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James 3:1–4:12 The Sin of Dissension in the Community. This section is the longest in the letter. It discusses the problems people cause with their speech (3:1–12; 4:1–12) and the solution to these problems (“wisdom from above”; 3:13–18). James is concerned about division (4:1) and slander (3:9; 4:11). This trouble may have begun with the leaders/teachers (3:1), but it now involves the whole “body” of the church (3:6).
James 3:1 Teachers were important in the early church (Acts 2:42; Rom. 12:7; 1 Cor. 12:28; Eph. 4:11). Ambitious people wanted to be teachers for selfish reasons. Greater responsibility includes greater expectations by God (Luke 12:48; Heb. 13:17).
James 3:2 in what he says. A person’s words reflect his character. stumble. A metaphor for sinning. perfect man. Such perfection will be permanent only in heaven. Still, believers should always seek to grow in holiness.
James 3:3–4 Bits in a horse’s mouth and the small rudder on a ship are examples of very small things that control large objects.
James 3:5–6 The tongue, one of the smaller parts of the body, is like the bit or rudder (vv. 3–4). It has a similar control over a person. boasts of great things. Pride is a major cause of sinful talk. A great forest fire starts with a small fire. In the same way, a lot of problems begin with a proud “boast” or other careless use of the tongue. a world of unrighteousness. The tongue expresses all the wickedness of the world. The entire course of life likely means the “ups and downs” of life. Sinful speech can damage every aspect of individual and community life. set on fire by hell. Evil speech destroys because it comes from Satan himself.
James 3:13 meekness of wisdom. Meekness (translated “gentleness” in Gal. 5:23) does not come from cowardice or passivity. It comes from trusting God. This frees a person from anxious self-promotion.
James 3:16 Disorder describes the chaotic frenzy of fighting in the church (see 4:1). The related adjective means “unstable” in 1:8 and “restless” in 3:8.
James 3:17 The answer to the “disorder” of v. 16 is to seek wisdom from above. Wisdom produces strong character (compare Gal. 5:22–23). first pure, then. Purity (blamelessness) is the primary virtue. The other qualities result from this moral purity.
James 3:18 harvest of righteousness. The righteous conduct that God will bless (see note on 1:20).
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