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+--- Thread: NT Doctrine -- James 3 (/thread-1585.html)
NT Doctrine -- James 3 - Ed Hurst - 11-23-2024
I can't do any better than my previous commentary on this chapter...
Not only do we have problems with words, but with the tongue, as well. We picture here the typical Jewish believer so recently under the sway of the Talmud. To be taken seriously in Talmudic society, a man had to speak up in the synagogue. The more he could teach, correct, or at least dispute something, the greater his ranking. This is not the Christian way of things. It is God’s prerogative to call teachers, specially equipped. This was not some frivolous thing where making noise was more important than what the noise meant.
Christian leadership was a heavy burden, not some sweet privilege. It meant all the other things believers had to do to walk in a real faith, plus the extra burden helping others with their walk. It was natural that anyone who taught others should realize the gravity of engaging his mouth. He could not afford frivolity, because his role as leader and teacher meant all eyes were upon him. Not because he was any greater than the others, but the role demanded it. Ambition was a primary disqualification. If anything, leaders are more taciturn, saving talk for something important.
So, James warns them that the mouth is one of the easiest entries for Satan. A man who kept his mouth shut and spoke after careful consideration was master of his whole being. It’s amazing how much is accomplished by taking control of one pivotal thing like that. It’s horrifying how much is destroyed when you do not. It’s the same as simple civility. Civil people mind their own business and avoid spilling their unneeded comments into the space we all must share. We should only address things that come into our spaces and then do so with great spiritual care. A lot of things we should simply let go, for we are not the truth police correcting every little misapprehension. Much of our communication should be an attempt to lubricate human interaction with kindness. How utterly unnatural it was that the same tongue should bless and curse frivolously. A genuine faith that is not mere thoughts and words will produce a sweet fruit of the Spirit through the work of the tongue.
If it is so important to show wisdom, then measure it the way God does, not as men. The source of one’s wisdom is everything. A wise man has all the time in the world for people to catch on when they are ready, and he counts the whole world as loss against the smallest blessing of grace. The rivalry encouraged in the synagogue has no place in Christ. It’s better to keep your mouth shut than to confirm you are a fool. Sharp politics can only please Satan, since it is his work.
The work of God’s wisdom is to purify and pacify your fellowship. It makes you gentle and welcoming, eager to share His Spirit. You carry around big baskets of mercy and answers to problems. The only thing you won’t have is favoritism and fakery. When you seek peace with others, you can put out a lot of fires.