What is the REAL meaning of James 3:17? (Deep Dive - Bible Study & Commentary)

 

The tongue is a small organ nestled within our mouths, yet it holds the power to shape and redefine our world.

The words that flow from our lips are like seeds, sown into the fertile soil of existence, taking root and blossoming into reality.

As believers, we should recognize the power that comes with words from our tongues, for once words are spoken, they cannot be retracted.

In the book of Proverbs 18 verse 20, it is written,

 

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit”

 

This reminds us that our words hold the power to bring both blessing and curse, healing and harm, to those around us.

Just as God spoke the world into existence, our tongues have the potential to create and shape our reality.

Therefore, we must learn to tame this unruly member of our body, steering it towards words of goodness, kindness, and truth.

 

Who wrote James 3:17 and when was it written?

 

James 3:17 was written by Apostle James. It was written around AD 48-60, making it one of the earliest books in the new testament.

 

What is the context of James 3?

 

The context of James 3 focuses on the power of the tongue, emphasizing the need for believers to control their tongue and use it for edification.

 

James wrote this letter to Jewish believers who were scattered throughout various regions.

These early Christians faced numerous challenges and trials, both from external sources, such as persecution, and internal struggles, including conflicts within their communities.

 

One prominent issue that James addressed was the misuse of the tongue.

It's clear that this was a significant problem within the early Christian communities, leading James to devote an entire chapter to the subject.

The misuse of the tongue was causing division, strife, and hurt within these communities.

To address this issue, James provided practical advice and spiritual guidance, urging believers to tame their tongues and use their words wisely.

In the opening verses of James 3, James started by addressing a specific group within the Christian community: teachers. He said,

 

“My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgement”  ( Verse 1)

 

Here, James highlighted the significant responsibility that comes with teaching others in the faith.

He cautioned against aspiring to be teachers without recognizing the weight of their words.

Teachers play a vital role in shaping the beliefs and actions of their students, and thus, they will be held accountable for the influence they wield.

 

James continued to emphasize the significance of the tongue using analogies from everyday life to illustrate the power of the tongue.

The tongue, though small, holds the power to direct the course of one's life. The tongue can build up or tear down, encourage or discourage, depending on how it is used.

 

He gave a warning about the tongue. He compared the tongue to a fire, emphasizing its destructive potential.

Just as a small spark can ignite a vast forest, a few careless words can set off a chain reaction of harm and destruction.

James highlighted the corrupting influence of the tongue, which can defile not only the speaker but also those who hear its destructive words.

 

James also acknowledged that humans have been able to tame various creatures on Earth, demonstrating their dominion over the animal kingdom.

However, the tongue remains untamable by human efforts alone. It is described as "an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." 

This recognition explains the need for divine intervention and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to control the tongue.

 

In his discussion, He noted the inconsistency of using the same tongue to bless God and curse fellow human beings.

He pointed out that people are created in the image of God, and it is outrageous to bless the Creator with the same mouth that curses His creation.

 

“With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.” (James 3 verses 9 to 10)

 

James called for a change in behaviour, emphasizing that such inconsistencies should not be a part of Christian life.

He then compared the tongue to a spring that should produce fresh water, not both fresh and bitter water.

He also likened it to a fruit tree that should bear fruit consistent with its nature.

Just as a fig tree cannot produce olives and a grapevine cannot bear figs, the tongue should consistently reflect the character and nature of a Christian, producing words that bless and encourage.

 

The chapter concluded with a shift of focus to the source of true wisdom. James distinguished between two types of wisdom: earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom.

He warns against envy, selfish ambition, and the resulting confusion and evil that stem from earthly wisdom.

Instead, he urged believers to seek wisdom from above. One characterized by purity, peace, gentleness, and a willingness to yield.

 

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” (James 3 verses 13 to 17)

 

By seeking God's wisdom and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can learn to tame our tongues and bring glory to God through our speech; this will foster unity and peace within our Christian communities.

 

What is the message of James 3:17?

 

The message of James 3 verse 17 focuses on the attributes of godly wisdom, how we can exhibit it, and its impact on our daily lives.

 

The verse says, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”

 

The opening phrase signifies the origin of genuine wisdom, which is not rooted in human intellect or worldly knowledge but emanates from the divine source—God Himself.

This wisdom surpasses any earthly wisdom and is a gift from God to His children.

 

Proverbs 2 verse 6 says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

 

This reminds us that wisdom is a divine endowment. When we seek such wisdom we are essentially seeking God's guidance and insight.

At the core of this message are the  key attributes of heavenly wisdom.

The verse highlights that divine wisdom is "first pure." This emphasizes the moral and ethical integrity of godly wisdom.

It is untainted by impurity, sin, or selfish motives. The purity of divine wisdom ensures that its counsel is always aligned with God's holiness.

 

Psalm 119 verse 9 says, “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.”

 

The Psalmist acknowledges the importance of adhering to God's word is to maintain purity in one's life.

Divine wisdom is inseparable from God's Word, which serves as a constant source of guidance and moral purity.

 

True to the message, those who possess divine wisdom are peacemakers, striving to mend broken relationships and foster unity within the body of Christ.

Also in the new testament Matthew 5 verse 9 says

 

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”

 

Those who exhibit divine wisdom by seeking peace in all situations are recognized as children of God.

As believers, exhibiting divine wisdom involves extending peace and harmony wherever we find ourselves.

Regardless of the situation, we should choose to be the ones offering reconciliation for the sake of peace. This shows the wisdom of God.

 

This verse also teaches that the wisdom from above is characterized by gentleness.

It does not resort to harsh or abrasive methods but rather demonstrates kindness and gentleness in dealing with others.

 

Galatians 5 verses 22 to 23 describe the fruit of the Spirit, which includes gentleness.

Hence, divine wisdom is closely connected to the work of the Holy Spirit within us, producing gentleness as a natural outflow of our relationship with God. This should be our lifestyle as believers.

 

Exhibiting divine wisdom involves being humble. As believers, we should be ready to listen, learn, and adapt.

As noted in the verse, divine wisdom is not stubborn or obstinate but open to different viewpoints and receptive to correction.

 

Proverbs 11 verse 2 says, “When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom.”

 

This verse explains the connection between humility and wisdom. Divine wisdom flourishes in the hearts of those who humbly acknowledge their need for God's guidance and are willing to yield to His wisdom.

 

One of the most beautiful aspects of godly wisdom is that it is "full of mercy and good fruits."

This wisdom is compassionate and bears good fruit in the lives of those who possess it.

It not only understands the importance of mercy but also actively extends it to others.

 

James teaches us that divine wisdom does not show favouritism or discrimination based on external factors such as wealth, social status, or appearance.

Instead, it treats all individuals with fairness and equality.

 

Romans 2 verse 11 asserts thus, “For there is no partiality with God.”

This reminds us that God is impartial in His judgement. In the same vein, divine wisdom, which originates from God, is free from biases and prejudices, and we should exhibit this in all our relationships.

 

Most importantly, this verse of study emphasizes that godly wisdom is "without hypocrisy."

This means it is genuine and authentic, not characterized by pretense or deceit. As believers, we should be sincere and transparent in our actions and words, as this is a reflection of Christ.

 

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure," meaning

 

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure," means a wisdom that is devoid of the sinful nature of the devil but filled with God’s own nature.

 

The meaning of purity in divine wisdom suggests a heart that is not only uncontaminated by worldly influences but also one that actively pursues righteousness, peace, gentleness, and mercy.

It signifies a wisdom that changes our innermost being, compelling us to live a life that reflects the very nature of God.

 

This statement also highlights the distinction between the wisdom from above and the worldly wisdom influenced by the devil, which can be discerned through their respective characteristics.

For example, when a believer resorts to physical violence as the only solution to a problem, it becomes evident that this wisdom does not originate from God.

Divine wisdom is inherently pure and devoid of hatred, malice, envy, conflict, or any other sinful attributes commonly found in the worldly realm.

 

Hence, this statement extends a divine invitation to us, urging us to seek and embrace the wisdom that comes from above.

It calls us to start with purity, to rid ourselves of the impurities of this world, and to allow God's wisdom to shape our character.

 

We can embrace this wisdom by avoiding sin and keeping God’s words and commandments. This will purify us before God and make us eligible for His kind of wisdom.

 

"Then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield.” meaning

 

"Then peaceable, gentle, and willing to yield" means divine wisdom is exhibited in a life of meekness, humility, and willingness to compromise for the sake of peace.

 

Being peaceable does not mean avoiding disagreements, but rather seeking resolution through peaceful means, promoting unity and love even in the face of adversity.

 

The word "gentle" carries the connotation of tenderness, meekness, and humility. Jesus' life was a living testament to the virtue of gentleness.

He extended kindness to the broken, welcomed the marginalized, and approached the sinful with grace.

As Christians, we are called to emulate His gentle nature, approaching others with compassion, understanding, and humility, knowing that true strength lies in gentleness.

 

Being "willing to yield" signifies a heart that is open to compromise and understanding. It highlights the teachings of Philippians 2 verse 3 which says,

 

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem others better than himself.”

 

Jesus demonstrated this selflessness throughout His life, even to the point of yielding His own will to the Father in the garden of Gethsemane.

Willingness to yield doesn't imply weakness but rather a strength of character that seeks the best for all parties involved, putting the needs and interests of others before our own.

 

These virtues—peaceable, gentle, and willing to yield—serve as a roadmap for our Christian journey.

They challenge us to embrace a life characterized by peace, gentleness of Christ, humility, and compromise.

 

In a world filled with strife and division, these virtues are not merely admirable qualities but essential facets of our Christian identity.

Let us strive to live out these virtues daily, allowing them to shape our interactions and relationships.

 

“Full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." meaning

 

“Full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." means demonstrating compassion, virtuous deeds, impartiality, and sincerity.

 

Being "full of mercy" implies having a heart that is genuinely moved by the suffering of others.

It goes beyond mere acts of kindness and extends to understanding and empathizing with the pain and struggles of those around us.

 

Living a life "full of good fruits" means bearing an abundance of fruits of righteousness and goodness in every aspect of our lives.

When a fruit of righteousness is found on you, It is the beginning of a continuous and fruitful journey of sanctification, whereby our actions consistently align with God's will.

 

"Without partiality" and "without hypocrisy" convey a strong commitment to integrity.

It means standing firm in our faith principles, not being swayed by personal biases or pretenses, and demonstrating consistency in our character.

 

Therefore, this statement presents us with a blueprint for Christian living. It calls us to embody the meanings of mercy, good fruits, impartiality, and sincerity.

As Christians, let us strive to cultivate lives that reflect these qualities, allowing the wisdom from above to guide our steps and impact the world around us.

In doing so, we honour our Lord's teachings and exemplify the power of a Christ-centred life.

 

What is the difference in biblical translations of James 3:17(NKJV, KJV, NIV & ESV)?

 

James 3:17 New King James Version (NKJV) biblical translation:

 

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”

 

James 3:17 King James Version (KJV) biblical translation:

 

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”

 

James 3:17 New International Version (NIV) biblical translation:

 

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

 

James 3:17 English Standard Version (ESV) biblical translation:

 

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”

 

The NKJV and KJV are quite similar, with only minor differences.

The KJV uses slightly older language, such as "easy to be entreated," which means "willing to yield." However, the meanings are consistent between the two.

 

The NIV, on the other hand, uses more contemporary language.

Instead of "gentle," it uses "considerate," and instead of "willing to yield," it uses "submissive." These terms convey similar concept but in modern terminology.

 

The ESV is also written in modern English and uses "open to reason" instead of "willing to yield." This phrase emphasizes a willingness to listen and engage in rational discussion.

Despite these minor differences in wording, the core message remains consistent across these translations.

 

How do I apply James 3:17 to my Life?

 

Applying James 3 verse 17 to your life involves exhibiting the various features of divine wisdom in your daily interactions.

 

Divine wisdom encourages us to be peacemakers, to approach conflicts with gentleness, and to be willing to yield. It reminds us to show mercy and avoid partiality.

 

In our relationships, whether with family, friends, or colleagues, we can strive to emulate these qualities.

Instead of fuelling disputes, we can seek resolution and promote reconciliation. We can show kindness and mercy to those who have wronged us, just as Christ has shown mercy to us.

When faced with important decisions, we can seek divine wisdom through prayer and the study of God's Word.

We can set aside pride and be open to the counsel of others, recognizing that true wisdom often comes from multiple perspectives.

By doing so, we avoid the pitfalls of partiality and hypocrisy in our choices.

 

Godly wisdom is not just about words; it is also about actions. It calls for us to produce "good fruits."

This means engaging in acts of service and kindness and showing the love of Christ to those in need.

Whether it's helping the less fortunate, supporting a friend in a time of crisis, or simply being there for someone, our actions should bear witness to the wisdom that comes from above.

 

In a world tainted with various forms of impurity, we need to seek purity in our thoughts, actions, and intentions.

Remember the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis? When faced with temptation, he remained steadfast, choosing purity over sin.

We can apply this principle by guarding our hearts and minds against impure influences, seeking God's guidance through prayer, and making choices that honour Him.

Gentleness is a virtue often underestimated in today's world. Jesus, our perfect example, displayed gentleness in His interactions with people.

 

In Matthew 11 verse 29, He said, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart.”

 

We can follow His example by treating others with kindness, empathy, and a gentle spirit, even when faced with adversity.

 

God does not show partiality, and neither should we.

In Acts 10 verse 34, Peter declares,

 

“In truth, I perceive that God shows no partiality.”

 

We must reject favouritism and prejudice in our interactions with others, treating all people with equal respect and love, just as Christ did during His earthly ministry.

 

Hypocrisy undermines our witness as Christians. Jesus condemned hypocrisy in Matthew 23, warning against the Pharisees' empty show of righteousness.

Hence, we should live an authentic Christian life by aligning our words and actions, being genuine in our faith, and avoiding hypocrisy in all its forms.

 

Applying the wisdom of the message to our lives may seem like a daunting task, but we must always remember that God's grace empowers us to grow in these virtues.

As we journey in our faith, let us lean on prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers for support and guidance.

We must strive to embody these qualities daily, and as we do, we will find that we are better equipped to live out the lessons from this passage in our everyday lives.

May God's grace and wisdom guide us as we strive to embody the wisdom from above in our everyday Christian lives.

 

What is James 3:17 prayer?

 

Heavenly Father, I come before You with a meek heart, seeking to embody the message of this verse.

Fill me with Your wisdom from above, which is pure and peaceable. May my life be a reflection of Your grace, overflowing with gentleness and a willingness to yield to Your divine guidance.

Help me, O Lord, to be full of mercy, to extend kindness and forgiveness to others just as You have shown me mercy beyond measure.

Let my heart bear good fruit so that my actions may always align with Your righteous will.

 

Remove from me any trace of partiality and hypocrisy. Teach me to love without prejudice and to treat all people with equal respect and compassion, as You do.

May my faith be authentic, a light that shines brightly in this world.

Help me to live out the message in every aspect of my life so that others may see Your love and glory through me. This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

 

Conclusion

This message reminds us of the invaluable wisdom that comes from above.

As believers, we must strive to embody the qualities described in this verse: purity, peace, gentleness, and a willingness to yield.

These virtues are essential in our daily lives. When we let the fear of God guide us, it serves as the foundation of true wisdom.

 

The fear of God, as mentioned in Proverbs 9 verse 10, is indeed the beginning of wisdom.

It is the recognition that God is the ultimate source of all knowledge and understanding.

When we acknowledge His sovereignty and seek His guidance, we tap into a wellspring of divine wisdom that is beyond human limitations.

 

Let us be reminded that every good gift and every perfect gift come from above. He is the author of good things, good works, and good deeds.

The wisdom from heaven which is the peaceable wisdom or what can be referred to as spiritual wisdom is different from the wisdom of the world.

The world’s wisdom is false wisdom that emanates from evil work while the wisdom of God is the real wisdom and true wisdom that comes from the father of lights.

 

The church of Christ today must include the subject of divine wisdom in the doctrines of religion.

This is a core effect of true religion and must be the first duty of a church.

Our christian ministers must have a common view of this passage and ensure the influence of the wisdom of God on the pulpits in the maintenance of peace in their assemblies.

 

The presence of wisdom is what makes a difference between a growing church and a dying church.

The wisdom of God gives knowledge of things and religious liberty to believers.

 

So, let us remember that, as believers, our words have the power to impact lives and shape perspectives.

With the fear of God as the starting point of our wisdom, we can bring about positive change, share God's love, and inspire others through our words.