Words Of Truth

Studies In James
Chapter Three

James 3:1 “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.”

• This is the fourth time James addresses the recipients of this letter as “my brethren” (James 1:2, James 2:1, and James 2:14).
• The term translated “masters” [διδάσκαλος] here means: “an instructor (genitive case or specially): — doctor, master, teacher…” (Strong’s # 1320).
• Now, think about something. As the saints of the time this letter was written are scattered (James 1:1), they went every where preaching the word (Acts 8:1-4).
• Having knowledge doesn’t make a person a capable teacher (Romans 2:17-24 and I Timothy 1:3-8).
• Think about how the immature are “unskillful in the word” (Hebrews 5:13).
• Furthermore, there are those that are teachers, but are not evangelists or elders (Ephesians 4:11). The work of an evangelist (I Timothy 4:12-16, II Timothy 4:1-5, Titus 1:5, and Titus 2:1-15), is not the same as being a teacher in general (i.e. Colossians 3:16 and Titus 2:3-5).
• The word “masters” here is not helpful, so we have to be reasonable in properly handling the word (II Timothy 2:15). There is a time wherein all saints should be capable of teaching (Hebrews 5:12). This verse cannot relate on that level, because it is the instruction for all not to be teachers. Think about the specific instruction for an elder to be “apt to teach” (I Timothy 3:2) as well as an evangelist to be “apt to teach” (II Timothy 2:22-26).
• James then says “we” [including himself] shall receive the greater condemnation. The term translated “condemnation” [κρίμα] has various meanings: “a decision (the function or the effect, for or against [“crime”]): - avenge, condemned, condemnation, damnation, + go to law, judgment…” (Strong’s # 2917). There are not different levels of condemnation. There is eternal life and everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46 and John 5:28-29). There is however different levels of judgment in that each person is judged by the Lord based upon his or her own capabilities (Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 12:41-48).

• With this verse starting with the word “for” we know we are not entering into an entirely new point. Words are used in teaching. Knowing how and when to speak has to be measured properly (Proverbs 15:28), especially for those teaching (II Corinthians 4:1-7 and Colossians 4:2-4). Jesus measured when and how to speak even when teaching the disciples (Mark 4:33 and John 16:12-13).
• Think about even knowing when to answer questions and when not to in connection to teaching (II Timothy 2:23-26 and Titus 3:9-11).
• Having said all of that, having mouths to talk comes with the responsibility to speak aright. So, this is not just about teachers. All saints need to think about how we speak (Colossians 4:5-6). This was addressed in chapter one of this letter (James 1:19 and James 1:26).
• The word translated “offend” is defined: “To trip, that is, (figuratively) to err, sin, fail (of salvation): - fall, offend, stumble” (Strong’s # 4417). The other translations of this word throughout the N.T. are “stumbled” (Romans 11:11), “offend” (James 2:10), and “fall” (II Peter 1:10). There is no confusion therefore on the meaning of this word.
• Does the fact that they were offending mean it was okay? NO, (Psalms 4:3-4, John 8:1-11, I Corinthians 15:34, Galatians 2:17, Philippians 1:10, and James 1:16)!
• Even in areas of liberty towards others, there was/is not to be any offense (Romans 14:13 and I Corinthians 10:32).
• From the start of this letter, we have seen James address multiple failures. Such is to be expected in the infancy of Christianity in ways from which we have no reason to err today. Later than this letter, Paul stated “we know in part” (I Corinthians 13:9). That is about spiritual immaturity during the age of spiritual gifts (I Corinthians 13:10-12; cf. Ephesians 4:7-16).
• James will later write that the tongue cannot be tamed (James 3:7-8). Such is why we are to shut our mouths more often than opening them (Proverbs 10:19 and Proverbs 17:27-28). We will talk more about that throughout the verses to come.
• Let’s consider his main point in this sentence. If a man does not offend in word, he is perfect and able to control the whole body. The tongue is obviously the hardest area of one’s body to control. So, once you master controlling the tongue that tells you that you can control everything else. Consider how Solomon wrote about setting watch over one’s mouth (Proverbs 13:3).
• Think about what Peter wrote concerning Jesus and then what he wrote about the saints (I Peter 2:21-23 and I Peter 3:8-11).
• Is being perfect an unattainable goal? No! It is the expectation the Lord has for Christians (Matthew 5:48, II Corinthians 13:11, Colossians 1:28, Colossians 4:12, II Timothy 3:16-17, and James 1:4).

• Remember, in this letter, we have talked about controlling the tongue with a bridle (James 1:26; cf. Psalms 39:1).
• Think about this, we shouldn’t be like the horse that needs the bit in its mouth (Psalms 32:9).
• The point with the horse and the ship is how great forces are controlled by something small. The like figure of the tongue and the whole body. Remember the previous verse (James 3:2). *More on this in verses 5-6.

• That little tongue can talk a big game (Psalms 52:1-5).
• Think about the Lord’s rebuke of Job (Job 38:1-40:2).
• Words can bring about much trouble; harm (Proverbs 18:6-7 and Proverbs 18:21).
• Think about the tongue as a fire that can catch and spread as a fire in nature (Psalms 140:1-3, Proverbs 15:1, and Proverbs 26:20-21).
• The mouth defiling the whole body (Matthew 15:11-20).

• Man has dominion over the creatures of this earth and sea (Genesis 1:26-30).
• However, that little tongue can have a mind of its own. That is why you have to guard your tongue (Proverbs 21:23 and I Peter 3:10) and think before you speak (Proverbs 15:28).
• The tongue being full of deadly poison (Psalms 140:1-3, Ecclesiastes 10:11, and Romans 3:13).
• Have you ever heard the phrase “talking out of both sides of your mouth?” Well, how can one curse [doom] the Creation of God (Romans 12:14) while rightly praising the Creator (Hebrews 13:12-15) with the same mouth?
• Example of this: “I wish everybody would just burn in Hell.”
• Consider the mindset of saints even with those who are our enemies (Matthew 5:44 and Romans 12:17-21).
• Think about man being in the image of God (Genesis 5:1).
• When man blows it and takes on another image he can come back through conversion (Colossians 3:5-10;).
• What is the will of the Lord in regard to all of man (I Timothy 2:4, II Peter 3:9, and I John 4:14)?
• Such should not come from the same mouth. A froward mouth needs to be put away (Proverbs 4:24).
• Don’t twist this though. This is not teaching that it is wrong to correctly state negative things about those whom fit the bill (Matthew 5:20, Matthew 16:6, Matthew 23:1-­8, Mark 8:14-15, Luke 12:1, Galatians 3:1-3, I Timothy 1:19-20, and III John 1:9-11; cf. Romans 16:17-18).
• To illustrate the point, the fountain doesn’t produce sweet and bitter nor the fig tree olive berries, etc. Your heart shows up in your words (Matthew 12:33-37 and Luke 6:43-45).

• What do the Scriptures show us about who a wise man is (Proverbs 1:5, Proverbs 9:8-10, Proverbs 10:23, Proverbs 14:16, Proverbs 16:14, Proverbs 23:4, Proverbs 29:11, Ecclesiastes 2:14 [cf. Proverbs 17:24], Ecclesiastes 8:5, Ecclesiastes 9:11-18, Romans 16:19, I Corinthians 3:18-20 [cf. I Corinthians 2:1-13], Ephesians 5:15-17, etc.)?
• Endued with knowledge: “Intelligent: - endued with knowledge” (Strong’s #1990).
• So, don’t be brutish [stupid] (Psalms 92:6 and Proverbs 12:1).
• The wise and knowledgeable show such through their good behavior; manner of life (Deuteronomy 4:6, Psalms 37:30, Proverbs 10:13, Matthew 7:21-27, etc.).
• Saints know this for our conduct before men matters (I Timothy 4:12, I Peter 2:12, and I Peter 3:1).
• We need to be cautious though. There is a fake showing of wisdom to be considered (Colossians 2:20-23).
• Think about the visibility of works as we have already discussed in this letter (James 2:18).

• What is in your heart matters to God (Genesis 6:5-7, Proverbs 4:23, Mark 7:20-23, and Hebrews 3:12).
• Bitterness is not good (Hebrews 12:15), so it needs to be set aside (Ephesians 4:31).
• Envy is not good either (Romans 13:13 [cf. James 3:16]).
• Then you combine the two to have a bitter an envious and contentious rivalry, jealousy (i.e. Acts 13:44-45).
• Then there is the point about strife (Proverbs 17:14, Proverbs 17:19, Proverbs 26:17-26, and Philippians 2:3). Don’t confuse being willing to contend for the faith (Jude 1:3-4) with being contentious [fond of strife] (I Corinthians 11:16).
• Think of Paul’s concerns about Corinth wherein these elements combine to cause great concern (II Corinthians 12:20).
• If anyone is to glory it needs to be in the Lord (II Corinthians 10:17-18).
• There are those that lie against the truth, even from within the body of Christ (Romans 3:5-8).
• There is the wisdom of God that is revealed through His word (I Corinthians 2:7). In contrast, there is also the wisdom that is of the world that is foolishness with God (I Corinthians 3:18-21).
• That wisdom which brings about envy, strife, etc.; is of the world. It is carnal and problematic (I Corinthians 3:1-3).
• What comes of this carnal and devilish wisdom is not good (I Timothy 6:3-5).
• Consider how “sensual” is translated “natural” in another verse and the point made in that Scripture (I Corinthians 2:14).
• Devilish (John 8:44 and I John 3:8-10).
• Envy and strife bring about confusion of which God is not the source (I Corinthians 14:33).
• With those worldly things of the devil present, evil is going to abound (cf. I John 3:11-12).
• Remember what we considered in chapter one about what is from God; from above (James 1:17).
• Purity is from above and is to be followed by saints (I John 3:1-3).
• God is the source of peace (II Thessalonians 3:16) and is to be followed by His people (Romans 14:19 and Hebrews 12:14).
• God’s wisdom is gentle and easy to be obeyed (Matthew 11:28-30 and I John 5:2-3).
• In contrast to the destructive wisdom of this world, God’s wisdom is full of mercy (Psalms 86:15) and brings forth good fruit (Luke 8:15). *Think of the lives of Christians - honesty, faithfulness, good relationships, etc. Following God’s wisdom has saints doing good towards all (Galatians 6:10).
• Among men there is partiality (James 2:4). God’s wisdom is clear, certain, and impartial. Think of an account involving Solomon here (I Kings 3:16-28).
• Unlike hypocritical men (Matthew 23:14 and Matthew 23:27), Godly wisdom doesn’t allow for hypocrisy (Romans 12:9).
• When employing godly wisdom, the fruit of righteousness (Proverbs 11:30 and Philippians 1:10-11).
• In light of all we have studied this far in James, we should understand why this context is directed towards being those that make peace (Matthew 5:9).
• Just wait till we get into the next chapter (James 4:1)!