James 3:6

Fire. All that can be said about the destructive power of a small flame can also be applied to the potential power of the tongue. Church members are not only to avoid destructive speech but also to avoid fanning destructive sparks discharged from the speech of others.

World. Gr. kosmos (see on John 1:9).

So. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the omission of this word. According to the preferred reading the first part of the verse may be translated, “The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity is the tongue among our members.”

The tongue. That is, the evil-speaking tongue.

Defileth. Compare the words of Christ, “That which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man” (Matt. 15:11; see on p. 500).

Whole body. Compare vs. 2, 3.

Course. Literally, “wheel,” but here implying the cycle made by a wheel when it turns on its axis.

Nature. The course of an individual’s life, or that the church, is often set aflame by anger and ill-chosen words.

Of hell. Literally, “by Gehenna” (see on Matt. 5:22). Gehenna here symbolizes all that is evil and worthy of destruction. The “tongue” that destroys harmony, peace, and friendship is motivated by a will that is under the control of Satan (see on Matt. 13:25-28).