March 7, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – James Chapter 3

¹ My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

² For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

³ Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

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!

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.

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.

⁹ Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

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

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.

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.

¹⁴ But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

¹⁵ This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

¹⁶ For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

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

¹⁸ And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction

James Chapter 3 offers a strong warning about the uncontrolled power of the tongue while highlighting the importance of divine wisdom. Words carry tremendous power: they can build up or tear down, bless or curse. James compares the tongue to a small rudder that steers a large ship, and to a small fire that can set an entire forest ablaze. No human being can fully tame it, as it is naturally dangerous and contradictory—we praise God and curse our fellow human beings with the same mouth.

Yet James does not stop at warning. He contrasts earthly wisdom, which is characterized by envy and strife, with wisdom from above, which is pure, peaceable, and merciful. True wisdom is revealed in a God-fearing lifestyle and in gentleness. This chapter calls us to be mindful of our words and to seek the wisdom that produces peace and righteousness.

Commentary

1. The Responsibility of Teachers (vv. 1–2)

   James begins with a warning for those who desire to be teachers. Teachers carry a special responsibility because their words influence many people. Since words are so powerful, teachers will be judged more strictly. James reminds us that everyone makes mistakes, especially in what they say. Anyone who can control their tongue demonstrates spiritual maturity and self-discipline.

2. The Destructive Power of the Tongue (vv. 3–6)

   James uses striking images to illustrate the tongue’s effect:

• A horse is guided by a small bridle.

• A large ship is steered by a small rudder.

• A small spark can set an entire forest on fire.

These comparisons show that even though the tongue is a small part of the body, it has a huge impact. Particularly vivid is the description of the tongue as “a world of iniquity,” which defiles the whole person and is “set on fire by hell.” Words can destroy or inflame lives—a powerful image of the responsibility that comes with our speech.

3. The Contradictory Nature of Human Speech (vv. 7–12)

   James underscores another point: while humans can tame wild animals, the tongue remains uncontrollable. He describes it as “full of deadly poison”—an image of its destructive potential. Its contradictory nature is especially problematic:

• With it we praise God and curse people who are made in God’s image.

• A spring cannot yield both fresh and bitter water.

• A fig tree cannot bear olives, and a vine cannot bear figs.

These comparisons show that blessing and cursing should not come from the same mouth. Our words should be consistent and in line with the character of Christ.

4. True Wisdom (vv. 13–18)

   After his urgent warning about the use of the tongue, James contrasts two types of wisdom:

• Earthly wisdom (vv. 14–16) is marked by envy, strife, and disorder. It is not from God, but rather is human and demonic.

• Heavenly wisdom (vv. 17–18) is pure, peaceable, gentle, merciful, impartial, and without hypocrisy. It produces good fruit and leads to righteousness and peace.

True wisdom is not evident in clever words but in a humble and peace-loving lifestyle. It is not self-centered but seeks the well-being of others.

Summary
James 3 teaches us two key lessons:

1. The tongue is powerful and dangerous. It can do great harm if it is not kept in check. We can use it to bless or to curse, but both should not come from the same mouth. Christians should be aware of the responsibility that words carry.

2. True wisdom comes from above. It is not displayed in knowledge or rhetoric, but in a gentle, peaceable, and merciful way of life. Jealousy, strife, and selfishness are marks of earthly, demonic wisdom, while divine wisdom fosters justice and peace.

This lesson challenges us to choose our words carefully and to seek godly wisdom in our lives. For those who bridle their tongue and pursue peace will bear good fruit for the kingdom of God.

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 7—The Test of Discipleship
Read online here

Commentary

Introduction

Chapter 7 addresses the fundamental truth that a genuine conversion is not merely evident in external actions but in an inner, profound change of heart. Faith in Christ brings about a new creation that does not arise from human effort but from the work of the Holy Spirit. While some Christians may be unable to pinpoint the exact time of their conversion, the authenticity of their experience is demonstrated by a new way of life. Love for God, a transformed heart, and growing obedience to His Word are the proofs of being a child of God. This chapter introduces us to the significance of a life truly shaped by Christ and shows that genuine discipleship is not achieved through outward works alone, but through a deep, living relationship with God.

Commentary: Characteristics of Being a Child of God

1. A New Creation Through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

   Scripture describes rebirth as a complete re-creation of the individual: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away.” This means that true conversion results in a profound change of heart that manifests not only in external forms but in all our thinking, feeling, and actions.

   • The work of the Holy Spirit is not always tangible or visible but can be likened to the wind (John 3:8).

   • This inner transformation reveals itself through a new attitude toward sin, a growing desire for holiness, and a deep love for God.

   • A changed heart produces the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22).

2. The True Test of Faith: Where Does Our Heart Stand?

   Merely living a moral life on the outside does not prove genuine rebirth. Pride or social standing can also motivate a person to be “good.” However, true sonship or daughterhood in God is evident in questions like:

   • Who owns our heart?

   • What do we love to talk about most?

   • To whom do our deepest thoughts and feelings belong?

     A true disciple of Christ orders his life according to Him—loving what Christ loves and hating what He hates. Divine love is the driving force behind every action.

3. The Danger of Misconceptions About Faith and Obedience

   There are two main errors that Christians must guard against:

   • The error of works-righteousness: believing that one can be justified before God by one’s own efforts. Scripture makes it clear: “All works done without Christ are tainted by selfishness and sin.” We are saved by the grace of Christ alone.

   • The error of lawless faith: believing that grace frees a person from observing God’s law. Yet true faith leads to obedience: “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments” (1 John 5:3).

     Christ not only grants us forgiveness but also the power to live according to His will. The law is not a means of salvation but an expression of divine love.

4. The True Foundation of Salvation

   No one can save themselves through their own righteousness. But Christ offers us His righteousness:

   • He lived a perfect life and fulfilled God’s law on our behalf.

   • Through His death, He took our sins upon Himself.

   • Through faith, His righteousness is credited to us.

     This means: “Christ’s nature takes the place of our nature; thus we are accepted by God.” Walking in Christ is a daily process of surrender and renewal.

5. True Faith Leads to Obedience

   Saving faith is not merely an intellectual assent to truth, but a trust that transforms our lives. “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17).

   • True children of God are recognized by their deeds of righteousness.

   • Obedience is not the means of salvation but the fruit of a renewed heart.

   • The closer we draw to Christ, the more we recognize our own imperfections—this is a sign of genuine sanctification.

     A Christian does not live in lawlessness but “walks just as He walked” (1 John 2:6).

Summary: The Marks of a True Child of God

Chapter 7 describes the true nature of conversion and shows that being a child of God is not just an external form but a profound transformation of the heart. A renewed person is not defined by occasional good deeds but by a consistent change of character.

• Rebirth by the Holy Spirit is evident in new priorities, new love for God, and new values.

• True followers of Christ focus their hearts, minds, and lives on Him.

• Faith and obedience go hand in hand: faith in Christ produces a new way of life aligned with God’s will.

This chapter calls us to examine our own hearts: Is our life in harmony with Christ? Do we love God with all our heart? Do our thoughts, words, and actions show that we are His children? Only through a deep, daily connection with Jesus can we experience genuine transformation and give evidence of being children of God.

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