Even so, if we have control over our tongue it is an indication that we have control over our self. James's call for good works, therefore, must not be seen as expecting perfection. Commentary on James 3:1-12 View Bible Text . The 3-2-1 Newsletter is one of the most popular newsletters in the world. The former theme was reflected in several passages of the Book of Proverbs. James emphasizes the importance of good works but also acknowledges that all Christians stumble (a metaphor for sinning; ...) in many ways. To James it was an honour to make himself a slave, and to belong to God and to the *Lord Jesus. Not many Christians should aspire to be labelled as teachers, James writes. In James 3:3–5, James uses two commonplace but very vivid illustrations. James may well have been familiar with this picture from common experience in daily life. A small rudder turns a large ship. The bit and the rudder are small but extremely important. i. No matter how good a pastor might be, he still falls short of God’s standard. The *Scripture calls some of the great people in *Israel’s history slaves or servants of God. James includes himself in the word “all.” The idea is all without exception. This tiny appliance controls the enormous power and energy of the horse and is used to give it direction. An extended reflection on the power that teachers hold because of the might and danger of words, this passage compares the power of words to the destruction and proliferation of a fiery blaze. Over 1,000,000 people subscribe. What you are will come in out in the things you say. Not many should strive to be teachers, James instructs, because the office is rife with temptations. James 3:1-12 speaks to these realities in a vivid way. A person's words reflect his character and thus are a key to his whole being. There is an exception in Christ but there is no exception among fallen men. Each issue contains 3 short ideas from James Clear, 2 quotes from other people, and 1 question for you. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. Over 1,000,000 people subscribe. [See for example Abraham (Genesis 26:24), Moses (Joshua 1:1), David (Psalm 36:1).] There are three comparisons introduced by James with this verse with reference to the tongue. The tongue is like the bit in the mouth of a horse. James 3:2 Commentary: in what he says. Two themes common to the Jewish Wisdom Literature are presented in James 3:1-18, namely, the abuses of the tongue in verses 1-12 and the practical expression of wisdom in verses 13-17. James starts, however, with a warning about taking on the title of "teacher." Sin is anything that comes short of God’s absolute character. “The sense is simply that since speech is the hardest faculty to control it is there that one first observes ‘the world’ in a person’s heart” (Peter Davids, New International Greek Testament Commentary on James [Eerdmans], p.142). I reckon that the tongue is a reflection of who we are, it’s the outward manifestation of the inner person. James 3:2 NIV: We all stumble in many ways. These are: (1) the bit, James 3:3; (2) the rudder, James 3:4, and (3) the small fire, James 3:6. Intro. James 3:2-6 (1977-78) The following text is taken from a sermon preached by Gil Rugh, Senior Pastor at Indian Hills Community Church in Lincoln, NE. The text has been edited and condensed by IHCC staff for use as a Bible Study aid. As James notes in this very chapter, this does not mean perfection (James 3:2), but it does mean our deeds and words should reflect our faith in God. 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