JAMESCHAPTER 3

WHO ARE WEWHO IS GOD

2Forwe all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says,he is a perfect man,able also to bridle his whole body.[We will find the greatest challenge to perfection within ourselves- our tongue]

6Andthe tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members,staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life,[a]and set on fire by hell.[b][We are unrighteous and we can see it just by observing our tongue! We are capable of destroying people- their physical and spiritual lives with our words.]

7For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind,8but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil,full of deadly poison.9With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse peoplewho are made in the likeness of God.[We are worse than animals- for we cant be tamed to obedience and right ways][We are hypocrites and deceive ourselves- we do not truly love God for it we did, we would not curse people who are made in the likeness of God.]

10From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers,[c]these things ought not to be so.11Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?12Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.[We will be exposed by our own words]

13Who is wise and understanding among you?By his good conduct let him show his worksin the meekness of wisdom.14But if you have bitterjealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.15This is notthe wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual,demonic.[We are called to let our actions speak for us, and to examine our hearts carefully]