Be not many teachers — Let no more of you take this upon you than God thrusts out; seeing it is so hard not to offend in speaking much. Knowing that we — That all who thrust themselves into the office. Shall receive greater condemnation — For more offences. St. James here, as in several of the follo... [ Continue Reading ]
The same is able to bridle the whole body — That is, the whole man. And doubtless some are able to do this, and so are in this sense perfect.... [ Continue Reading ]
We — That is, men.... [ Continue Reading ]
Boasteth great things — Hath great influence.... [ Continue Reading ]
A world of iniquity — Containing an immense quantity of all manner of wickedness. It defileth — As fire by its smoke. The whole body — The whole man. And setteth on fire the course of nature — All the passions, every wheel of his soul.... [ Continue Reading ]
Every kind — The expression perhaps is not to be taken strictly. Reptiles — That is, creeping things.... [ Continue Reading ]
But no man can tame the tongue — Of another; no, nor his own, without peculiar help from God.... [ Continue Reading ]
Men made after the likeness of God — Indeed we have now lost this likeness; yet there remains from thence an indelible nobleness, which we ought to reverence both in ourselves and others.... [ Continue Reading ]
Let him show his wisdom as well as his faith by his works; not by words only.... [ Continue Reading ]
If ye have bitter zeal — True Christian zeal is only the flame of love. Even in your hearts — Though it went no farther. Do not lie against the truth — As if such zeal could consist with heavenly wisdom.... [ Continue Reading ]
This wisdom — Which is consistent with such zeal. Is earthly — Not heavenly; not from the Father of Lights. Animal — Not spiritual; not from the Spirit of God. Devilish — Not the gift of Christ, but such as Satan breathes into the soul.... [ Continue Reading ]
But the wisdom from above is first pure — From all that is earthly, natural, devilish. Then peaceable — True peace attending purity, it is quiet, inoffensive. Gentle — Soft, mild, yielding, not rigid. Easy to he entreated — To be persuaded, or convinced; not stubborn, sour, or morose. Full of good f... [ Continue Reading ]
And the principle productive of this righteousness is sown, like good seed, in the peace of a believer's mind, and brings forth a plentiful harvest of happiness, (which is the proper fruit of righteousness,) for them that make peace — That labour to promote this pure and holy peace among all men.... [ Continue Reading ]