James 3:13-16 Part 1 of 3

If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

 

If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, 

2 Corinthians 8:21  We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable. (see verses 16-29)

Philippians 1:15  It's true that some are preaching out of jealousy and rivalry. But others preach about Christ with pure motives. (see verses 12-19)

Titus 2:8  Teach the truth so that your teaching can't be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us. (see all chapter 2)

1 Peter 2:12  Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. (see verses 4-12)

1 Peter 2:15  It is God's will that your honorable lives should silence those ignorant people who make foolish accusations against you. (see verses 13-17)

1 Peter 3:16  But do this (verse 15) in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. (see verses 13-17)

 

doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. 

Matthew 5:16  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (see verses 13-16)

Titus 2:7  And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. (see verses 1 -10)

Titus 2:14  He (Jesus Christ) gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. ((see verses 11-15)

Titus 3:8  This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone. (see verses 1-11)

James 2:18  Now someone may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds." But I say, "How can you show me your faith if you don't have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds." (see verses 14-26)

 

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.

 

James 3:7-12 Part 2 of 2

People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can't draw fresh water from a salty spring.

 

Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!

Genesis 1:26-27  Then God said, "Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground." So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. (see verses 26-31)

Psalm 8:3-5  When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers--the moon and the stars you set in place--what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. (see all Psalm 8)

Colossians 1:15-16a  Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. (see verses 15-23)

 

Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can't draw fresh water from a salty spring. 

Matthew 7:15-16a  "Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act." (see verses 15-20)

Matthew 7:20  "Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions."

 

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.

 

James 3:7-12 Part 1 of 2

People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can't draw fresh water from a salty spring.

 

People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. 

Psalm 140:1-3  O LORD, rescue me from evil people. Protect me from those who are violent, those who plot evil in their hearts and stir up trouble all day long. Their tongues sting like a snake; the venom of a viper drips from their lips. (see all Psalm 140)

Romans 3:13-18  "Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with lies. Snake venom drips from their lips. (Psalm 5:9) Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness. (Psalm 10:7) They rush to commit murder, Destruction and misery always follow them. They don't know where to find peace. (Psalm 59:7-8) They have no fear of God at all." (Psalm 36:1) (see verses 9-20)

 

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.

 

James 3:3-6 Part 2 of 2

We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

 

It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body.

Matthew 15:11  "It's not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth." (see verses 1-20)

Matthew 15:18-20  "But the words you speak come from the heart--that's what defiles you. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying and slander. These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you. (see verses 1-20)

 

It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. 

Matthew 5:22  "But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell."

Luke 16:24  "The rich man shouted, 'Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.' " (see verses 19-31)

 

(parentheses are mine)

 

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.

 

James 3:3-6 Part 1 of 2

We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

 

We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. 

Psalm 32:9  Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control. (see all Psalm 32)

In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.

Psalm 12:3-4  May the LORD cut off their flattering lips and silence their boastful tongues. They say, "We will lie to our heart's content. Our lips are our own--who can stop us?" (see all Psalm 12)

Psalm 73:8-9  They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth. (see all Psalm 73)

 

And the tongue is a flame of fire. 

Psalm 120:2-4  Rescue me, O LORD, from liars and from all deceitful people. O deceptive tongue, what will God do to you? How will he increase your punishment? You will be pierced with sharp arrows and burned with glowing coals. (see all Psalm 120)

Proverbs 16:27  Scoundrels create trouble; their words are a destructive blaze. (see verses 23-30)

 

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.

  

James 3:1-2

Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. Indeed, we all make mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.

 

Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly.

Romans 12:6-8  In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. (see all chapter 12)

Ephesians 4:11-12  Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. (see verses 11-16)

1 Corinthians 12:29-30  Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! (see verses 12-31)

2 Timothy 3:16-17  All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to  make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (see all chapter 3)

 

Indeed, we all make mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. 

Psalm 14:2-3  The LORD looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if anyone is truly wise, if anyone seeks God. But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one! (see all chapter 14)

James 1:26  If you claim to be religious but don't control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. (see verses 19-27)

1 John 1:8  If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. (see all chapter 1)

 

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.

 

James 2:25-26

Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.

 

Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road.

Hebrews 11:30-31  It was by faith that the people of Israel marched around Jericho for seven days, and the walls came crashing down. It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.

Joshua 2:1  Then Joshua secretly sent out two spies from the Israelite camp at Acacia Grove (Shittim). He instructed them, "Scout out the land on the other side of the Jordan River, especially around Jericho." So the two men set out and came to the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there that night. (see verses 1-7)

Joshua 2:8-9  Before the spies went to sleep that night, Rahab went up on the roof to talk to them. "I know the LORD has given you this land," she told them. "We are all afraid of you. Everyone in the land is living in terror." (see verses 8-11)

Joshua 2:12-14  "Now swear to me by the LORD that you will be kind to me and my family since I have helped you. Give me some guarantee that when Jericho is conquered, you will let me live, along with my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all their families."  "We offer our own lives as a guarantee for your safety," the men agreed. "If you don't betray us, we will keep our promise and be kind to you when the LORD gives us the land." (see verses 12-24)

Joshua 6:22-23  Meanwhile, Joshua said to the two spies, "Keep your promise. Go to the prostitute's house and bring her out, along with all her family." The men who had been spies went in and brought out Rahab, her father, mother, brothers, and all the other relatives, who were with her. They moved her whole family to a safe place near the camp of Israel. (see all chapter 6)

 

Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. 

James 2:17  So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

James 2:19-20  You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can't you see that faith without good deeds is useless? (see Hebrews 11)

 

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.