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James 3:2-8

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

2. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same [is] a perfect man, [and] able also to bridle the whole body. 3. Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4. Behold also the ships, which though [they be] so great, and [are] driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. 5. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 6. And the tongue [is] a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8. But the tongue can no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

James 3:2-8 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on James 3:2

Theological / Devotional

Offend. Gr. ptaio, “to stumble,” “to fail in one’s duty.” The statement maybe paraphrased, “In many ways, all men make mistakes every day” (see on 1 John 1:8). The sober fact is that “teachers” (James 3:1) also “stumble,” even though they should know more than others. Consequently, James implies, only the best of men should seek to be teachers.

In word. That is, in his speech, or use of the tongue (cf. James 1:26). Controlling the tongue is man’s most difficult assignment (see Matt. 5:37).

Perfect. Gr. teleios (see on Matt. 5:48). He who speaks only what is pure and honest and kind has attained to the goal of Christlikeness. Such a man makes the best kind of teacher.

Able also. With the most difficult member of the body under control it should be relatively easy to control the other members.

Bridle. See on James 1:26. A man’s words reveal the general tenor of his thoughts. If he controls his thoughts to the extent that his words are consistently Christlike, the “whole body” is safely under control (see on Matt. 12:34-37).

By SdaBc