what does the phrase "set the course of one's life" mean in james 3:6?

by Betsy Kulas 3 min read

What is the focus of Chapter 3 of the Book of James?

James 3:6, NIV: The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one's life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James 3:6, ESV: And the 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, and set on fire by hell.

What does it mean that the tongue is a fire (James 3)?

James 3:6 - And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. on StudyLight.org

What is the Book of James about?

It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. New Living Translation. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body.

What does James 3 say about teaching?

That forest fire is the one James lingers on. He calls the tongue a fire that sets the whole course of our lives on fire and is itself set on fire by hell. He calls it a restless, unstable evil, full of fatal poison. In fact, James insists, the tongue is untamable. We have no hope for controlling our words on our own as sinful human beings.

Why is John 3/16 quoted so often?

John 3:16 is a widely quoted Bible verse that summarizes the cornerstone Christian belief that their God sacrificed his son for the salvation of humanity. It's associated with signs that fans often bring to sports games. Related words: Austin 3:16.Jun 14, 2018

What was the main message of James?

Framing his letter within an overall theme of patient perseverance during trials and temptations, James writes in order to encourage his readers to live consistently with what they have learned in Christ. He condemns various sins, including pride, hypocrisy, favouritism, and slander.

Who is the way the truth and the life in John 14 6?

Jesus summed it up in one verse, John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.” All of man's questions of life are answered in this verse. Let's look at these three areas.Jul 11, 2020

What is the full meaning of James?

supplanterOrigin: James comes from the Hebrew name Jacob, and means “supplanter.” Gender: James is traditionally used as a boy name, but it has become more common as a girl's name, too.Jul 11, 2021

What does James in the Bible mean?

supplanterJames is a classic, traditional and Biblical name (Saint James, of course, was one of Jesus' 12 apostles) meaning "supplanter" or "replacer." It's derived from the Latin Jacomus which also means "may God protect." Shakespeare was a big fan of James.

What's the purpose of life according to the Bible?

God is God and He works all things, including your life, according to his purposes. Nothing can happen without God ordaining it. Psalm 57:2 says, “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.” This is key in understanding God's purpose for your life.Jan 17, 2017

What is Jesus most famous quote?

Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day. For what shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world, and suffer the loss of his soul? I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

What does John 14 mean in the Bible?

John 14 is the fourteenth chapter of the Gospel of John in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It continues Jesus' discussions with His disciples in anticipation of His death and records the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus speaks individually with Thomas, Philip and Judas (not the Iscariot).

What does James 3:6 mean?

James 3:6 compares our tongues to fire. To understand this metaphor in context, we need to begin in verse 5: “Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” Fire can be either constructive or destructive depending upon its containment. So it is with the tongue.

What does the Bible say about self control?

Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”.

What does the Bible say about the tongue?

The tongue is one such area Satan has corrupted, which is why the Bible says the tongue has been “set on fire by hell” ( James 3:6 ). We defy Satan’s evil attempts to destroy our lives through the tongue when we commit ourselves daily to the lordship of Jesus. We can offer ourselves every day as living sacrifices ( Romans 12:1 ), ...

What is the gift of fire?

With fire we cook food, heat our homes, and destroy garbage that would otherwise overwhelm us. Likewise, the gift of speech is of great benefit. With our tongues we communicate information, express affection, and praise God.

What does the tongue mean in James 3:6?

James 3:6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.

What is the tongue set on fire?

The tongue also is a fire, the world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, defiling all the body, and setting on fire the course of nature, and itself being set on fire by Gehenna.

What does the tongue do in the Bible?

The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. Berean Study Bible. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

What does the Bible say about the tongue?

New King James Version. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.

What is the tongue?

The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body.

What does James talk about in chapter 3?

Here, in chapter 3, James continues to explore this effect. In this passage, he talks about our words and heaven's wisdom. The one with perfect faith in God would have perfect control over his or her words.

What is wisdom from above?

17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

Why should not many of you become teachers?

1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

Can a human tame a tongue?

7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue.

What does James 3:13 mean?

b. First pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy: The character of this wisdom is wonderful.

What does James say about the tongue?

James echoes the testimony of Proverbs regarding the tongue: · In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is worth little. The lips of the righte ous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom.

What does the Bible say about bridling the whole body?

My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word , he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

What does Proverbs say about the lips of the righteous?

The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom. ( Proverbs 10:19-21) · Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad. ( Proverbs 12:25) · Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

What does Sophos mean in the Bible?

The word sophos (‘wise’) was the technical term among the Jews for the teacher, the scribe, the rabbi. It appears that the author is still speaking to those who would be teachers (cf. James 3:1 ); here it is not what they say that he is concerned with, but rather how they live.” (Burdick) b. Who is wise….

What does Jesus say about words?

Jesus demonstrated in Matthew 12:34-37 that words are the revelation of the inner character. i. To not stumble in word shows true spiritual maturity. This is especially relevant to teachers, who have so much more opportunity to sin with their tongue.

What is the wisdom that is from above?

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. a. But the wisdom that is from above: God’s wisdom also has fruit.

Verse Thoughts

The focus of the previous chapter is to be filled with the Spirit of God, and one result of this spiritual ‘filling’ is the manifestation of a submissive spirit, godly love and a true respect for one another.#N#Not only are wives to be submissive to their husbands and men are to love their spouses, as Christ loved the Church, but these godly characteristics should be displayed in their children’s behaviour, and so we read: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.#N#To obey their parents ‘in the Lord‘, means that children should carry out instructions they receive from their parents, as if it were God Himself, Who was directing them.

My Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the family unit, which was ordained by You, from the beginning. Help me to be a good parent and to instruct those in my care wisely. Help me also to be child-like in my relationship with others, and to respect and honour them, as unto the Lord. This I ask in Jesus name, AMEN.