James 3 — Overview

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible · Matthew Henry (1662–1714) · Public Domain

The apostle here reproves ambition, and an arrogant magisterial tongue; and shows the duty and advantage of bridling it because of its power to do mischief. Those who profess religion ought especially to govern their tongues, ver. 1-12. True wisdom makes men meek, and avoiders of strife and envy: and hereby it may easily be distinguished from a wisdom that is earthly and hypocritical, ver. 13, to the end.

Government of the Tongue. (a. d. 61.)

The Daily Devotional

One devotional. Every morning.

The full reading, the passage behind it, and where to go deeper — in your inbox before the day starts. No ads, ever.

We'll send one email to confirm it's really you. Unsubscribe in one tap, any time.

Continue tomorrow

Turn Bible study into a daily habit

Read today's devotional, save your progress, and receive a gentle daily reminder.

Read today's devotional Save my progress

More for James 3

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

James 3 — OverviewJames 3 · Treasury of Scripture KnowledgeJames 3:1, We are not rashly or arrogantly to reprove others; James 3:5, but rather to bridle the tongue, a little member, but a powerful instrument of much good, and great harm; James 3:13, They who are truly wise are…James 3 — OverviewJames 3 · John Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleIn this chapter the apostle cautions against censoriousness, and reproving others with a magisterial air; advises to bridle the tongue, and guard against the vices of it; and shows what true wisdom is, and from whence…James 3:1-12James 3:1-12 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleThe foregoing chapter shows how unprofitable and dead faith is without works. It is plainly intimated by what this chapter first goes upon that such a faith is, however, apt to make men conceited and…James 3:1James 3:1 · The Pulpit Commentary(1) Warning. Be not many teachers. The warning is parallel to that of our Lord in Matthew 23:8, seq., "Be not ye called Rabbi; for one is your Teacher [ διδάσκαλος, and not, as Textus Receptus, καθηγητής], and all ye…James 3:1-12James 3:1-12 · The Pulpit CommentaryWARNING AGAINST OVER-READINESS TO TEACH, LEADING TO A DISCOURSE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF GOVERNMENT OF THE TONGUE.James 3:1-12James 3:1-12 · The Pulpit CommentarySpeech I. THE GREAT RESPONSIBILITY OF TEACHERS. This is forcibly shown by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:15, etc. Even of those who have built upon the right foundation the work is to be tested by fire, and "if any man's…

commentaryRecommended resourceExplore this resource connected to the verse you are reading.devotionThe Standard for Those Who Draw NearGod will not accept the inferior offering. Bring the best; the first, not the leftover.Discipledeck devotionThe Fruit of EnvyEnvy promises you something better. It delivers something worse. I'm choosing gratitude over comparison today.DiscipleDeck devotionThe RudderYou cannot live a positive life with a negative mouth. Your tongue is the rudder that steers your entire destiny. What are you prophesying over your own future today? Read this to take the wheel. 👇DiscipleDeck devotionThe ScalpelThe Bible isn't just a blanket to comfort you; it is a scalpel meant to heal you. If the Word never offends or corrects your life, you aren't reading it right.DiscipleDeck devotionThe Spark and the ForestFire can cook a meal, or it can burn down a house. Your words have the same power; life or death. Today, try a "No Complaining" challenge. Go 24 hours without saying anything negative about the weather, your work, or your family. If you fail, start the clock over. Watch how it changes your heart.Discipledeck sermonThe Original, Nature, Property, and Use of the LawSermon 34 The Original, Nature, Property, and Use of the Law “Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.” Rom. 7:12 1. Perhaps...John Wesley sermonChristian PerfectionSermon 40 Christian Perfection “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect.” Phil. 3:12. 1. There is scarce any expression in Holy...John Wesley