is in the habit of speaking with insults, ridicule or sarcasm, James demands, 'Change your speech habits.' He expects discipline to be happening in the life of a Christian. Any Christian can ask for the grace needed, for God gives good gifts (James 1:17) and gives them generously (James 1:5). There is, then, no justification for corrupt habits of speech in our churches today." (James 3 - IVP Commentary) (ED: See related discussion on "Tongue Control.") ILLUSTRATION - When I announced in the bank where I worked as a young man that I was going to study for the ministry, one of the vice-presidents of the bank called me into his office. He had been a good friend of mine, and he knew something of my life and how I had lived. He said to me, "Vernon, I hope you are going to be a genuine preacher and a genuine servant of God." He said, "The reason I am not a Christian today is because of an experience I had during the war." (He was referring to World War I.) He went on to tell me how the bank had set up a branch bank at the powder plant at Old Hickory outside of Nashville, Tennessee. One of the tellers there was also a soloist in a church in downtown Nashville. One Sunday as that teller came out of church, the bank vice-president overheard one of the ladies say, "You know, that man is one of the most wonderful men in the world. He sings just like an angel!" This vice-president made no comment at the time. But that woman owned property, and she had business at the bank out at Old Hickory. She came in one day and was talking to him when suddenly they heard the vilest language imaginable. It came from the teller who had attempted to balance and he hadn't balanced. (I was a teller for several years, and I know that this is one of the most discouraging things that can happen.) Well, when this man didn't balance, he began to explode with blasphemies, and the lady said, "Who in the world is that?" The bank vice-president said, "That's your soloist who sings like an angel on Sunday!" A man can bless God with his mouth, and he can blaspheme God. You can do both with the mouth you have. The Lord Jesus said that what is in the heart will come up through the mouth; you can be sure your tongue is going to say it. (Thru The Bible with J. Vernon McGee) Word Watch Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. —James 3:10 Today's Scripture: James 3:1-12 Good grammar matters to me. As a writer and former English teacher, I’m bothered when I hear the wrong word used by people I think should know better. For instance, using “I” instead of “me” or “who” instead of “whom.” There’s a proper way to use the language, and it makes me cringe when the standard is violated. There’s another kind of incorrect word usage that is far worse. It happens when Christians utter words that fall short of the standard God expects. Whenever we use words that are considered crude, profane, or obscene, we violate God’s clear standards. Anytime we speak any form of God’s name irreverently or in a way that doesn’t honor Him, we displease Him (Exodus 20:7). If we joke about sinful practices, we are speaking in a way we shouldn’t (Ephesians 5:12). Or if we participate in coarse talk (5:4), we bring dishonor to the name of Christ. James said, “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. . . . These things ought not to be so” (James 3:10). Such speech is hypocritical. Reflect & Pray A wise old owl sat on an oak; The more he saw, the less he spoke; The less he spoke, the more he heard— Why aren't we like that wise old bird? —Richards Every time you speak, your mind is on parade. Warren