James Chapter 3

Distributed by: KJV Bible Studies

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Introduction: In chapter 2 of James, we found that we are to treat all men and women the same. A poor person and a rich person should be treated equally. We also discussed how we should treat others as we want to be treated, and that our works should always be present to prove our salvation. In chapter 3, we will be studying how we can use the tongue for both good and bad.

I. The Power of Small Things

James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

James 3:2 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.

The term masters here seems to mean teachers. We know that the teacher has a greater responsibility than the pupil, and should know what he or she is teaching. Verse 2 says that if we offend not in words, we are perfect Christians. This does not mean that we are without sin, but it means we are mature. Perhaps the most difficult perfection to obtain is in reference to our tongue. James tells us that it is harder to do right in talking than in anything else. If we can control how we speak, we can control the whole body.

James’ advice is simple. Rather than advancing oneself as a teacher, we rather ought to be willing to listen. Too often, there is a temptation to assume leadership when in reality we don’t know what we are talking about.

In many cases, God’s work would be better served if we were swift to hear and slow to speak. Those who would exalt themselves, in this case to be a teacher (spiritual leader), would do well to remember unto whom much is given, much shall be required. These will be held to a higher standard, both by others as well as by God. The greater lesson is to be reticent about opening our mouths to dispense our assumed wisdom. Those that do will face greater criticism than those who are more discreet. The chapter will more fully develop how these self-proclaimed ‘teachers’ were in reality those seeking to be leaders.

James 3:3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

James 3:4 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.

James 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

James uses three illustrations of small things and their power.

1. A bridle used for a horse is a small thing, yet with that bridle a person can guide the horse wherever he desires.

2. He uses the helm of a big ship as an example. A helm is a little instrument that makes a large ship go in any direction desired.

3. Verse 5 uses the example of the little fire that could burn up great things. The tongue is like this.

The tongue is very powerful, and can be used to do a lot of good. It can be used to teach right things to people. However, if used wrongly, it can be like a fire that destroys much. A few wrong words can destroy more in a few moments than the church can build up in a year. The lost person can be greatly hindered from being saved by wrong words. If we want progress for our church (and our personal lives), we must learn to use right words, and never use those that hurt or destroy. Christians can be hindered because some one said something that they should not have spoken.

James provides two simple illustrations from everyday life in this regard.

The bit of a bridle is a relatively small piece of hardware. A typical bit may not weigh more than one pound. Yet, from that small bit, a horseman can control and turn around the one-thousand pound body of the horse. The bit is small but powerful in its effect.

James describes great ships. Notwithstanding high winds and rough seas, they are turned by a relatively small rudder at the will of the wheelsman.

The word translated as helm (phdalion pedalion) refers to the actual rudder of the vessel rather than its wheel. The point remains the same. A massive ship is steered and controlled by a relatively small device called the rudder. The application of the point is in the next verse. In the same fashion as illustrated above, the human tongue is a relatively small organ of the human body. However, it makes big claims.

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