autions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an
unruly tongue. (1-12) The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in
opposition to that which is worldly. (13-18)
Verses 1-12: We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the
greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion
by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and every
condition of life, private or public, affords examples of this.
Hell has more to do in promoting the fire of the tongue than men
generally think; and whenever men's tongues are employed in
sinful ways, they are set on fire of hell. No man can tame the
tongue without Divine grace and assistance. The apostle does not
represent it as impossible, but as extremely difficult. Other
sins decay with age, this many times gets worse; we grow more
froward and fretful, as natural strength decays, and the days
come on in which we have no pleasure. When other sins are tamed
and subdued by the infirmities of age, the spirit often grows
more tart, nature being drawn down to the dregs, and the words
used become more passionate. That man's tongue confutes itself,
which at one time pretends to adore the perfections of God, and
to refer all things to him; and at another time condemns even
good men, if they do not use the same words and expressions.
True religion will not admit of contradictions: how many sins
would be prevented, if men would always be consistent! Pious and
edifying language is the genuine produce of a sanctified heart;
and none who understand Christianity, expect to hear curses,
lies, boastings, and revilings from a true believer's mouth, any
more than they look for the fruit of one tree from another. But
facts prove that more professors succeed in bridling their
senses and appetites, than in duly restraining their tongues.
Then, depending on Divine grace, let us take heed to bless and
curse not; and let us aim to be consistent in our words and
actions.
Verses 13-18: These verses show the difference between men's pretending
to be wise, and their being really so. He who thinks well, or he
who talks well, is not wise in the sense of the Scripture, if he
does not live and act well. True wisdom may be know by the
meekness of the spirit and temper. Those who live in malice,
envy, and contention, live in confusion; and are liable to be
provoked and hurried to any evil work. Such wisdom comes not
down from above, but springs up from earthly principles, acts on
earthly motives, and is intent on serving earthly purposes.
Those who are lifted up with such wisdom, described by the
apostle James, is near to the Christian love, described by the
apostle Paul; and both are so described that every man may fully
prove the reality of his attainments in them. It has no disguise
or deceit. It cannot fall in with those managements the world
counts wise, which are crafty and guileful; but it is sincere,
and open, and steady, and uniform, and consistent with itself.
May the purity, peace, gentleness, teachableness, and mercy
shown in all our actions, and the fruits of righteousness
abounding in our lives, prove that God has bestowed upon us this
excellent gift.
autions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an
unruly tongue. (1-12) The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in
opposition to that which is worldly. (13-18)