James 3

James 3:1

BE not] That is, let no man usurpe (as many imperiously do) authoritie to judge and censure others: that is, rashly and rigorously, Mat. 7. 1, &c. Luk. 6. 37, &c. Romans 2:1.

condemnation] Or, judgement. That is, punishment; as Matthew 23:14. Mark 12:40. Luke 20:47.

James 3:2

offend all] 1 Kings 8:46. Pro. 29.

If any man] Ecclus. 14. 1. & 19. 16. & 25. 8.

perfect] That is, endued with much wisdome and discretion; or else a sincere Christian indeed, John 1:47. though not absolutely perfect according to all parts and degrees of perfection.

bridle] See Chap. 1. 26.

whole] That is, all the members of his body: as his eyes, eares, &c. because it is easier to govern all other members then the tongue.

James 3:3

bits in the horses mouthes] Psalms 32:9.

James 3:4

fierce winds] Or, strong.

James 3:5

boasteth great things] Psalms 12:3. & Psalms 73:8.

a matter] Or, wood.

James 3:6

world] That is, a mightie deale, or multitude, or heap: it commits a multitude of iniquitie by flattering, lying, swearing, slandering, &c.

amongst] Gr. in the midst.

whole] As a little fire doth a whole wood.

course] Gr. wheele. Or whole frame of nature, either with lust, anger, pride, or the like.

hell] That is, of the Devil. As Heaven is sometimes taken for God, whose throne is in heaven, Matthew 6:9. Psalms 2:4. & Psalms 11:4. Esa. 66. 1. Matthew 5:34. & Matthew 23:22. Acts 7:49.

James 3:7

kind] Gr. nature.

mankind] Gr. nature of man.

James 3:8

full] Psalms 140:3.

deadly] That is, which brings death. Some think that herein Saint James alludes unto Psalms 140:4.

James 3:9

Therewith] Amongst other faults of the tongue the Apostle chiefly reproveth backbiting, speaking evill, and cursing of our neighbours, and that in them especially, who would seem godly and religious.

curse] Thereby understand all those vices of the tongue, whereby we offend against our neighbours; the chief being put or mentioned for all: as in the Negative precepts of the second Table of the Law.

the similitude of God] Genesis 1:26.

James 3:10

Out of one] The intention of the Apostle in this and the two next verses, is to shew, that blessing of God, and cursing our brethren, cannot stand well together.

James 3:11

place] Or, hole.

James 3:13

Who is wise] It is as if the Apostle had said; you perswade your selves that in censuring others you shew much wisedome and knowledge; but if there be that wisdome and knowledge in you as ye pretend, then shew it by your works without imperious, and rigid, and proud censuring your brethren. See vers. 17.

meeknesse of wisdome] That is, that meeknesse which is guided by true Christian wisdome.

James 3:14

envying] Or, emulation.

glory not] Of your wisdome.

lie] Because true wisdome doth not consist with such bitter emulation and strife. So it is said, That he that faith that he hath no sinne, is a lier, 1 John 1.

James 3:15

This] Which those imperious censurers of other mens lives and actions pretended.

earthly] See John 3:12. 2 Corinthians 5:1. Phil. 2. 10. & 3. 19.

sensuall] Or, naturall. And not from the Spirit of grace, 1 Corinthians 2:14.

devilish] That is, that which the devil practises, Job 1:10-11. Revelation 12:10.

James 3:16

confusion] Gr. tumult, or unquietnesse.

James 3:17

above] See Chap. 1. 17.

pure] See 2 Corinthians 11:2. Philippians 4:8. Titus 2:5. 1 Peter 3:2. 1 John 3:3.

gentle] Or, patient. Acts 24:4.

without partialitie] Or, without wrangling, or, without judging.

James 3:18

fruit] That is, life eternall, which is the fruit of righteousnesse, not by way of merit, but of grace, Romans 4:4.

sown] Because the world perswadeth it self, that they are miserable which live peaceably; therefore the Apostle here pronounceth that they shal at length reap the harvest of a peaceable righteousnesse, Matthew 5:9.

make peace] That is, who are not onely of a peaceable disposition, but seek peace, Psalms 34:15. 1 Peter 3:11. and labour to make peace between those who are at variance.