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3:1 Not many should become teachers James asserts that the judgment of teachers will be especially strict because greater responsibility rests on them: They teach God’s word to others (Matt 12:36; 18:6).
3:2–12 These verses can be taken in three ways: as addressing topics related to teachers in the Christian community, as instruction generally applicable to all believers, or as instruction applicable to both groups in some sense. In these verses, James addresses issues related to the dangers of speech. Teachers were particularly vulnerable to errors of speech. |
3:3–6 Here, James utilizes three images to illustrate that a small thing, like the tongue, can have far-reaching effects. He uses a horse’s bit (James 3:3) and a ship’s rudder (v. 4) to convey that those who have control over their tongues have control over themselves. He also uses the image of fire to convey that the tongue has great potential for destruction and harm (see note on v. 6). |
3:5 boasts great things Some nt passages portray boasting positively as something to be encouraged (1 Cor 1:28–31), while others portray it negatively as something to be avoided (Jas 4:16).
3:6 tongue is a fire The metaphor of fire would have resonated with James’ first-century audience. Ancients relied on wood or charcoal braziers to cook and heat their homes, and the draft from open windows increased the danger of fire spreading rapidly. Furthermore, ancients possessed few effective means for extinguishing fires.
James’ writing style often reflects the Wisdom Literature
of the ot, which also discussed the dangers of the tongue and speech (e.g., Prov 11:12–13; 15:1; 16:27–28). Wisdom literature teaches that a wise person will take counsel, but a fool will ignore it.
world of unrighteousness Could mean that the tongue is an example of the worldly evil opposed to God, or that the tongue, as a fire, exposes evil within a person (Mark 7:15).
defiling the whole body Careless speech can render a person unclean before God.
setting on fire the course of human existence The tongue can destroy or corrupt the entire course of a person’s life, or the entire course of a community’s existence.
being set on fire See note on Jas 1:13.
3:7 every species of animals and birds Being compared to the elements or creatures of nature would have been particularly degrading to James’ audience. Jewish writers often use this comparison to dehumanize and emphasize less-than-human behaviors (e.g., Jude 12–13; compare the extrabiblical work 1 Enoch 85–90).
3:9 In this verse, James describes the tongue as double-minded; see note on James 1:8. |
curse people The Greek term here, kataraomai, often translated “to curse,” refers to causing injury or harm to someone through a statement. Ancients believed such statements had supernatural power (Mark 11:12–14, 21–22).
made in the likeness of God Alludes to Gen 1:26–27. James asserts that it is logically inconsistent to curse humanity, the image-bearer, while blessing God, the one who is imaged.
3:11 fresh and bitter water A tongue that dishonors God is not compatible with speech that honors Him.
3:12 A fig tree is not able It is against a tree’s nature to produce two kinds of fruit. Similarly, a believer’s mouth is not intended for both evil and good speech.
3:13–5:6 James turns from his pragmatic advice (James 1:19–3:2) to offer guidance on what Christian wisdom looks like in action. |
3:13 wise and understanding The Septuagint, an ancient Greek translation of the ot, often employs this combination of words to describe a person who lives in accordance with the insight given by God (Deut 1:13, 15; 4:6). People demonstrate wisdom if their deeds reflect God’s commands.
works, with the humility of wisdom Those who are wise should demonstrate their wisdom in how they live, by deeds done with humility.
3:14 not boast and tell lies against the truth James likely is admonishing his audience to refrain from sinning against the truth by boasting of their wisdom. Truth may refer to the gospel (James 1:18; 5:19) or, more generally, to that which is not false.
3:15 is earthly Refers to wisdom that is inferior to wisdom from God.
unspiritual The Greek adjective psychikos refers to what is, by nature, human—things not inspired by the Holy Spirit.
demonic Describes the ultimate origin of earthly wisdom (compare to v. 6).
3:16 disorder and every evil practice James describes the evil consequences of false wisdom. Earthly wisdom leads to jealousy and selfish ambition, which can culminate in a troubling situation for Christian communities.
3:17 peaceful, gentle, obedient The virtues James lists are predominantly nonselfish and nonaggressive; those who practice these virtues show greater concern for others than for themselves. They are opposite of the vices described in vv. 14–16.
3:18 the fruit of righteousness Righteousness and peace appear together often in the Bible (e.g., Pss 72:7; 85:10; Isa 32:17; Heb 12:11).
who make peace True peace is found only in the character of God (Isa 9:6; 2 John 3; 1 Thess 5:23; Phil 4:7, 9). James demonstrates concern about discord and rivalry in the church, and he encourages peace in order to foster this characteristic in the community.
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About Faithlife Study BibleFaithlife Study Bible (FSB) is your guide to the ancient world of the Old and New Testaments, with study notes and articles that draw from a wide range of academic research. FSB helps you learn how to think about interpretation methods and issues so that you can gain a deeper understanding of the text. |
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