James 3

Introduction

In this chapter James focuses on the destructive power of the tongue, and how it is so difficult to control. Whatever comes out from the tongue are results of a combination of our perspectives, our rationale, our emotion, our morality, our integrity and our spiritual maturity. Any imbalance in these areas will manifest in words that stumble, deceive, or hurt others - even when we are not consciously aware of it. The remedy is not so much in changing our speech (other than talking less), but the surrender of our hearts to God, for the heart is the seat of our words: "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Mat 12:34).  In the last part of the chapter, James also pointed out that those who sound wise in words must also have evidence of good conduct, in particular the seven attributes he listed in verses 17 and 18. Otherwise, these are just empty talks.

James 3:1-5

Scripture:  James 3:2 "For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body." 

Observation: James warns of the power of the tongue to manipulate truth,  particularly teachers that lead the flock astray intentionally or out of ignorance. Earlier James said not to just hear the Word, but doer of the Word,  and now to be careful teacher of the word, which carries a heavy accountability. 

Application: Not everyone has the gift of teaching, and those who teach need to be extra diligent in the right doctrine and application. 

James 3:5-8

Scripture: James 3:6 "And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell."

Observation: James elaborates further on the power of words to destroy ourselves ("staining the whole body - including our image and reputation"),  and also our whole life (present and future). 

These kind of words are often due to pride (v5: "boasts of great things") and self-righteousness (v6: "world of unrighteousness") , tempting us to make excuses or lie to cover up wrong conscience or to cover our weaknesses in order we look justified or look great to others. 

Furthermore,  like a train once it has gained momentum, it becomes more and more difficult for us to admit wrong even when we know it once we take that slippery slope. 

Application: Jesus said ".. on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,  for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:34-37.  While it is not possible for us not to have a slip of tongue especially when angry or frustrated, it's important to admit wrong to the person(s) we offended and not insist on being right and continue on the same path. 

James 3:9-12

Scripture: James 3:9 "With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so."

Observation: earlier James wrote about "proud talk" (boastfulness),  then about "poison talk" (wickedness),  and now he pointed out that a Christian can worship God in one moment and then curse another person the next moment.  This is "paradoxical talk" (inconsistency). While its easy to put up friendly smiles, sing praises and serve in ministries on Sundays,  in the end it's our daily speech that shows who we truly are, because as Jesus said, we cannot prevent what overflows from the heart. 

Application: the devotion book says "God cannot (will not) change the past. But He can shape a better tomorrow. One of the ways He does that is through human lips surrendered to the impulse of His Spirit." To surrender our lips, we must surrender our hearts. 

James 3:13

Scripture: James 3:13 "Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom."

Observation: In the ancient days, it was a great honour to be recognized as “wise and understanding” such as renowned philosophers. Many such aspiring philosophers infiltrated the church, claiming that they have some secret revelation that God had given exclusively to them. James saw the in-congruence between their claims and their behaviour. James say that the prove to real wisdom is through good deeds in humility. 

Application: We all know the book of proverbs speak much about wisdom and understanding, yet it has the most and best collection of “to do” and “not to do”. Wisdom is translated into behaviour, attitude and action for all walks of life, such as:

Laziness v.s. Diligence: “A little sleep, a little slumber,   A little folding of the hands to rest,”  Then your poverty will come as a robber  And your want like an armed man." (Prov 24:33-34)

Choosing Friends: “So you will walk in the way of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will live in the land and the blameless will remain in it;”  “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Prov 2:20-21; 13:20)

Teachability: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,  But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” (Prov 12:15) ; Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, But he who hates reproof is stupid. (Prov 12:1)

Integrity:  “The acquisition of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor, the pursuit of death.” (Prov 21:6)

Kindness: “One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed.” (Prov 19:  17)

Peace:   “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit, than he who captures a city.   A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression.” (16:32;  19: 11)

Justice: “To show partiality to the wicked is not good,  Nor to thrust aside the righteous in judgment.” (18:5)

James 3:14-16

Scripture: James 3:14-16 "But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.  This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.  For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."

Observation: rivalries in the church arose due to those who have selfish ambitions to be leaders, and they were willing to take positions contrary to the teachings of the apostles to create their own factions and followers. Falsehood, when repeated enough, became its own truths ending in disorder ("akatastasia" - restlessness, unstable) in the church accompanied with wrong behavior and practices. This is exactly what Satan is encouraging in the church as well as in Christian homes. 

Application: in our own individual lives, it is important to be absolutely objectives about right and wrong,  rather than be subjective to our bias views or emotions. We must not merely support an inaccurate position just for the sake of pride and in order to win an argument. For false presuppositions, when repeated and maintained long enough, can no longer be differentiated from truths. It is then psychologically very difficult for us to shift back to the right perspective because we ourselves no longer know what is the real truth. Therefore, we must adhere to James' warning: "Do not be false to the truth", and this is done by being able to admit to our opponents, "yes, on that particular point,  you are right and I am wrong." 

James 3:17-18

Scripture: James 3:17-18 "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.  And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

Observation: James listed seven practical attitudes resulting from true wisdom - pure (innocent, transparent) ; peaceable (aims at fostering peace and reconciliation) ; gentle (fair or mild approach) ; reasonable (easy to be entreated; cooperative) ; mercy (to err towards the good of others) ; impartial (objectivity in judgment or decision, no favoritism or bias to self) ; sincere (no hidden motives, without hypocrisy). 

Application: while the list is not exhaustive, it would be a good list used to evaluate our own motives,  judgement and decisions when dealing with people,  especially in a conflict resolution situation. Sometimes we may not get what we want when we follow God's way- but that's the Christian way - to do unto others what we want others to do to us. 

Prayer for James 3

Lord, forgive me for any presumptious or arrogant words I have spoken especially in teaching or instructing others with ignorance, insincerity or hypocrisy.  Remind my speech to be always sensible, humble, factual, sincere and exemplary of a disciple of Christ.

Help me to recognise how my words hurt others and give me the grace to admit and ask for forgiveness.

Lord help me to surrender my heart to you so that the abundance of my heart that overflow through my lips is not pride but humility,  not wickedness but kindness, and not curses but blessings.

Father, remind me when I’m wise in my own eyes. Help me to gain deeper understanding in the wickedness of my heart but also the possible good and hope that You can bring to my life as I let you transform me in my attitude, behaviour, feelings and deeds.

Help me to recognise small "untruths" in what I think or say, and to humbly and quickly admit it before it becomes a foothold for Satan to build a stronghold that creates instability and restlessness in my life and the lives of others around me. 

Help me to check myself whether my thinking is led by the wisdom of the world or by your wisdom. Help me to sow  partnership and peace instead of division and discord; promote healing instead of preserving hurt; and to err on the side of love instead of legality. Amen.