James 3:9

With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.

Study Bible

With the tongue
The "tongue" in this context is a metonym for speech or the words we use. In Greek, the word is "glōssa," which can refer to the physical organ or, metaphorically, to language and speech. The tongue is a powerful tool, capable of both blessing and cursing. Historically, the tongue has been seen as a double-edged sword, as it can be used for both good and evil. In the biblical context, the tongue is often associated with wisdom and folly, as seen in Proverbs, where wise speech is commended and foolish speech is condemned.

we bless
The Greek word for "bless" is "eulogeō," which means to speak well of or to praise. In the biblical sense, blessing is an act of worship and reverence towards God. It is an acknowledgment of His sovereignty and goodness. The act of blessing God is a central theme in Scripture, reflecting a heart of gratitude and worship. Historically, blessings were pronounced in both public and private worship settings, emphasizing the communal and personal aspects of faith.

our Lord and Father
This phrase highlights the dual relationship believers have with God. "Lord" (Greek: "Kyrios") signifies authority and divinity, while "Father" (Greek: "Patēr") emphasizes intimacy and relationship. The use of both titles reflects the Christian understanding of God as both sovereign ruler and loving parent. This duality is rooted in the Jewish tradition, where God is both the Almighty Creator and the covenantal Father of Israel. In the New Testament, this understanding is deepened through the revelation of Jesus Christ, who taught His followers to address God as "Father."

and with it we curse men
The word "curse" comes from the Greek "kataraomai," meaning to invoke harm or speak evil against someone. Cursing is the antithesis of blessing and reflects a heart that is not aligned with God's will. In the ancient world, curses were taken very seriously, often believed to have real power to harm. The act of cursing men, who are made in God's image, is a grave contradiction for believers, as it undermines the very nature of God’s creation and His command to love others.

who have been made in God’s likeness
This phrase refers to the theological concept of the Imago Dei, the belief that humans are created in the image and likeness of God, as stated in Genesis 1:26-27. The Greek word for "likeness" is "homoiōsis," which implies resemblance or similarity. This concept is foundational to Christian anthropology, affirming the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. Historically, this belief has been a cornerstone for Christian ethics, emphasizing the value of human life and the call to love and respect others as bearers of God's image. The contradiction of blessing God while cursing those made in His likeness highlights the inconsistency and hypocrisy that James seeks to address in the believer's life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. James
The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He is known for his practical teachings on Christian living.

2. The Tongue
A metaphor for human speech and communication, highlighting its power to both bless and curse.

3. God
Referred to as "our Lord and Father," emphasizing the relationship believers have with God and the reverence due to Him.

4. Men
Refers to humanity, specifically those who are made in the image and likeness of God, underscoring the inherent dignity and value of every person.

5. God’s Likeness
A reference to the creation of humans in the image of God, as described in Genesis, which establishes the basis for the respect and honor due to every individual.

Teaching Points

The Dual Nature of the Tongue
Our speech has the power to both honor God and harm others. Recognizing this duality should lead us to greater mindfulness in our communication.

The Inconsistency of Blessing and Cursing
It is contradictory to praise God while speaking ill of those made in His image. Our words should consistently reflect our faith and values.

The Image of God in Humanity
Every person bears the image of God, which demands respect and dignity in how we speak to and about others.

The Call to Holiness in Speech
As believers, we are called to holiness, which includes sanctifying our speech. Our words should be a reflection of our transformed hearts.

Practical Steps for Taming the Tongue
Engage in regular self-examination and prayer, asking God to help you use your words for His glory and the edification of others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding that all people are made in God's likeness influence the way you speak to and about others?

2. In what ways can you ensure that your speech consistently blesses God and others, rather than curses?

3. Reflect on a recent conversation where your words may not have aligned with the teachings of James 3:9. What could you have done differently?

4. How can the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:44 help you in situations where you are tempted to speak negatively about someone?

5. What practical steps can you take to align your speech with the principles found in Ephesians 4:29 and James 3:9?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 1:26-27
This passage describes humanity being created in the image of God, which is foundational to understanding why cursing others is inconsistent with blessing God.

Matthew 5:44
Jesus teaches about loving enemies and blessing those who curse you, which aligns with the call to use our speech for blessing rather than cursing.

Proverbs 18:21
This verse highlights the power of the tongue, reinforcing the idea that our words can bring life or death.

Ephesians 4:29
Paul instructs believers to let no corrupting talk come out of their mouths, but only what is good for building up, which complements James's teaching on the use of the tongue.