Bible Commentaries
James 3

Introduction

Overview

James 3:1, We are not rashly or arrogantly to reprove others; James 3:5, but rather to bridle the tongue, a little member, but a powerful instrument of much good, and great harm; James 3:13, They who are truly wise are mild and peaceable without envying and strife.

Verse 1

be: Malachi 2:12, Matthew 9:11, Matthew 10:24, Matthew 23:8-10, Matthew 23:14, John 3:10, Acts 13:1, Romans 2:20, Romans 2:21, 1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11, 1 Timothy 2:7, 2 Timothy 1:11,*Gr: 1 Peter 5:3

knowing: Leviticus 10:3, Ezekiel 3:17, Ezekiel 3:18, Ezekiel 33:7-9, Luke 6:37, Luke 12:47, Luke 12:48, Luke 16:2, Acts 20:26, Acts 20:27, 1 Corinthians 4:2-5, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Hebrews 13:17

condemnation: or, judgment, Matthew 7:1, Matthew 7:2, Matthew 23:14, 1 Corinthians 11:29-32,*Gr.

Reciprocal: Isaiah 6:5 - a man Jeremiah 17:16 - I have Matthew 25:19 - reckoneth Luke 20:47 - the same Romans 13:2 - receive 1 Corinthians 3:10 - But let every 1 Timothy 5:12 - damnation James 1:19 - slow to speak James 3:13 - is a James 5:12 - lest 1 Peter 3:10 - refrain 1 Peter 4:11 - any

Verse 2

in: 1 Kings 8:46, 2 Chronicles 6:36, Proverbs 20:9, Ecclesiastes 7:20, Isaiah 64:6, Romans 3:10, Romans 7:21, Galatians 3:22, Galatians 5:17, 1 John 1:8-10

If: James 3:5, James 3:6, James 1:26, Psalms 34:13, Proverbs 13:3, 1 Peter 3:10

a perfect: James 1:4, Matthew 12:37, Colossians 1:28, Colossians 4:12, Hebrews 13:21, 1 Peter 5:10

to bridle: 1 Corinthians 9:27

Reciprocal: Leviticus 13:6 - a scab Leviticus 13:39 - if the bright Numbers 12:3 - above Numbers 20:10 - General 2 Samuel 19:43 - the words Job 2:10 - In all this Job 6:24 - I will Job 9:20 - mine Job 15:13 - and lettest Psalms 17:3 - I am Psalms 39:1 - my mouth Psalms 106:33 - he spake Psalms 139:4 - there is not Psalms 141:3 - Set a watch Proverbs 10:19 - the multitude Proverbs 17:27 - spareth Proverbs 21:23 - General Proverbs 23:16 - thy Ecclesiastes 5:2 - for Ecclesiastes 5:6 - thy mouth Isaiah 6:5 - a man Daniel 9:20 - confessing John 13:10 - needeth Acts 15:39 - the contention Romans 5:12 - all Romans 7:15 - what Romans 7:23 - another 1 Corinthians 2:6 - them Galatians 2:11 - because Galatians 3:11 - that Galatians 6:1 - considering Ephesians 4:29 - no Philippians 3:9 - not Philippians 3:12 - I had Hebrews 5:14 - of full age James 1:19 - slow to speak James 5:12 - lest

Verse 3

James 1:26, 2 Kings 19:28, Psalms 32:9, Psalms 39:1, Isaiah 37:29

Reciprocal: Numbers 12:3 - above Job 41:13 - double

Verse 4

are driven: Psalms 107:25-27, Jonah 1:4, Matthew 8:24, Acts 27:14-38

Reciprocal: Acts 27:15 - we Ephesians 4:14 - carried Ephesians 5:4 - filthiness Colossians 3:8 - filthy

Verse 5

so: Exodus 5:2, Exodus 15:9, 2 Kings 19:22-24, Job 21:14, Job 21:15, Job 22:17, Psalms 10:3, Psalms 12:2-4, Psalms 17:10, Psalms 52:1, Psalms 52:2, Psalms 73:8, Psalms 73:9, Proverbs 12:18, Proverbs 15:2, Proverbs 18:21, Jeremiah 9:3-8, Jeremiah 18:18, Ezekiel 28:2, Ezekiel 29:3, Daniel 3:15, Daniel 4:30, 2 Peter 2:18, Jude 1:16, Revelation 13:5, Revelation 13:6

matter: or, wood

Reciprocal: Job 5:21 - be hid Job 15:5 - thou choosest Psalms 12:4 - With Psalms 16:9 - my glory Psalms 31:20 - the strife Psalms 34:13 - Keep Psalms 50:19 - tongue Psalms 63:3 - lips Psalms 120:4 - Sharp Proverbs 6:27 - General Proverbs 10:11 - but Proverbs 14:3 - the mouth Proverbs 29:8 - bring a city into a snare Isaiah 32:6 - the vile Hosea 7:16 - the rage Obadiah 1:12 - spoken proudly Matthew 12:34 - how Matthew 15:11 - but Luke 6:45 - and an Luke 11:18 - ye say Romans 1:30 - boasters Romans 3:13 - with their Romans 6:13 - Neither James 3:2 - If

Verse 6

the tongue: Judges 12:4-6, 2 Samuel 19:43, 2 Samuel 20:1, 2 Chronicles 10:13-16, 2 Chronicles 13:17, Psalms 64:3, Psalms 140:3, Proverbs 15:1, Proverbs 16:27, Proverbs 26:20, Proverbs 26:21, Isaiah 30:27

a world: James 2:7, Genesis 3:4-6, Leviticus 24:11, Numbers 25:2, Numbers 31:16, Deuteronomy 13:6, Judges 16:15-20, 1 Samuel 22:9-17, 2 Samuel 13:26-29, 2 Samuel 15:2-6, 2 Samuel 16:20-23, 2 Samuel 17:1, 2 Samuel 17:2, 1 Kings 21:5-15, Proverbs 1:10-14, Proverbs 6:19, Proverbs 7:5, Proverbs 7:21-23, Jeremiah 20:10, Jeremiah 28:16, Matthew 12:24, Matthew 12:32-36, Matthew 15:11-20, Mark 7:15, Mark 7:20-22, Mark 14:55-57, Acts 6:13, Acts 20:30, Romans 3:13, Romans 3:14, Romans 16:17, Romans 16:18, Ephesians 5:3, Ephesians 5:4, Colossians 3:8, Colossians 3:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, Titus 1:11, 2 Peter 2:1, 2 Peter 2:2, 2 Peter 3:3, 3 John 1:10, Jude 1:8 -10, Jude 1:15 -18; Revelation 2:14, Revelation 2:15, Revelation 13:1-5, Revelation 13:14, Revelation 18:23, Revelation 19:20

it is: Luke 16:24, Acts 5:3, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, 2 Thessalonians 2:9, Revelation 12:9

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 24:9 - General Job 19:2 - break me Job 31:30 - mouth Psalms 10:7 - mischief Psalms 12:4 - With Psalms 31:20 - the strife Psalms 52:4 - devouring Psalms 57:4 - set Psalms 73:9 - tongue Proverbs 6:12 - walketh Proverbs 11:11 - it Proverbs 12:18 - that Proverbs 14:3 - the mouth Proverbs 15:7 - the heart Proverbs 15:28 - the mouth Proverbs 17:20 - and he Proverbs 18:21 - Death Proverbs 25:18 - General Proverbs 29:8 - bring a city into a snare Ecclesiastes 10:11 - a babbler Isaiah 6:5 - I dwell Isaiah 32:6 - the vile Isaiah 59:13 - speaking Ezekiel 11:5 - Thus have Matthew 15:17 - that Matthew 15:18 - General Acts 2:3 - like Romans 6:13 - Neither James 3:2 - If James 3:8 - an unruly

Verse 7

kind: Gr. nature

is tamed: Mark 5:4, Gr

mankind: Gr. the nature of man

Reciprocal: Genesis 1:26 - have dominion Genesis 9:2 - General

Verse 8

an unruly: James 3:6, Psalms 55:21, Psalms 57:4, Psalms 59:7, Psalms 64:3, Psalms 64:4

full: Deuteronomy 32:33, Psalms 58:4, Psalms 140:3, Ecclesiastes 10:11, Romans 3:13, Revelation 12:9

Reciprocal: Mark 5:4 - tame

Verse 9

Therewith: Psalms 16:9, Psalms 30:12, Psalms 35:28, Psalms 51:14, Psalms 57:8, Psalms 62:4, Psalms 71:24, Psalms 108:1, Acts 2:26

bless: 1 Chronicles 29:10, 1 Chronicles 29:20, Psalms 34:1, Psalms 63:4, Psalms 145:1, Psalms 145:21, Isaiah 29:13, Ephesians 1:3, 1 Peter 1:3

therewith curse: Judges 9:27, 2 Samuel 16:5, 2 Samuel 19:21, Psalms 10:7, Psalms 59:12, Psalms 109:17, Psalms 109:18, Ecclesiastes 7:22, Matthew 5:44, Matthew 26:74, Romans 3:14

made: Genesis 1:26, Genesis 1:27, Genesis 5:1, Genesis 9:6, 1 Corinthians 11:7

Reciprocal: Numbers 23:13 - and curse me Job 31:30 - mouth Ephesians 2:18 - the Colossians 1:12 - the Father 1 John 2:1 - Father

Verse 10

of: Psalms 50:16-20, Jeremiah 7:4-10, Micah 3:11, Romans 12:14, 1 Peter 3:9

these: Genesis 20:9, 2 Samuel 13:12, 1 Corinthians 3:3, 1 Timothy 5:13

Reciprocal: Genesis 34:7 - thing Leviticus 4:2 - which ought Numbers 23:13 - and curse me Deuteronomy 22:9 - shalt not sow Job 31:30 - mouth Jeremiah 6:7 - a fountain Luke 6:28 - Bless Luke 9:55 - Ye know Romans 3:14 - General 1 Timothy 3:8 - doubletongued

Verse 11

place: or, hole, James 3:11

Verse 12

the fig tree: Isaiah 5:2-4, Jeremiah 2:21, Matthew 7:16-20, Matthew 12:33, Luke 6:43, Luke 6:44, Romans 11:16-18

so: Exodus 15:23-25, 2 Kings 2:19-22, Ezekiel 47:8-11

Reciprocal: Genesis 1:11 - fruit Revelation 3:10 - to try

Verse 13

is a: James 3:1, Psalms 107:43, Ecclesiastes 8:1, Ecclesiastes 8:5, Jeremiah 9:12, Jeremiah 9:23, Matthew 7:24, 1 Corinthians 6:5, Galatians 6:4

endued: 2 Chronicles 2:12, 2 Chronicles 2:13, Job 28:28, Isaiah 11:3, Daniel 2:21

let: James 2:18, Isaiah 60:6, 2 Corinthians 8:24, 1 Peter 2:9

a good: Philippians 1:27, 1 Timothy 4:12, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Peter 2:12, 1 Peter 3:1, 1 Peter 3:2, 1 Peter 3:16

with meekness: James 3:17, James 1:21, Numbers 12:3, Psalms 25:9, Psalms 45:4, Psalms 149:4, Isaiah 11:4, Isaiah 29:19, Isaiah 61:1, Zephaniah 2:3, Matthew 5:5, Matthew 11:29, Matthew 21:5, 2 Corinthians 10:1, Galatians 5:23, Galatians 6:1, Ephesians 4:2, Colossians 3:12, 1 Timothy 6:11, 2 Timothy 2:25, Titus 3:2, 1 Peter 3:4, 1 Peter 3:15

Reciprocal: Genesis 13:9 - if thou wilt Deuteronomy 4:6 - this is your Judges 8:2 - What 2 Samuel 16:23 - all the counsel 2 Chronicles 1:11 - that thou mayest Job 11:12 - would Job 15:2 - a wise man Psalms 37:11 - the meek Psalms 50:23 - ordereth his conversation Psalms 119:34 - Give me Psalms 119:66 - Teach me Psalms 119:100 - because Psalms 119:125 - give Psalms 122:8 - General Proverbs 10:8 - wise Proverbs 14:8 - wisdom Proverbs 15:21 - a man Proverbs 28:26 - but Ecclesiastes 1:18 - For in Ecclesiastes 7:16 - neither Ezekiel 28:12 - full Matthew 5:24 - there Luke 11:35 - General John 7:49 - General Romans 2:10 - to every Romans 12:16 - Be not Romans 14:19 - follow Romans 14:22 - thou Romans 16:19 - yet 1 Corinthians 1:5 - and in 1 Corinthians 1:10 - that ye 1 Corinthians 1:26 - that 2 Corinthians 1:12 - not Ephesians 5:15 - not Colossians 4:5 - Walk 1 Peter 1:15 - in 2 Peter 3:11 - in all

Verse 14

if: James 3:16, James 4:1-5, Genesis 30:1, Genesis 30:2, Genesis 37:11, Job 5:2, Proverbs 14:30, Proverbs 27:4, Isaiah 11:13, Habakkuk 1:3, Matthew 27:18, Acts 5:17, Acts 7:9, Acts 13:45, Romans 1:29, Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 3:3, 1 Corinthians 13:4, 2 Corinthians 12:20, Galatians 5:15, Galatians 5:21, Galatians 5:26, Philippians 1:15, Philippians 2:3, 1 Timothy 6:4, Titus 3:3, 1 Peter 2:1, 1 Peter 2:2

glory: Romans 2:17, Romans 2:23-29, 1 Corinthians 4:7, 1 Corinthians 4:8, 1 Corinthians 5:2, 1 Corinthians 5:6, Galatians 6:13

and lie: 2 Kings 10:16, 2 Kings 10:31, John 16:2, Acts 26:9

Reciprocal: Genesis 38:9 - lest that Exodus 1:9 - the people Numbers 11:29 - Enviest 2 Samuel 19:9 - strife 2 Samuel 19:43 - the words 1 Kings 12:14 - My father made 2 Chronicles 10:14 - My father Psalms 31:20 - the strife Psalms 37:8 - Cease Proverbs 6:19 - that soweth Proverbs 13:10 - Only Proverbs 15:18 - wrathful Proverbs 16:28 - froward Proverbs 17:14 - leave Proverbs 17:19 - loveth Proverbs 20:3 - but Jeremiah 9:23 - wise Zechariah 11:14 - I cut Matthew 18:35 - from Matthew 20:24 - they Mark 9:50 - have peace Mark 15:10 - for envy Luke 9:54 - wilt John 3:26 - he that John 12:11 - General Acts 23:10 - fearing Galatians 5:19 - Adultery Ephesians 4:31 - bitterness Philippians 2:14 - disputings Colossians 2:18 - fleshly Colossians 3:8 - anger Colossians 3:19 - bitter James 4:16 - General

Verse 15

wisdom: James 3:17, James 1:5, James 1:17, John 3:17, 1 Corinthians 3:3, Philippians 3:19

but: 2 Samuel 13:3, 2 Samuel 15:31, 2 Samuel 16:23, Jeremiah 4:22, Luke 16:8, Romans 1:22, 1 Corinthians 1:19, 1 Corinthians 1:20, 1 Corinthians 1:27, 1 Corinthians 2:6, 1 Corinthians 2:7, 1 Corinthians 3:19, 2 Corinthians 1:12, Jude 1:19

sensual: or, natural, 1 Corinthians 2:14

devilish: Genesis 3:1-5, John 8:44, Acts 13:10, 2 Corinthians 11:3, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15, 1 John 3:8-10, Jude 1:19, Revelation 9:11, Revelation 12:9

Reciprocal: Exodus 1:10 - wisely Numbers 11:29 - Enviest Proverbs 2:7 - layeth Daniel 2:21 - he giveth Matthew 13:27 - whence Mark 8:33 - savourest Luke 12:18 - General Luke 16:4 - General John 8:23 - Ye are from Galatians 5:19 - Adultery Ephesians 4:2 - lowliness Ephesians 4:31 - bitterness 2 Timothy 2:7 - and 1 John 2:16 - is not Revelation 16:14 - the spirits

Verse 16

where: James 3:14, 1 Corinthians 3:3, Galatians 5:20

there: Genesis 11:9, *marg. Acts 19:29, 1 Corinthians 14:33

confusion: Gr. tumult, or, unquietness

every: 1 John 3:12

Reciprocal: Genesis 13:7 - a strife Genesis 38:9 - lest that Judges 9:49 - put them Judges 12:1 - we will burn Proverbs 29:22 - a furious Zechariah 11:14 - I cut Matthew 5:9 - are Matthew 13:27 - whence Mark 3:25 - General Romans 12:18 - General 1 Peter 2:1 - envies

Verse 17

the wisdom: James 3:15, James 1:5, James 1:17, Genesis 41:38, Genesis 41:39, Exodus 36:2, 1 Kings 3:9, 1 Kings 3:12, 1 Kings 3:28, 1 Chronicles 22:12, Job 28:12, Job 28:23, Job 28:28, Proverbs 2:6, Isaiah 11:2, Isaiah 11:3, Daniel 1:17, Luke 21:15, 1 Corinthians 2:6, 1 Corinthians 2:7, 1 Corinthians 12:8

first: James 4:8, Malachi 3:3, Matthew 5:8, Philippians 4:8, Titus 1:15, 1 John 3:3

peaceable: 1 Chronicles 22:9, *marg. Isaiah 2:4, Isaiah 9:6, Isaiah 9:7, Isaiah 11:2-9, Isaiah 32:15-17, Romans 12:18, Hebrews 12:14

gentle: Isaiah 40:11, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 2 Corinthians 10:1, Galatians 5:22, Galatians 5:23, Ephesians 5:9, 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 2 Timothy 2:24, Titus 3:2

full: John 1:14, Acts 9:36, Acts 11:24, Romans 15:14, 2 Corinthians 9:10, Philippians 1:11, Colossians 1:10

without: James 2:4, Malachi 2:9, 1 Timothy 5:21

partiality: or, wrangling

hypocrisy: Isaiah 32:6, Matthew 23:28, Luke 12:1, Luke 12:2, John 1:47, Romans 12:9, 1 Peter 1:22, 1 Peter 2:1, 1 John 3:18

Reciprocal: Genesis 13:8 - Let Exodus 23:3 - General 1 Samuel 2:29 - and honourest 1 Samuel 18:15 - wisely 1 Kings 4:29 - God 1 Kings 6:7 - neither hammer 1 Kings 12:13 - answered 2 Chronicles 1:11 - that thou mayest 2 Chronicles 9:23 - God Ezra 7:25 - the wisdom Job 36:3 - fetch Psalms 18:35 - gentleness Psalms 34:14 - seek Proverbs 14:29 - slow Proverbs 16:21 - wise Proverbs 24:23 - things Proverbs 30:5 - word Ecclesiastes 2:19 - wise under Ecclesiastes 2:26 - wisdom Ecclesiastes 9:17 - General Isaiah 32:17 - the work Matthew 5:7 - are Matthew 7:17 - every Matthew 15:12 - Knowest Matthew 22:16 - neither John 3:3 - again Acts 6:3 - full Romans 1:14 - both to 1 Corinthians 4:21 - and 1 Corinthians 7:15 - but 1 Corinthians 14:33 - but 2 Corinthians 5:16 - know we no 2 Corinthians 13:11 - live Ephesians 1:17 - the spirit Ephesians 4:3 - General Philippians 4:2 - that Colossians 1:9 - wisdom Colossians 3:12 - mercies Colossians 3:16 - all Colossians 4:5 - Walk 1 Timothy 4:12 - in word 1 Timothy 5:1 - entreat 2 Timothy 2:7 - and Hebrews 12:11 - peaceable James 1:20 - General James 1:27 - Pure James 2:1 - with James 3:13 - with meekness 1 Peter 2:18 - the good 1 Peter 3:8 - having 1 Peter 3:11 - seek 2 Peter 3:15 - according

Verse 18

the fruit: James 1:20, Proverbs 11:18, Proverbs 11:28, Proverbs 11:30, Isaiah 32:16, Isaiah 32:17, Hosea 10:12, Matthew 5:9, John 4:36, Philippians 1:11, Hebrews 12:11

make: Matthew 5:9

Reciprocal: Genesis 13:8 - Let 1 Kings 6:7 - neither hammer Ezra 7:25 - the wisdom Psalms 18:35 - gentleness Psalms 34:14 - seek Psalms 119:73 - that I may Psalms 122:7 - Peace Proverbs 6:19 - that soweth Proverbs 14:29 - slow Proverbs 17:27 - an excellent spirit Ecclesiastes 9:17 - General Isaiah 11:2 - the spirit of wisdom Isaiah 32:20 - Blessed Zechariah 8:12 - prosperous Matthew 7:17 - every Mark 4:26 - as Luke 10:6 - the Son John 15:16 - bring Acts 6:3 - full Romans 1:14 - both to 1 Corinthians 7:15 - but 1 Corinthians 14:33 - but 2 Corinthians 13:11 - live Galatians 5:22 - love Galatians 6:8 - soweth to his Ephesians 1:17 - the spirit Ephesians 4:3 - General Philippians 1:27 - in one Philippians 4:2 - that Colossians 3:12 - mercies 1 Thessalonians 5:13 - and be Hebrews 12:14 - Follow 1 Peter 3:11 - seek