James 3:6 - The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann

Bible Comments

Caution against False Activity in Teaching and the Use of the Tongue.

The danger of teaching and much speaking:

James 3:1-6

1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.a

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 matterb 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 coursec of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.