In chapter 3, James opens with a declaration that not many of them should be teachers. The reason he gives first is that as teachers, they will be judged by higher standards by other men; and there are fewer that can live up to those standards than there are those who would like to teach. One of the chief ways that such a man can “stumble” is by his tongue. As James points out, that part of the body causes more trouble (and is harder to control) than any other. He aptly states it this way “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.” How timelessly true!

Another problem in these early days of the church, was that there were still many Judaizers who were trying to impose the Old Law on the Christians of the day, despite the clarity God had given on the subject through the apostles. Verse 14’s mention of selfish ambition brings to light still another bad reason some would want to teach. Perhaps because of jealousy, or just wishing to put themselves in positions of respect without regard for their ability or adherence to the truth, some would seek to teach anyway, being “false to the truth.” Verse 15 says “This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.”

/Bob’s boy

Bible Reading Schedule for this month
Click links below to read or listen to audio of one of this week’s chapters in Colossians and Luke

2 Cor 12, 2 Cor 13, James 1, James 2, James 3

___________________

some images © V. Gilbert & Arlisle F. Beers

Please visit this site’s menu item “The Author’s Books” for info on the author’s books, website, and Facebook page.

All of my comments in this blog are solely my responsibility. When reading any commentary, you should always refer first to the scripture, which is God’s unchanging and unfailing word.