James 3:1-12

CHAPTER VI

THE FOOLISH TEACHER

James 3:1-12

Introduction

In James 1:16; James 1:26 James said Be swift to hear, slow to speak. In a sense, the balance of chapter one develops the thought of how to hear. Now, James takes up the subject of speaking.

James refers to the speakers as teachers and as the truly wise. Both are obviously the same, the first portion (James 3:1-12) being an admonition against foolish speaking by the teacher, and the second portion (James 3:13-18) being an admonition to be a wise speaker (teacher, from the context) and to speak the things of wisdom. The rule of wisdom is in this chapter coupled with the warning against foolish speaking.

In the warnings of the first twelve verses, some might be prone to conclude that to avoid teaching would be to avoid the pitfalls herein mentioned. Let us remember what James has been emphasizing all alongthat faith without works is profitless, and that our faith is not completed until it is coupled with works. The admonition is not to do nothing, for this again would be faith without works. James, however, is saying that what we do is of some importance also! Faith coupled with foolish works, and foolish words will bring the wrong kind of fruit.

Faith coupled with the wrong kind of works is again a means of missing out on justification. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21). James has already warned against doing no works. Now, he warns against doing the wrong kind of works; and in particular, saying the wrong kind of words. Even as Paul says, So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10), so James speaks, Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom. (James 3:13).

Outline

Think soberly as you assume this responsibility of teaching, for we are not only judged by whether or not we are working, but we are judged by what we work, also. There is real temptation in teaching, for the tongue is often wild and uncontrolled, doing very extensive damage.

THE FOOLISH TEACHER

TEMPTATION IN TEACHING James 3:1-2

A BIG THING IN A LITTLE PACKAGE James 3:3-5 a

WILD AND UNCONTROLLED James 3:5 b - James 3:8

WHERE IT ALL BEGINS James 3:9-12