Stains - James 3:3-6 (2)
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The book of James is written to believers who have relocated because of persecution in Jerusalem.
The book of James is closely related to Jesus sermon on the mount in Matt 5-7
It is also considered the New Testament Proverbs
James gives commands to live by throughout the book, that will produce spiritual maturity if they are followed.
The problem of uncontrolled speech is a frequent theme in Proverbs and other Old Testament and Jewish Wisdom literature.
The power of the tongue is a major theme in the book of James.
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.
Religion: worship n. — the activity of showing love and devotion to a deity; also involves the necessary knowledge concerning beliefs and practice to be able to participate in worship.
Worthless: empty (vacuous) adjs. — devoid of significance, point, or benefit.
If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well.
Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.
So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!
Boasts: to boast (show off) v. — to show off verbally.
The tongue may be small but it is influential.
The argument is clear. Just as little bits … turn grown horses, small rudders guide large ships, and a small spark consumes an entire forest, so the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. The tongue is petite but powerful!
And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
“And the tongue is a fire”
“A world of unrighteousness”
unrighteousness n. — failure to adhere to moral principles, commands, or laws.
We say things like… I didn’t mean to say that… But Jesus said
You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
“The tongue is set among our members”
It is a part of us.
“Staining the whole body”
to blemish ⇔ stain v. — to mar or impair with a flaw (as ritual impurity); conceived of as marking or discoloring with foreign matter.
Hebrews & James B. The Power of the Tongue (vv. 3–6)
First, it can corrupt the whole person. It is a source of pollution and defilement for the entire personality. Second, it sets the whole course of his life on fire. Course may also mean “wheel.” Life may refer to “birth,” “origin,” or “existence.” A misused tongue may affect the cycle of life from birth onward!
Hebrews & James B. The Power of the Tongue (vv. 3–6)
is itself set on fire by hell. This describes Satan’s influence on the tongue.
What do I do with Stains....
Jospeh is a prime example of “Stains”........
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.