James 3 To the reader who enters on the consideration of the epistle of James from the epistles of Paul, the change is great and sudden, and by no means least of all from the epistle to the Hebrews, which, in the arrangement of the English Bible, immediately precedes James. Here we have the full contrast, and the reason why all this is brought in; for there is a perfect chain of connection between these verses, little as it may appear at first sight. Without hypocrisy. Behold, how great a matter" (or wood, as it is given in the margin) "a little fire kindleth! Which has God for its author; which is infused into the soul by the Spirit of God; and leads into the knowledge of things that are above, of heavenly things; and which only is true wisdom and knowledge; and those who are possessed of it are the only true Gnostics; for which. Founded, then, on this, the communication of His own nature, with its moral judgment, we. There were teachers who tried to turn Christianity into another kind of Judaism and tried to introduce circumcision and the keeping of the law ( Acts 15:24). This does not mean that mortals are directly inspired by such wisdom, but that God is the ultimate source from which their wisdom is actually received; and the means of their receiving it, while not in view in this text, must surely be allowed as the gospels and apostolic writings themselves, there being no other possible source of it. Next, he gives the reason; "for," says he, "the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.". text. La justice n'est pas accorde par la loi, ma Commentaire Biblique de Adam Clarke. But if you have bitter envying or strife in your hearts, that's not wise, don't glory in it, and lie not against the truth. James 3:17,18 - Wisdom That Is From Above - Bible Alas! Was this the time for an Israelite to lie for profit and get gain by it? He is gentle and kind, although in reality he has every reason to be stern and punitive toward men in their sin. (Burdick), iii. These words serve to remind the teacher of the great responsibility he has voluntarily chosen. And is such wisdom as produces these effects to be gloried in? (128) The word is found only here, and has been variously rendered, because the verb from which it comes has various meanings, to discern, to make a difference, to judge, to examine, to contend or litigate, and to doubt. We can never say that we have truly pitied anyone until we have helped him. *If my memory serve me, a celebrated man of the day wrote an essay on liberty, in which he observes that Christians are thrown on the law of Moses in default of positive morality in the New Testament. II. Those who live in malice, envy, and contention, live in confusion, and are liable to be provoked and hurried to any evil work. Some drugs are at once poisons and cures; they are benefits to a man when wisely controlled by his doctor but harmful when used unwisely. The apostle shows that the spirit of heaping up riches in the last days is the same that in other circumstances slew Jesus Christ the righteous. James 3:3. 6. James and John he surnamed Boanerges This word, says Dr. Hammond, is the corruption of the Hebrew , benei ragnash, sons of earthquake, tempest, or any other commotion, such as is here styled, , thunder. Scripture is the medium. Aristotle defined it as that "which is just beyond the written law" and as "justice and better than justice" and as that "which steps in to correct things when the law itself becomes unjust." 15 Such wisdom does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. The rest of the chapter takes up another subject the case of God's discipline. Thus, the wisdom "Variance," the rendition here, means without inconsistency, vacillation or erratic changes. (i) There is no man in this world who does not sin in something. The sense of all around and within leads him out in self-judgment before God. (128), (127) Pure, , is to be understood according to what the context contains. Many of the letters also end with the wish for peace. "Pure" simply means to be free from every fault and stain. But that shouldnt distract preachers from the clear, strong, timely emphasis on the importance of considering the effects of what we say. And as he was the person who gave the sentence, it is not without interest to see the link between what was written on that day, and what James writes here. We pray father god here tonight that our hearts would be open to receive all the things you have for us. There were some who tried to teach before they themselves knew anything ( 1 Timothy 1:6-7); and others who pandered to the false desires of the crowd ( 2 Timothy 4:3). In this the theologian and the sceptic come to the same conclusion, and from the same source a lack of seeing and appreciating Jesus. For the wisdom that comes from God has such marvelous characteristics, it's pure, it's peaceable it's gentle, easily intreated. (It is but too true that much unseemly strife has had the aegis of this text thrown over it. Every teacher runs the risk of becoming "Sir Oracle." We have seen this already, and so therefore, the grand principle of the first chapter leads as simply as possible into the application of it in the second. James 3 _MURMEURS_ Les gens ont murmur. We shall find this by and by, inJames 4:1-17; James 4:1-17; but here he simply looks on man's nature, and then he raises his eyes to God. While some of these complaints may be justified, many are not and are only examples of the selfishness of man. in the wrath of a fallen creature. CONTRASTES ENTRE LA LOI ET LA GRCE CHAPITRE 3 _1. Then comes the general spirit of confession. It is important to understand that peace is not the mere absence of strife and hostility. The rudder on a ship, a small part of the ship, but yet it turns the ship. How much is covered by these two exhortations! Chaste, holy, and clean. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. While it is commendable to be open-minded concerning others, the truth is not something that can be changed according to the situation. It is the power of the Spirit of God alone that can grave these things on the heart. James does contemplate Christians, but not Christians only. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy. The basic meaning of mercy is that of compassion for the unfortunate. This is a highly compressed sentence. James 3 WebBiblical Commentary (Bible Study) James 3:1-12 EXEGESIS: THE CONTEXT: James seems to be moving in a very different direction after his discourse on works, which concluded, faith apart from works is dead (2:14-26). This leads to another character of trial in inward evil, not in outward. (i) It is wide-ranging. The oath before a magistrate? Then follows a grave and searching consideration for those who talk about the law, "for whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. Not from the new nature of which God is the blessed source, but from the old. You see at once that we have an exhortation founded on, first, the spiritual anatomy, if I may so say, of our nature, and then we are given to know the wondrous character of the new life that we have received by faith of Jesus Christ, and know to be ours, because we are "begotten by the word of truth." And that which is sown in peace will produce a harvest of joys. (127) He, in the second place, calls it peaceable, to intimate that it is not contentious. "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Righteousness produces peace with its qualities of quietness and assurance, but at the same time, peace provides the proper environment for The Revised Standard Version correctly translates the Greek literally: "The harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." "By your words you will be justified; and by your words you will be condemned" ( Matthew 12:36-37). 3:5b-6 See how great a forest how little a fire can set alight. When kosmos ( G2889) is used in this sense it means the world without God, the world in its ignorance of, and often its hostility to, God. There is no more fruitful source of error than such a course. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy. What Does Colossians 2:6-7 Teach Us about Our Faith Walk? See James 2:1-4. the fruit of unjudged evil. I could have let them know that it really didn't matter.Now he goes on to another subject and that is of true wisdom. "Who shall set a watch before my mouth and a sea, of wisdom upon my lips, that I shall not suddenly fall by them and my tongue destroy me not?" 17 (iv) The phrase had one particular technical use. Gods word is perfect and needs no human improvement. WebJamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 17. first pureliterally, "chaste," "sanctified": pure from all that is "earthly, sensual (animal), devilish" (Jas 3:15). It is the word of God which directs a man begotten by the word of truth, urging and cheering and strengthening him in the very things that the new life delights in. Such is the law of liberty: as if one said to the child, "Now, my child, you must go and do such or such a thing," all the while knowing that you can confer no greater favour on the child. But resist the devil, and he will flee from you." But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. "Submit yourselves therefore to God. How it links itself with Peter, and John, and Paul, we need not stop now to enquire. True wisdom may be know by the meekness of the spirit and temper. "Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations." He who thinks well, or he who talks It is not a connection that we could have anticipated, but it is just such an one as would be discerned by the Holy Ghost ever sensitive to the Lord's glory; and so in fact it is as we may feel on reflection. This is one of the results of the wisdom that is from above, for it makes us like God, the Father of mercies. See the notes at Matthew 5:7. For this kind of wisdom descends not from above. Here at once would spring up a divergence of feeling among them. They had heard him forgive sins, and they had witnessed his power to cast out evil spirits. It is grace alone that has communicated the nature of God; it is grace alone that strengthens the new nature by the gift of the Holy Ghost who dwells in us; and yet more than this, "He giveth more grace. It means what is free from taint or pollution: the kind of taint must be learnt from the passage. 17 First pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy: The character of this wisdom is wonderful. Such disorders raise many temptations, strengthen temptations, and involve men in a great deal of guilt. The tongue also is small, yet it can direct the whole course of a man's life. It means, properly, not to be distinguished. Here it may mean either of the following things: (a)Not open to distinction or doubt; that is, unambiguous, so that there shall be no doubt about its origin or nature; (b)Making no distinction, that is, in the treatment of others, or impartial towards them; or. True wisdom asserts itself in our actions toward others. True wisdom may be known by its works. They are utterly different. We have some account of true wisdom, with the distinguishing marks and fruits of it: Who is a wise man, and endued with knowledge among you? Compare Phi 4:8; 1 Timothy 5:22; 1 John 3:3; where the word is rendered, as here, pure; 2 Corinthians 7:11; where it is rendered clear, (in this matter); 2 Corinthians 11:2; Tit 2:5; 1 Peter 3:2, where it is rendered chaste. It is, in the end, more eager to display itself than to display the truth; and it is interested more in the victory of its own opinions than in the victory of the truth. When we are mild and calm, we are best able to hear reason, and best able to speak it. Proud member That wisdom which is from above is without hypocrisy. His argument runs like this: "Is there any of you who wishes to be a real sage and a real teacher? It is not only that sin consists in doing evil, but in not doing the good that we know. This wisdom is not acquired through human means. - Utley, Good deeds the fruit of righteousness (Philippians 1:11) - RWP, without partiality "free from prejudice"; "without a trace of partiality", without partiality -- The Gk. WebJames Commentary - John Gill's Exposition of the Bible James He preached in the same church as C. H. Spurgeon over one hundred years earlier. The stroke of the whip maketh marks. ". "And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up." You must take what the Bible gives, and thus seek to form a just judgment according to God. The moment we bring into view God and His will and His purposes, it is needless to say that these two memorable acts stand out clothed with the light of heaven. a. James Commentary In short, holy scripture does not sanction such a combination, and the sooner we get rid of phrases, which deserve no better name than religious cant, the better for all parties. Wisdom from Above: Lesson from James 3:17-18 - the Moorings - RWP. WebThe Lunar Module landed on the Moon at 21:17:39 BST (16:17:39 EDT) on Sunday, 20 July 1969. For observe, 3. In no wise does scripture slight that solemn obligation. We know how easily "learned discussion can produce passion." from above -- James 1:17; James 3:15; James 3:17; wisdom from above -- The answer to the disorder of v. 16 is to seek wisdom from above, which produces character qualities beginning with purity and concluding with peace (cf. James 3:13-17 Meaning and Commentary - Bible Study Tools This passage should not be applied, as it often is, to the doctrines of religion, as if it were the first duty of a church to keep itself free from errors in doctrine, and that this ought to be sought even in preference to the maintenance of peace - as if it meant that in doctrine a church should be first pure, then peaceable; but it should be applied to the individual consciences of men, as showing the effect of religion on the heart and life. Let us look to the grace of the Lord to understand the scripture. WebJames 3:17-18. With one voice the Jewish sages agreed that wisdom came to men from God. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." Surely, brothers, a fig-tree cannot produce olives, nor a vine figs, nor can salt water produce fresh water? The word here used ( epieikes) is rendered moderation in Philippians 4:5; patient in 1 Timothy 3:3; and gentle in Titus 3:2; James 3:17, and 1 Peter 2:18. We ought all to know how much we need to watch against such an ignoring of God above us, and the coming of the Lord. In The Sayings of the Fathers we read, "He that is arrogant in decision is foolish, wicked, puffed up in spirit." Why there was nothing but evil: he had shown this immediately before. The word he uses for selfish ambition is eritheia ( G2052) which was also a word with no necessarily bad meaning. - Utley, peaceable. It has not been unknown for a man to utter the most pious sentiments one day and to repeat the most questionable stories the next. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. The exact meaning of this word is difficult to translate into English. WebBenson Commentary Mark 3:17. (Compare Galatians 5:1-26) The natural spirit of man does lust to envy, no doubt; but the Spirit that dwells in us opposes the flesh at all points, as we know scripture does. April 19, 2023 Bible Study Service - Facebook forbearing -- It describes, as in Aristotle (Eth. "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Even Barnabas goes along with Peter in this hypocritical behavior. How, if it be the Spirit of God, can He be put in such a connection here? James points out this wisdom from above is "first pure, then peaceable." In kingdoms, in families, in churches, in all societies, and in all interviews and transactions, heavenly wisdom makes men peaceable. What then is the law of liberty? First pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without "Is any among you sick? That is, can do great things, whether of a good or evil kind. They used the faith of Christ rather for conscientious, godly, thorough carrying out of their Jewish thoughts. but the rich, in that he is made low." Let us be, then, not only slow to speak, but "slow to wrath." We shall see by and by whence this flows, but we have merely now a general exhortation. Yet, what an exposure! This does not mean expressly the inspired psalms. They are opposite of the vices described in vv. But he goes farther, and asserts and asserting, too, in the most admirable manner the truth of the sovereign action of grace. We have the lovely picture of that wisdom which is from above more fully drawn, and set in opposition to this which is from beneath: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, c., James 3:17; James 3:18. But as time went on the word came to describe the moral purity which alone can approach the gods. The passage speaks of practice, not of doctrine. In the next place he proceeds to show too how this works practically: "Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: but the rich in that he is made low:" such are the ways of God "because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away." The great point of all seems this: that there were works, but the works that James insists on are works where faith constitutes their special excellence, and indeed alone could be their justification. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Far from being theoretical and speculative, Jamess concept of wisdom is thoroughly practical. What fires it can spark. Pretending outwardly to be faithful to the Lord with words, while inwardly the heart is far from loving Him, is another example of hypocrisy (Matthew 15:7-9). Consequently it has an action exactly the opposite of that exercised by the law of Moses on the Israelite.
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