James 3:9
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Therewith bless we God - The tongue is capable of rehearsing the praises, and setting forth the glories, of the eternal King: what a pity that it should ever be employed in a contrary work! It can proclaim and vindicate the truth of God, and publish the Gospel of peace and good will among men: what a pity that it should ever be employed in falsehoods, calumny, or in the cause of infidelity! And therewith curse we men - In the true Satanic spirit, many pray to God, the Father, to destroy those who are objects of their displeasure! These are the common swearers, whose mouths are generally full of direful imprecations against those with whom they are offended. The consideration that man is made after the image of God should restrain the tongue of the swearer; but there are many who, while they pretend to sing the high praises of God, are ready to wish the direst imprecations either on those who offend them, or with whom they choose to be offended.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
God--The oldest authorities read, "Lord." "Him who is Lord and Father." The uncommonness of the application of "Lord" to the Father, doubtless caused the change in modern texts to "God" (Jam 1:27). But as Messiah is called "Father," Isa 9:6, so God the Father is called by the Son's title, "Lord": showing the unity of the Godhead. "Father" implies His paternal love; "Lord," His dominion. men, which--not "men who"; for what is meant is not particular men, but men genetically [ALFORD]. are made after . . . similitude of God--Though in a great measure man has lost the likeness of God in which he was originally made, yet enough of it still remains to show what once it was, and what in regenerated and restored man it shall be. We ought to reverence this remnant and earnest of what man shall be in ourselves and in others. "Absalom has fallen from his father's favor, but the people still recognize him to be the king's son" [BENGEL]. Man resembles in humanity the Son of man, "the express image of His person" (Heb 1:3), compare Gen 1:26; Jo1 4:20. In the passage, Gen 1:26, "image" and "likeness" are distinct: "image," according to the Alexandrians, was something in which men were created, being common to all, and continuing to man after the fall, while the "likeness" was something toward which man was created, to strive after and attain it: the former marks man's physical and intellectual, the latter his moral pre-eminence.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therewith bless we God, even, the Father,.... Of Jesus Christ, and of spirits, and of mercies: this is the instrument that is used in blessing God daily every meal that is eaten; and in joining with the saints, though only verbally and outwardly, in blessing God for all spiritual blessings in Christ, both in prayer, and in singing psalms: and therewith curse we men: make imprecations, and wish evils upon them: which are made after the similitude of God as man was originally, Gen 1:26 and though sin has greatly defaced it, yet there are still some remains of it: and now, what an absurd and monstrous thing is this, that one and the same instrument should be used in blessing God, the Father of all creatures, and in cursing his children, his offering, as all men are by creation, and bear some resemblance to him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:9 praises . . . curses: Praising our Lord and Father is the best activity of the tongue, whereas cursing those made in his image is one of the worst, because it is an implicit curse on God himself (Gen 1:26-27; 9:6).
James 3:9
Taming the Tongue
8but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.9With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.10Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Some Things I Have Learnt in 50 Years Part 1
By Zac Poonen1.8K52:21LEV 19:32JOB 36:5JHN 17:232CO 9:7JAS 1:26JAS 3:91PE 2:171PE 3:151JN 2:6This sermon emphasizes four key lessons learned over 50 years as a believer: 1. Understanding God's immense love for us, equal to His love for Jesus, provides security and eradicates insecurity. 2. Embracing honesty before God, acknowledging failures without pretense, is vital for true repentance. 3. Recognizing that God desires cheerful, voluntary obedience, not compelled actions, fosters genuine worship. 4. Treating every human being with dignity, honoring all as made in God's image, reflects true reverence for God and transforms our interactions.
James, 1977
By Norman Grubb1.5K2:00:34JamesROM 6:15JAS 1:21JAS 3:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the fourth dimension and how the mind is the closest we can get to experiencing it. He emphasizes the importance of loving our neighbors as ourselves and warns against discord and greed among believers. The speaker references Jesus walking on water and highlights the need for harmony and peace in order to produce fruitful lives. The sermon also mentions the book of James and addresses the issue of worldly greed and competition among believers.
Stewardship - Part 2
By David Adams80036:33DEU 6:13DEU 8:3PSA 8:4LUK 4:4HEB 2:6JAS 3:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of stewardship as seen in the book of Genesis. He explains that a steward is someone who is entrusted with the goods of another and is under authority, responsibility, and accountability. The preacher focuses on the first major steward of history, Adam, who was given dominion over the earth by God. However, Adam failed in his stewardship, leading to the loss of his authority. The preacher also highlights the importance of communication in marriage, emphasizing that it is a major ingredient for a successful union.
Day 42, James 3
By David Servant0PRO 10:19PRO 15:28MAT 12:33ROM 5:1EPH 2:14JAS 1:26JAS 3:2JAS 3:9JAS 3:13JAS 3:17David Servant delves into the book of James, emphasizing the importance of holiness as a central theme. James highlights the need for Christians to restrain their tongues, warning that unbridled speech can reveal a lack of genuine faith. While believers may stumble in their speech, intentional wrongdoing is not the norm. James uses vivid analogies to depict the power of the tongue in shaping our lives and relationships, underscoring the need to be cautious in our speech. He stresses the connection between the heart and the words we speak, advocating for a purified heart to tame the tongue and produce good fruit, distinguishing true believers from false ones.
(Knowing God's Way) 2. Some Important Truths That I Have Learnt
By Zac Poonen0ISA 2:22DAN 11:32LUK 16:15JHN 17:231CO 12:182CO 9:7EPH 2:10EPH 5:18PHP 4:192TI 2:112TI 3:12HEB 8:6HEB 12:1JAS 3:91PE 3:131JN 1:9Zac Poonen shares important truths he has learned in his 40 years as a born-again Christian, emphasizing God's immense love for us, the importance of honesty, cheerful giving, looking unto Jesus for holiness, being continually filled with the Holy Spirit, embracing the way of the cross, disregarding man's opinions, detesting worldly greatness, being prepared for rejection and persecution, receiving all whom God has received, treating every human being with dignity, revealing financial needs only to God, and understanding the superiority of the new covenant. He concludes by urging believers to apply these truths seriously in their daily lives for encouragement and liberation.
Man: "Who Are We, Anyway?"
By Greg Herrick0GEN 1:26PSA 139:13ROM 3:91CO 13:121CO 15:49EPH 1:11COL 1:15JAS 3:9Greg Herrick preaches on the creation of man in God's image, emphasizing the unique privilege and responsibility it entails. He delves into the theological implications of being made in God's likeness, touching on ruling, personal knowledge of God, morality, righteousness, holiness, and capacity for relationship. The sermon also explores the fall of man, sin, and the impact on the image of God, highlighting the state of humanity post-fall, the essential nature of sin, and the ongoing renewal into Christ's image. Herrick concludes with reflections on the dignity and depravity of humanity, urging listeners to consider how these concepts affect their lives and relationships.
Four Attitudes to the Holy Spirit
By Roy Hession0MAT 25:41LUK 6:28ROM 12:14GAL 3:10GAL 3:13JAS 3:9The preacher delves into the concept of cursing, explaining that it involves invoking evil on someone through prayers or wishes, calling down harm or ruin upon them. While it is natural for fallen men to curse, it is supernatural for them to bless, requiring a transformation through being born again. The sermon emphasizes the power of words, highlighting the importance of speaking blessings instead of curses, as seen in the radical teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.
Some Important Truths That I Have Learnt
By Zac Poonen0ISA 2:22DAN 11:32LUK 16:15JHN 17:231CO 12:182CO 9:7EPH 2:10EPH 5:18PHP 4:192TI 2:112TI 3:12HEB 8:6HEB 12:1JAS 3:91PE 3:131JN 1:9Zac Poonen shares important truths he has learned in his 40 years as a born-again Christian, emphasizing God's immense love for us, the importance of honesty, cheerful giving, looking unto Jesus for holiness, being continually filled with the Holy Spirit, embracing the way of the cross, disregarding man's opinions, detesting worldly values, enduring persecution, receiving all whom God accepts, treating every human with dignity, revealing financial needs only to God, and following the new covenant. He stresses the need to know God personally, expect rejection, and trust in God's perfect plan for our lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Therewith bless we God - The tongue is capable of rehearsing the praises, and setting forth the glories, of the eternal King: what a pity that it should ever be employed in a contrary work! It can proclaim and vindicate the truth of God, and publish the Gospel of peace and good will among men: what a pity that it should ever be employed in falsehoods, calumny, or in the cause of infidelity! And therewith curse we men - In the true Satanic spirit, many pray to God, the Father, to destroy those who are objects of their displeasure! These are the common swearers, whose mouths are generally full of direful imprecations against those with whom they are offended. The consideration that man is made after the image of God should restrain the tongue of the swearer; but there are many who, while they pretend to sing the high praises of God, are ready to wish the direst imprecations either on those who offend them, or with whom they choose to be offended.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
God--The oldest authorities read, "Lord." "Him who is Lord and Father." The uncommonness of the application of "Lord" to the Father, doubtless caused the change in modern texts to "God" (Jam 1:27). But as Messiah is called "Father," Isa 9:6, so God the Father is called by the Son's title, "Lord": showing the unity of the Godhead. "Father" implies His paternal love; "Lord," His dominion. men, which--not "men who"; for what is meant is not particular men, but men genetically [ALFORD]. are made after . . . similitude of God--Though in a great measure man has lost the likeness of God in which he was originally made, yet enough of it still remains to show what once it was, and what in regenerated and restored man it shall be. We ought to reverence this remnant and earnest of what man shall be in ourselves and in others. "Absalom has fallen from his father's favor, but the people still recognize him to be the king's son" [BENGEL]. Man resembles in humanity the Son of man, "the express image of His person" (Heb 1:3), compare Gen 1:26; Jo1 4:20. In the passage, Gen 1:26, "image" and "likeness" are distinct: "image," according to the Alexandrians, was something in which men were created, being common to all, and continuing to man after the fall, while the "likeness" was something toward which man was created, to strive after and attain it: the former marks man's physical and intellectual, the latter his moral pre-eminence.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therewith bless we God, even, the Father,.... Of Jesus Christ, and of spirits, and of mercies: this is the instrument that is used in blessing God daily every meal that is eaten; and in joining with the saints, though only verbally and outwardly, in blessing God for all spiritual blessings in Christ, both in prayer, and in singing psalms: and therewith curse we men: make imprecations, and wish evils upon them: which are made after the similitude of God as man was originally, Gen 1:26 and though sin has greatly defaced it, yet there are still some remains of it: and now, what an absurd and monstrous thing is this, that one and the same instrument should be used in blessing God, the Father of all creatures, and in cursing his children, his offering, as all men are by creation, and bear some resemblance to him.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:9 praises . . . curses: Praising our Lord and Father is the best activity of the tongue, whereas cursing those made in his image is one of the worst, because it is an implicit curse on God himself (Gen 1:26-27; 9:6).