The Pulpit Commentary on James 3:4

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Second illustration, showing the importance of the tongue and its government. The rudder is a very small thing, but it enables the steersman to guide the ship wherever he will, in spite of the storm.

Whithersoever the governor listeth ( ὅπου ἡ ὀρμὴ τοῦ εὐθυνοντος βούλεται, א, B); whither the impulse of the steersman willeth (R.V); Vulgate, impetus dirigentis.

More for James 3:4

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

Matthew Henry on James 3:1-12James 3:1-12 · Matthew Henry Concise CommentaryWe 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, affo…Government of the Tongue. (a. d. 61.)James 3:1-12 · Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole BibleGOVERNMENT OF THE TONGUE. (A. D. 61.) The foregoing chapter shows how unprofitable and dead faith is without works. It is plainly intimated by what this chapter first goes upon that such a faith is, however, apt to make…The Pulpit Commentary on James 3:1-12James 3:1-12 · The Pulpit CommentaryWARNING AGAINST OVER-READINESS TO TEACH, LEADING TO A DISCOURSE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF GOVERNMENT OF THE TONGUE.The Pulpit Commentary on James 3:1-12James 3:1-12 · The Pulpit CommentarySpeech I. THE GREAT RESPONSIBILITY OF TEACHERS. This is forcibly shown by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:15, etc. Even of those who have built upon the right foundation the work is to be tested by fire, and "if any man's w…The Pulpit Commentary on James 3:1-12James 3:1-12 · The Pulpit CommentaryThe ethics of speech. In these verses is dealt a rebuke against the craving for authority, which, as he reminds them, involves "heavier judgment." How? Partly as coming under judgment itself (see Matthew 23:8-10); partl…The Pulpit Commentary on James 3:1-18James 3:1-18 · The Pulpit CommentaryEXPOSITION

commentaryMatthew Henry on James 3:1-12We 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, affo…Matthew Henry commentaryGovernment of the Tongue. (a. d. 61.)GOVERNMENT OF THE TONGUE. (A. D. 61.) The foregoing chapter shows how unprofitable and dead faith is without works. It is plainly intimated by what this chapter first goes upon that such a faith is, however, apt to make…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on James 3:1-12Speech I. THE GREAT RESPONSIBILITY OF TEACHERS. This is forcibly shown by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:15, etc. Even of those who have built upon the right foundation the work is to be tested by fire, and "if any man's w…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on James 3:1-12The ethics of speech. In these verses is dealt a rebuke against the craving for authority, which, as he reminds them, involves "heavier judgment." How? Partly as coming under judgment itself (see Matthew 23:8-10); partl…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on James 3:1-18EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on James 3:1-12WARNING AGAINST OVER-READINESS TO TEACH, LEADING TO A DISCOURSE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF GOVERNMENT OF THE TONGUE.Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on James 3:2-6The Tower of the tongue. Passing from the peculiar responsibility which attaches to teachers of religion, James proceeds to speak generally of the enormous influence of the faculty of speech, especially upon the speaker…Joseph S. Exell and contributors