Bible Commentaries

Questions For James Chapter Three

1. What kind of masters are meant in first verse?

2.State what this would cause us to receive.

3.How do we offend all?

4.How may we be perfect in this connection?

5.On what theory is he considered perfect?

6.Compare verse2with 1 Corinthians 9:27.

7.Do horses" bits manage them mechanically?

8.Does the tongue manage us mechanically?

9.Show argument from the ships" rudders.

10.To what member is all this likened?

11.Through what trait does the tongue do evil?

12.Does a great fire require a great lighter?

13.Might the work of the tongue become greater1

14.What kind of world is attributed to it?

15.Among whom docs it become such?

16.What body is meant in sixth verse?

17.State what course or fuel it ignites.

18.From where did the "light" originate r

19.How many kinds of brutes have been tamed?

20.By whom have they been tamed?

21.What law in Genesis agrees with this?

22.Is the "man" verse8 same as verse "( r

23. Why can no man tame this tongue?

24. Of what is it full?

25. If no man can tame it why blame it?

26.What contradictory use is made of the tongue?

27.State a natural law that would shame this.

28.On this principle where is the divided tongue?

29.Explain "conversation" verse13.

30.Of what should it consist?

31.What kind of man is expected to do this?

32.Show relation between meekness and wisdom.

33.Would this cause the tongue to be tamed?

34.Describe bitter envying.

35.Where do these evils originate?

36.What system of truth meant in14th verse?

37.Is the above one form of wisdom?

38.Where does it belong?

39.Explain being sensual

40.Why is it devilish?

41.State results of envying and strife.

42.Does this violate Colossians 3:15?

43.From where does the desired wisdom come?

44.What is its first characteristic?

45.Compare the2nd with Romans 12:18.

46.Is it easy to be persuaded?

47.Full of what?

48.How does it differ from2: 1 , etc.?

4D.What fruit is sown by such like persons?

50. In what condition is it sown?

Masters is from DIDASKALOS, and it is the same word rendered "teachers" in Hebrews 5:12. In that place Paul says the brethren ought to be teachers, using the word in a good sense, while James says for the brethren not to have many of them. We must therefore consider the connection in which it is used in order to get the meaning in any given case. In our verse it is plain that James is writing of men who put themselves up as teachers who do not properly control their tongues. Such people are to be condemned all the more because they do harm by their words.

For in many things. If we do have too many of such professed teachers we will ofiend all or all (of us) will offend or stumble. The importance of our language is the subject in several verses. If a man does not offend (or stumble) with the improper use of his tongue he will prove to be a perfect or complete James 3:14-16 James designates the kind of wisdom that does not come from above (or heaven); the present verse describes the kind that does come from the higher source. First pure signifies that it is of the most importance for a man's information to be pure or unmixed with anything false. Then peaceable indicates that peace is not to be desired unless it is according to the truth. That is why Paul placed it on condition in Romans 12:18. Gentle means to be mild and fair in one's temperament even when insisting on truth as being preferable to peace. Easy to be intreated is all from one Greek word that means to be of a yielding disposition and not stubborn when the heavenly wisdom is presented. Full of mercy means that one's life is merciful toward those in difficulties whenever the occasion arises, and not only when it is the most convenient to be so. Fruits are the deeds that are performed and heavenly wisdom will prompt one to produce good deeds. Without partiality denotes an attitude that does not show respect of persons. (See Ja, Ezra 2:1-4.) Without hypocrisy means that our expressions of friendliness to others will be sincere and not a mere pretense. A tree is known by its fruit, hence if a man is being influenced by the wisdom that is from above, he will exhibit the characteristics that are described in this verse.

If a man possesses good fruit he usually wishes to reproduce it by sowing or planting it. Hence he will sow it righteously by conforming to the rules of peace that have been formed in harmony with the pure wisdom.