James 3

Taming the Tongue

1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. Parallel theme: Leviticus 10:3, Matthew 10:24, 23:13, 1 Corinthians 12:28, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Ephesians 4:11, 1 Timothy 1:7, 2:7, Hebrews 13:17, 1 Peter 5:3 +5

2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in wordWord: λόγος (Logos). The Greek Logos (Λόγος) means word, reason, or message—the rational principle underlying reality. John identifies Christ as the eternal Logos: 'In the beginning was the Word' (John 1:1)., the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. Word: Matthew 12:37. Parallel theme: James 1:4, 1:26, 1 Kings 8:46, Psalms 34:13, Proverbs 13:3, 20:9, Ecclesiastes 7:20, Romans 3:10, 1 Peter 3:10 +5

3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Parallel theme: James 1:26, 2 Kings 19:28, Psalms 32:9, 39:1

4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! Parallel theme: Psalms 10:3, 17:10, Proverbs 12:18, 15:2, 18:21, Jeremiah 18:18, Ezekiel 28:2, Jude 1:16 +3

6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. Parallel theme: Psalms 64:3, 140:3, Proverbs 6:19, 15:1, 16:27, Matthew 5:22, Mark 7:15, Luke 16:24, Acts 5:3, 6:13 +5

7 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:

8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Evil: Revelation 12:9. Parallel theme: James 3:6, Deuteronomy 32:33, Psalms 55:21, 57:4, 58:4, 59:7, 140:3, Ecclesiastes 10:11, Romans 3:13 +5

9 Therewith bless we GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally., even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. References God: Psalms 108:1. Blessing: Psalms 62:4. Curse: 2 Samuel 19:21, Matthew 26:74. Creation: Genesis 5:1, 9:6. Parallel theme: Psalms 10:7, 59:12, Isaiah 29:13, Acts 2:26 +5

10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Blessing: Romans 12:14. Sin: Genesis 20:9, 1 Peter 3:9. Parallel theme: Micah 3:11, 1 Corinthians 3:3, 1 Timothy 5:13

11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. Parallel theme: Matthew 12:33

Wisdom from Above

13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. Good: James 3:17, 1 Peter 2:12. Parallel theme: James 2:18, Matthew 5:5, Galatians 5:23, Philippians 1:27, Colossians 3:12, 1 Timothy 6:11, 2 Timothy 2:25, Titus 3:2 +5

14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truthTruth: ἀλήθεια (Aletheia). The Greek aletheia (ἀλήθεια) denotes truth or reality—that which corresponds to actuality. Jesus declared, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life' (John 14:6), embodying ultimate reality.. Glory: Philippians 2:3. Truth: James 5:19. Parallel theme: James 3:16, Proverbs 14:30, Acts 5:17, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 3:3, 13:4, 2 Corinthians 12:20, Philippians 1:15 +5

15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. Evil: Jeremiah 4:22, 1 Timothy 4:1. Parallel theme: James 1:5, 1:17, 3:17, 1 Corinthians 2:14, 3:3, 3:19, 2 Corinthians 1:12, Philippians 3:19 +5

16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. Evil: 1 John 3:12. Parallel theme: James 3:14, 1 Corinthians 3:3, 14:33, Galatians 5:20

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercyMercy: ἔλεος (Eleos). The Greek eleos (ἔλεος) denotes compassionate mercy—pity for those in distress. God is 'rich in mercy' (Ephesians 2:4), withholding deserved punishment and granting undeserved kindness. and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. Good: James 1:17, Romans 12:9. Parallel theme: James 1:5, 3:15, Proverbs 2:6, Matthew 5:8, Luke 21:15, 1 Peter 1:22, 1 John 3:3, 3:18 +5

18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. Peace: Matthew 5:9. Righteousness: James 1:20, Proverbs 11:18, 11:28, 11:30, Hosea 10:12, Philippians 1:11, Hebrews 12:11. Parallel theme: John 4:36, Galatians 6:8 +5