The temptation of wealth

James 5:1-6

1Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. 2Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.

I. Message

Content

1. Hoarding wealth, allowing wealth to rot rather than sharing with others for good cause (v1-3)
2. Owing wages to the workmen and taking advantages of them will not go unpunished (v4)
3. Abuse of power, condemnation and murder of the innocent. Living in luxury and self-indulgence, fattening oneself as for the day of slaughter. (v5-6)

Theme

1. The temptation of wealth.
2. Wealthy yet uncompassionate brings about disaster.

II. Who is God? Who is Jesus? Who is the Holy Spirit?

1. The God who examines all (v4)
2. God who vindicates for the innocents (v4)

III. What is God teaching me (command, promise, model, rebuke, warning)?

1. Wealthy but uncompassionate will bring about disaster

“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. 2Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire.” (v1-3a)

Although wealth can be a blessing, it could also be a temptation. Some say, “Money and wealth are the best servant but the worst master.” There is certainly some truth to this saying. In fact, God is not against wealth, but he is against gaining wealth through unjust means. James directed his warning of imminent disaster especially to those who has gained their wealth through unjust means. He said, “You rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire.”

Reflection: How do I gain wealth? Do I hoard wealth by any means necessary or earn my wealth legally and with integrity?

2. Wealthy but uncompassionate will bring about disaster

“You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you.” (v3b-4a)

James continued by pointing out concrete examples of their ‘wealth without compassion’. They hoarded wealth to themselves and oppressed the innocents. He talked specifically about the workmen who were hired to mow the fields. Their rightful wages were often owed or postponed indefinitely. These were the ways with which the wealthy oppressed the workers for the purpose of accumulating personal wealth.

Reflection: How do I handle financial matters in my daily life, especially regarding the source of my income? Is there any unjust or ambiguous practice?

3. Wealthy but uncompassionate will bring about disaster

The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. (4b)

James then personified the cries of the innocents. The Lord Almighty has heard and He will deal with the injustice. Here, ‘the cries of the harvesters’ echoes Genesis 4:10 where the Lord said to Cain after he had killed Abel, ‘Listen! Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground.’ This means that evil deeds would not be without trace; right and wrong shall be revealed. God examines all; evil deeds would not go unnoticed. God will administer justice.

Reflection: Do I still have any hidden deeds and sins, those that are causing continual cries and accusations of injustice?

4. Life of luxury and self-indulgence

“You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.” (v5)

James then said: “you who are wealthy but without compassion, who oppress the innocents, who hoard wealth with unjust means have lived a luxurious, reckless and immoral lives.” Such a way of life is death seeking; they fattened themselves as if prepared to be slaughter!

Reflection: How do I live? Do I oppress the innocent; rob others to hoard wealth, fattening myself? Am I like a fattened animal ready to be slaughter?

5. Using wealth to entrap the innocent

“You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.” (v.6)

Finally James pointed out that not only have they fattened themselves as the animals ready to be slaughter, they condemned and murdered innocent men. The extremity of their evil deeds will certainly receive God’s judgment?

Reflection: In my business and daily dealings, have I misused wealth to entrap the innocent?

Do not boast and brag

James 04: 13-17

¹³Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." ¹⁴Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. ¹⁵Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." ¹⁶As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. ¹⁷Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

I. Core Message

Content:

1) Life is like a mist, we are not able to grasp it (v13-14)

2) We live in God’s will. (v15)

3) Pride is sin. (v16)

4) He who knows the good and doesn’t do it, sins. (v17)

Theme:

1. Do not boast and brag.
2. Life is a mist.

II. Who are God, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit?

1. Jesus Christ who has power over the life (v15)

III. What does the passage teach us (about commands, promises, examples, exhortations, and warnings?)

1. Truth of life

¹³Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." ¹⁴Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. (v13-14) People often over-estimate their limitations, and also they do not understand the truth of life. They think they have power over their lives so they decide everything for themselves, including future plans. Life is actually like a mist, it could disappear at anytime. Therefore, we are not able to predict what is going to happen further in the future or even tomorrow. Thus, we always have to lay trust on our lord for our future.

Reflection: Could we understand that life is short and is like a mist? Some people describe life as: When we live, we feel like we will not die (not understand that life is short, only seeking for instance, and does not seek for everlasting); However, when we die, we give people impression that we have never lived (did not prepare for everlasting, and do not leave a mark) Could I understand this metaphor?

2. Attitude towards life

¹⁵Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." (v15) We should always live in God’s will. When we are facing our future, our plans, we should have the right attitude: we should surrender under God and ask for his permission. We live and behave with God’s permissions and his will. We should not ignore the presence of God, and made all decisions by ourselves.

Reflection: How do I think about my future? How do I plan? Do I pray and seek for God’s will before making decisions just as what James said,” asking for God’s permission.”

3. Pride is sin

¹⁶As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. (v16) People who has no God in mind, who is proud, especially who think they can control over their lives are sinners. Thus, people who plan things according to their mind are pride and evil because they have offended God.

Reflection: How do I think about life? Have I ever commit the sin of pride when I ignore God’s will and act according to my own mind?

4. Who knows the good and doesn’t do it, sins.

¹⁷Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. (v17)

Being righteous is the duty of God’s people. We should behave according to the law- doing goods, for example, taking care of orphans and widow. A person who doesn’t do so is behaving against the law. In other word, he sins. According to the social standard, people who obey the law are considered irrelevant with sin. However, this is not what the Bible is teaching us. Bible has a higher standard. It teaches us the person who knows the good and doesn’t do it, sins.

Reflection: Do we have people around who need help? Do I have compassion and have I ever helped them? What kind of person am I according to Bible’s standard? Am I a righteous man or am I a sinner?

Worldly believers and the quarrels of church

James 04:01-12

1你 們當中的衝突爭吵是哪裏來的呢？是從你們當中爭戰著的慾望來的！2你們要抓要取，得不到就殺人；你們要貪要婪，得不到手就爭就鬥。你們得不到所要的，是 因為你們沒有向上帝求。3你們求仍然得不到，是因為你們的動機不好；你們所求的不過是要揮霍享樂罷了！4你們這 班不忠不信的人哪，難道不曉得跟世界做朋友就是敵對上帝嗎？誰要跟世界做朋友，誰就是上帝的敵人！5聖經上說：「上 帝安置在我們裏面的靈有強烈的慾望。」你們以為這話沒有意思嗎？6然而，上帝所賜的恩典更為豐富，正如聖經所說：「上帝敵對驕傲的人，賜恩典給謙卑的 人。」7所以，你們要順服上帝；要抗拒魔鬼，魔鬼就會逃避。8你們親近上帝，上帝就親近你們。有罪的人 哪，要潔淨你們的手！偽善的人哪，要潔淨你們的心！9你們要悲傷，哀慟，哭泣；要把歡笑變為哀哭，喜樂變為悲愁。10要在主面前謙卑， 他就提升你們。4:11 弟兄姊妹們，不要互相批評。誰批評或評斷弟兄姊妹，就是批評和評斷摩西的法律。如果你評斷 法律，你就不是服從法律，而是評斷它。4:12 只有上帝是立法者、審判者；只有他能拯救，能毀滅。你是誰，竟敢評斷你的鄰人！

¹What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? ²You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. ³When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. ⁴You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. ⁵Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? ⁶But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." ⁷Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. ¹¹Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. ¹²There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

一、中心內容：

內容： Content:
1>教會紛爭的原因。（v1-2）The reasons that cause fights and quarrels at church

2>彼此鬥爭阻斷了禱告。（v2-3）Quarrel acts as a stumbling block from prayers
3>與世俗為友，就是與上帝為敵。（v4）Friendship with the world is hatred toward God
4>避免紛爭的作為。（v6-12）Flee from the act of dispute

主題：Theme:
1>屬世信徒與教會紛爭。Worldly believers and the quarrels of church
2>不要與世界為友。Do not be friends with the world

二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？

1>垂聽禱告的上帝。（v2）The God that listens to prayers
2>察看動機的上帝。（v3） The God that observes motives
3>與世界有別的上帝。（v4） The God that is an enemy toward the world
4>賜下豐富恩典的上帝。（v6） The God that gives abundant grace
5>與魔鬼對立的上帝。（v7） The God that is an enemy toward evil
6>喜愛與人親近的上帝。（v8） The God that likes to come near his people
7>使人高昇的耶穌基督。（v10） Jesus Christ who allows people to be raised
8>頒佈律法的上帝。（v12） The God that proposes the Law
9>施行審判的上帝。（v12） The God that judges

三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？

1>爭吵衝突的原因 The reasons that cause fights and quarrels
你們當中的衝突爭吵是哪裏來的呢？是從你們當中爭戰著的慾望來 的！你們要抓要取，得不到就殺人；你們要貪要婪，得不到手就爭就鬥。（v1-2a）
雅各提到教會中有爭吵，甚至有衝突，這些爭吵與衝突，都是來自 人類的貪婪和慾望。或許是為了爭得更多的金錢，或許為了攀得更高的權位，或許為了贏得更多的賞識。因此，弟兄姊妹之間，竟然彼此爭 吵，甚至互有衝突。
雅各表示：這些都是來自個人的私慾，也就是所謂「貪愛世界」或「與 世界為友」的表現。雖然如此斤斤計較，甚至彼此爭奪與衝突，但是倒頭來還是一場空，也就是什麼都得不著。
反省：我是一個什麼樣的人呢？是否善於爭鬥？善於搶奪？我為何 而爭？為何而忙？我又汲汲營營於何事？我因何而感到生命豐富？我因何而領會心靈滿足？因權勢、地位、聲望、金錢？或因信心、盼望、喜 樂、愛心？

¹What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? ²You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. (v1-2a)

James mentions that there are quarrels, even fights among people in a church, and that all of these come from greed and desire. Perhaps, it is a quarrel to gain more money, or to receive a higher position thus more power, or even to gain more appreciation. Therefore, quarrels, or even physical fights occurred among brothers and sisters. James assures that “all of these come from inner desire.” That is – “to greed for the world,” or “befriended with the world.” Although people are selfish and cause quarrels and fights among one another, but in end, they gain nothing.

Reflection: What kind of person am I? Am I someone who seeks for quarrel? Do I snatch what belongs to others? Why do I quarrel? Why am I so busy? What makes me feel that life is rich? What makes me feel the completeness of my spiritual level? Is it due to power, position, prestige, money? Or due to faith, hope, joy, and love?

2>一無所得的原因 The reason for gaining nothing
你們得不到所要的，是因為你們沒有向上帝求。你們求仍然得不到，是 因為你們的動機不好；你們所求的不過是要揮霍享樂罷了！（v2b-3）
雅各接著又談到有關「祈禱」與「動機」的問題。他說：你們得不 著，就是因為你們沒有向上帝祈求，只是憑著自己的方法（爭吵、衝突、搶奪）爭取。
然而，你們即便向上帝祈求了，還是一樣也得不著，因為你們的動 機不正確，因為你們只是為了滿足自己的私慾，也就是肆意揮霍與享樂。
因為這樣的動機、這樣的目的，上帝當然不會垂聽你們的禱告，不 會滿足你們的需求。
反省：我常常向上帝祈求嗎？我通常都為何事而求？為滿足個人慾 望（私利）而求？或為了成就上帝的旨意（公義）而求？也就是為了上帝國度快快降臨而求？我的祈求通常都是一無所獲嗎？還是體會到豐盛 與富足？

You do not have, because you do not ask God. ³When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures (2b-3).

James later discusses about the question of prayer and motives. He said, “You do not receive because you do not ask God, and only try to use your own ways (quarreling, fighting, stealing) to gain. Yet, when you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures; that is – to profligate for worldly happiness. Because of this kind of motives and goals, God surely do not listen to your prayers, and do not provide your needs.

Reflection: Do I pray to God a lot? And usually is for what reason? Is it for my own desire? Or is it for the glory and work (justice) of God? That is to pray for the soon coming of God’s Kingdome? Do my prayers usually end up with nothing? Or do I experience grace and satisfaction?

3>敵我分明的立場 To make clear the enemy position
你們這班不忠不信的人哪，難道不曉得跟世界做朋友就是敵對上帝 嗎？誰要跟世界做朋友，誰就是上帝的敵人！（v4）
在國度裏沒有所謂左右逢源的中間地帶，乃是界線明確、敵我分明、沒 有重疊、互不干犯。雅各指出：凡是與世界為友的，就是與上帝為敵。也就是說：凡貪愛世界、事奉瑪門，極力追求財富的人，就是「與世界 為友」同時「與上帝為敵」的人。
反省：在界線明確、敵我分明的國度中，我比較傾向那一個陣營？傾 向上帝的陣營？或傾向世界的陣營？

⁴You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

In God’s Kingdom, there is no such thing as the middle ground. The lines are always clearly drawn between the enemies of God from the double-minded from the friends of God. There is no such thing as the intersection in between. James points out, “Friendship with the word is hatred toward God.” That is – whoever greed for the world, ministers Mammon, pursuits continuously for wealth, are all “friends of the world” and at the same time “enemies of God.”

Reflection: Since the lines between enemies and friends of God are clearly drawn, which side do I lean to? Is it toward God? Or toward the world?

4>避免紛爭的作為 Flee from the act of dispute
然而，上帝所賜的恩典更為豐富，正如聖經所說：「上帝敵對驕傲 的人，賜恩典給謙卑的人。」所以，你們要順服上帝；要抗拒魔鬼，魔鬼就會逃避。你們親近上帝，上帝就親近你們。
有罪的人哪，要潔淨你們的手！偽善的人哪，要潔淨你們的心！你 們要悲傷，哀慟，哭泣；要把歡笑變為哀哭，喜樂變為悲愁。要在主面前謙卑，他就提升你們。弟兄姊妹們，不要互相批評。誰批評或評斷弟 兄姊妹，就是批評和評斷摩西的法律。如果你評斷法律，你就不是服從法律，而是評斷它。只有上帝是立法者、審判者；只有他能拯救，能毀 滅。你是誰，竟敢評斷你的鄰人！（v6-12）
雅各接著提出，基督徒要避免紛爭，過得勝生活，必須努力下列七 件事：
a.順服上帝：順服上帝的旨意、遵行上帝的律例，將生命的主權 交託給祂。（v7）

b.抵 擋魔鬼：不讓魔鬼的慫恿、誘惑得逞，應用上帝的話語抵擋、擊退牠。（v7）

c.親 近上帝：要常常親近上帝，就是常常讀經、禱告、敬拜親近上帝。（v8）

d.生 活聖潔：洗淨自己的手，潔淨自己的心，過著遠離罪惡，聖潔的生活。（v8）

e.為 罪悲痛：為自己所犯下的罪，深深的感到悲哀、憂愁、痛苦。（v9）

f.主 前謙卑：除去驕傲的心，謙卑在主面前。（v10）

g.不 相批評：不互相批評論斷，否則就是越權企圖扮演上帝審判角色。（v11-12）

反省：以上這七項信仰功課，在我身上成就了幾項？請逐一檢視：

⁶But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." ⁷Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. ¹¹Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. ¹²There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? (v6-12).

James later proposes that in order for Christians to flee from quarrel, to live a triumphant life, they must work on the seven following:

1. Submit yourself to God: submit yourself to God’s will, follow his Law, give your life to Him, and allow him to be the center of your life (v7).
2. Resist the evil: do not be encouraged or tempted by evil. Use God’s words to resist and defeat it (v7).
3. Come near to God: come near to God always. That is to read the Bible, pray, and praise Him frequently (v8).
4. Holy life: wash your hands and purify your hearts, live a life free from evil, a holy life.
5. Grieve for sins: experience sincerely the grieving, mourning, and wailing for the sins that you have done (v9).
6. Humble yourself: be free from any proud, and humble yourself before the Lord (v10).
7. Do not judge: do not speak or judge one another, because this act is trying to take on the character of God (v11-12).
   

Reflection: From the above seven homework of a Christian, how many do I have? Please carefully examine each.

5>不可論斷的理由 The reasons to not speak against others
弟兄姊妹們，不要互相批評。誰批評或評斷弟兄姊妹，就是批評和 評斷摩西的法律。如果你評斷法律，你就不是服從法律，而是評斷它。只有上帝是立法者、審判者；只有他能拯救，能毀滅。你是誰，竟敢評 斷你的鄰人！（v11-12）
擁有信心的好行為，就是不會隨便論斷別人。不論斷別人的理由如 下：
a.既然對方是弟兄姊妹，就是一家人了。既然是一家人，就不應 該因彼此論斷而破壞感情。
b.只有上帝所頒佈的律法才是唯一標準，才有資格判斷人。弟兄 姊妹若彼此論斷，就是輕視律法的權威，就像取代律法的地位。這樣就是變相批評律法，既然批評律法，當然是犯法。
c.唯有上帝有資格審判人，因為唯有上帝是在律法之上，人人都 在律法之下。在律法之下，人人都是罪人，人人都是平等的。因此，不應該，也無權批評、論斷人。
反省：我是否經常論斷他人，甚至審判他人、定他人的罪呢？

¹¹Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. ¹²There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? (v11-12).

The good habit of having faith is to not speak against others. The reasons to not speak against others are as follow:

1. Since they are your brothers and sisters, we are a family. Since we are a family, we should not speak against each other and destroy the relationship.
2. Only the Law that God commands is the correct standard for He is the only one who is qualified. If brothers and sisters speak against one another, he/she disobeys the Law and is like replacing the position of the Law. Disobeying the Law is like speaking against the Law, and of course this act breaks the Law.
3. God is the only qualified one to judge because he is above the Law. Everyone else is below the Law. And all who is below the law are sinners, everyone is equal. Thus, no one should and no one can speak against one other and judge others.

Reflection: Have I ever speak against others and/or judge others?

四、我的禱告 / 實際應用 James 04:01-12

1你 們當中的衝突爭吵是哪裏來的呢？是從你們當中爭戰著的慾望來的！2你們要抓要取，得不到就殺人；你們要貪要婪，得不到手就爭就鬥。你們得不到所要的，是 因為你們沒有向上帝求。3你們求仍然得不到，是因為你們的動機不好；你們所求的不過是要揮霍享樂罷了！4你們這 班不忠不信的人哪，難道不曉得跟世界做朋友就是敵對上帝嗎？誰要跟世界做朋友，誰就是上帝的敵人！5聖經上說：「上 帝安置在我們裏面的靈有強烈的慾望。」你們以為這話沒有意思嗎？6然而，上帝所賜的恩典更為豐富，正如聖經所說：「上帝敵對驕傲的人，賜恩典給謙卑的 人。」7所以，你們要順服上帝；要抗拒魔鬼，魔鬼就會逃避。8你們親近上帝，上帝就親近你們。有罪的人 哪，要潔淨你們的手！偽善的人哪，要潔淨你們的心！9你們要悲傷，哀慟，哭泣；要把歡笑變為哀哭，喜樂變為悲愁。10要在主面前謙卑， 他就提升你們。4:11 弟兄姊妹們，不要互相批評。誰批評或評斷弟兄姊妹，就是批評和評斷摩西的法律。如果你評斷 法律，你就不是服從法律，而是評斷它。4:12 只有上帝是立法者、審判者；只有他能拯救，能毀滅。你是誰，竟敢評斷你的鄰人！

¹What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? ²You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. ³When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. ⁴You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. ⁵Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? ⁶But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." ⁷Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. ¹¹Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. ¹²There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

一、中心內容：

內容： Content:
1>教會紛爭的原因。（v1-2）The reasons that cause fights and quarrels at church

2>彼此鬥爭阻斷了禱告。（v2-3）Quarrel acts as a stumbling block from prayers
3>與世俗為友，就是與上帝為敵。（v4）Friendship with the world is hatred toward God
4>避免紛爭的作為。（v6-12）Flee from the act of dispute

主題：Theme:
1>屬世信徒與教會紛爭。Worldly believers and the quarrels of church
2>不要與世界為友。Do not be friends with the world

二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？

1>垂聽禱告的上帝。（v2）The God that listens to prayers
2>察看動機的上帝。（v3） The God that observes motives
3>與世界有別的上帝。（v4） The God that is an enemy toward the world
4>賜下豐富恩典的上帝。（v6） The God that gives abundant grace
5>與魔鬼對立的上帝。（v7） The God that is an enemy toward evil
6>喜愛與人親近的上帝。（v8） The God that likes to come near his people
7>使人高昇的耶穌基督。（v10） Jesus Christ who allows people to be raised
8>頒佈律法的上帝。（v12） The God that proposes the Law
9>施行審判的上帝。（v12） The God that judges

三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？

1>爭吵衝突的原因 The reasons that cause fights and quarrels
你們當中的衝突爭吵是哪裏來的呢？是從你們當中爭戰著的慾望來 的！你們要抓要取，得不到就殺人；你們要貪要婪，得不到手就爭就鬥。（v1-2a）
雅各提到教會中有爭吵，甚至有衝突，這些爭吵與衝突，都是來自 人類的貪婪和慾望。或許是為了爭得更多的金錢，或許為了攀得更高的權位，或許為了贏得更多的賞識。因此，弟兄姊妹之間，竟然彼此爭 吵，甚至互有衝突。
雅各表示：這些都是來自個人的私慾，也就是所謂「貪愛世界」或「與 世界為友」的表現。雖然如此斤斤計較，甚至彼此爭奪與衝突，但是倒頭來還是一場空，也就是什麼都得不著。
反省：我是一個什麼樣的人呢？是否善於爭鬥？善於搶奪？我為何 而爭？為何而忙？我又汲汲營營於何事？我因何而感到生命豐富？我因何而領會心靈滿足？因權勢、地位、聲望、金錢？或因信心、盼望、喜 樂、愛心？

¹What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? ²You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. (v1-2a)

James mentions that there are quarrels, even fights among people in a church, and that all of these come from greed and desire. Perhaps, it is a quarrel to gain more money, or to receive a higher position thus more power, or even to gain more appreciation. Therefore, quarrels, or even physical fights occurred among brothers and sisters. James assures that “all of these come from inner desire.” That is – “to greed for the world,” or “befriended with the world.” Although people are selfish and cause quarrels and fights among one another, but in end, they gain nothing.

Reflection: What kind of person am I? Am I someone who seeks for quarrel? Do I snatch what belongs to others? Why do I quarrel? Why am I so busy? What makes me feel that life is rich? What makes me feel the completeness of my spiritual level? Is it due to power, position, prestige, money? Or due to faith, hope, joy, and love?

2>一無所得的原因 The reason for gaining nothing
你們得不到所要的，是因為你們沒有向上帝求。你們求仍然得不到，是 因為你們的動機不好；你們所求的不過是要揮霍享樂罷了！（v2b-3）
雅各接著又談到有關「祈禱」與「動機」的問題。他說：你們得不 著，就是因為你們沒有向上帝祈求，只是憑著自己的方法（爭吵、衝突、搶奪）爭取。
然而，你們即便向上帝祈求了，還是一樣也得不著，因為你們的動 機不正確，因為你們只是為了滿足自己的私慾，也就是肆意揮霍與享樂。
因為這樣的動機、這樣的目的，上帝當然不會垂聽你們的禱告，不 會滿足你們的需求。
反省：我常常向上帝祈求嗎？我通常都為何事而求？為滿足個人慾 望（私利）而求？或為了成就上帝的旨意（公義）而求？也就是為了上帝國度快快降臨而求？我的祈求通常都是一無所獲嗎？還是體會到豐盛 與富足？

You do not have, because you do not ask God. ³When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures (2b-3).

James later discusses about the question of prayer and motives. He said, “You do not receive because you do not ask God, and only try to use your own ways (quarreling, fighting, stealing) to gain. Yet, when you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures; that is – to profligate for worldly happiness. Because of this kind of motives and goals, God surely do not listen to your prayers, and do not provide your needs.

Reflection: Do I pray to God a lot? And usually is for what reason? Is it for my own desire? Or is it for the glory and work (justice) of God? That is to pray for the soon coming of God’s Kingdome? Do my prayers usually end up with nothing? Or do I experience grace and satisfaction?

3>敵我分明的立場 To make clear the enemy position
你們這班不忠不信的人哪，難道不曉得跟世界做朋友就是敵對上帝 嗎？誰要跟世界做朋友，誰就是上帝的敵人！（v4）
在國度裏沒有所謂左右逢源的中間地帶，乃是界線明確、敵我分明、沒 有重疊、互不干犯。雅各指出：凡是與世界為友的，就是與上帝為敵。也就是說：凡貪愛世界、事奉瑪門，極力追求財富的人，就是「與世界 為友」同時「與上帝為敵」的人。
反省：在界線明確、敵我分明的國度中，我比較傾向那一個陣營？傾 向上帝的陣營？或傾向世界的陣營？

⁴You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

In God’s Kingdom, there is no such thing as the middle ground. The lines are always clearly drawn between the enemies of God from the double-minded from the friends of God. There is no such thing as the intersection in between. James points out, “Friendship with the word is hatred toward God.” That is – whoever greed for the world, ministers Mammon, pursuits continuously for wealth, are all “friends of the world” and at the same time “enemies of God.”

Reflection: Since the lines between enemies and friends of God are clearly drawn, which side do I lean to? Is it toward God? Or toward the world?

4>避免紛爭的作為 Flee from the act of dispute
然而，上帝所賜的恩典更為豐富，正如聖經所說：「上帝敵對驕傲 的人，賜恩典給謙卑的人。」所以，你們要順服上帝；要抗拒魔鬼，魔鬼就會逃避。你們親近上帝，上帝就親近你們。
有罪的人哪，要潔淨你們的手！偽善的人哪，要潔淨你們的心！你 們要悲傷，哀慟，哭泣；要把歡笑變為哀哭，喜樂變為悲愁。要在主面前謙卑，他就提升你們。弟兄姊妹們，不要互相批評。誰批評或評斷弟 兄姊妹，就是批評和評斷摩西的法律。如果你評斷法律，你就不是服從法律，而是評斷它。只有上帝是立法者、審判者；只有他能拯救，能毀 滅。你是誰，竟敢評斷你的鄰人！（v6-12）
雅各接著提出，基督徒要避免紛爭，過得勝生活，必須努力下列七 件事：
a.順服上帝：順服上帝的旨意、遵行上帝的律例，將生命的主權 交託給祂。（v7）

b.抵 擋魔鬼：不讓魔鬼的慫恿、誘惑得逞，應用上帝的話語抵擋、擊退牠。（v7）

c.親 近上帝：要常常親近上帝，就是常常讀經、禱告、敬拜親近上帝。（v8）

d.生 活聖潔：洗淨自己的手，潔淨自己的心，過著遠離罪惡，聖潔的生活。（v8）

e.為 罪悲痛：為自己所犯下的罪，深深的感到悲哀、憂愁、痛苦。（v9）

f.主 前謙卑：除去驕傲的心，謙卑在主面前。（v10）

g.不 相批評：不互相批評論斷，否則就是越權企圖扮演上帝審判角色。（v11-12）

反省：以上這七項信仰功課，在我身上成就了幾項？請逐一檢視：

⁶But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." ⁷Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. ¹¹Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. ¹²There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? (v6-12).

James later proposes that in order for Christians to flee from quarrel, to live a triumphant life, they must work on the seven following:

1. Submit yourself to God: submit yourself to God’s will, follow his Law, give your life to Him, and allow him to be the center of your life (v7).
2. Resist the evil: do not be encouraged or tempted by evil. Use God’s words to resist and defeat it (v7).
3. Come near to God: come near to God always. That is to read the Bible, pray, and praise Him frequently (v8).
4. Holy life: wash your hands and purify your hearts, live a life free from evil, a holy life.
5. Grieve for sins: experience sincerely the grieving, mourning, and wailing for the sins that you have done (v9).
6. Humble yourself: be free from any proud, and humble yourself before the Lord (v10).
7. Do not judge: do not speak or judge one another, because this act is trying to take on the character of God (v11-12).
   

Reflection: From the above seven homework of a Christian, how many do I have? Please carefully examine each.

5>不可論斷的理由 The reasons to not speak against others
弟兄姊妹們，不要互相批評。誰批評或評斷弟兄姊妹，就是批評和 評斷摩西的法律。如果你評斷法律，你就不是服從法律，而是評斷它。只有上帝是立法者、審判者；只有他能拯救，能毀滅。你是誰，竟敢評 斷你的鄰人！（v11-12）
擁有信心的好行為，就是不會隨便論斷別人。不論斷別人的理由如 下：
a.既然對方是弟兄姊妹，就是一家人了。既然是一家人，就不應 該因彼此論斷而破壞感情。
b.只有上帝所頒佈的律法才是唯一標準，才有資格判斷人。弟兄 姊妹若彼此論斷，就是輕視律法的權威，就像取代律法的地位。這樣就是變相批評律法，既然批評律法，當然是犯法。
c.唯有上帝有資格審判人，因為唯有上帝是在律法之上，人人都 在律法之下。在律法之下，人人都是罪人，人人都是平等的。因此，不應該，也無權批評、論斷人。
反省：我是否經常論斷他人，甚至審判他人、定他人的罪呢？

¹¹Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. ¹²There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? (v11-12).

The good habit of having faith is to not speak against others. The reasons to not speak against others are as follow:

1. Since they are your brothers and sisters, we are a family. Since we are a family, we should not speak against each other and destroy the relationship.
2. Only the Law that God commands is the correct standard for He is the only one who is qualified. If brothers and sisters speak against one another, he/she disobeys the Law and is like replacing the position of the Law. Disobeying the Law is like speaking against the Law, and of course this act breaks the Law.
3. God is the only qualified one to judge because he is above the Law. Everyone else is below the Law. And all who is below the law are sinners, everyone is equal. Thus, no one should and no one can speak against one other and judge others.

Reflection: Have I ever speak against others and/or judge others?

四、我的禱告 / 實際應用

Wisdom coming down from heaven

3:13 你們當中有聰明智慧的人嗎？如果有，他就應該以充滿著謙卑和智慧的好行為，來表現他有美好的生活。3:14 既 然你們心裏有惡毒的嫉妒和自私，你們就不可以自誇，不可以撒謊敵對真理。3:15 你們的所謂智慧不是從天上來的，而是屬世， 屬情慾，屬魔鬼的。3:16 凡是有嫉妒和自私的地方，就有紛亂和各種邪惡的行為。3:17 但是，從上 面來的智慧有幾樣特徵：第一是純潔，其次是和平、謙和、友善，充滿著仁慈，能結出豐富的善果，沒有偏私，沒有虛偽。3:18 一切正義 的果子都是從播種和平的人、為和平努力所撒的種子產生出來的。

James 3:13-18 (New International Version)

Two Kinds of Wisdom

¹³Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. ¹⁵Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. ¹⁶For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

¹⁷But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. ¹⁸Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

一、中心內容：Message

內容：Content
1>應藉著好行為，來見證所擁有的智慧。Testify the wisdom by the good deeds（v13）
2>屬世、屬情慾、屬魔鬼的智慧。The earthly, unspiritual wisdom, and wisdom of the devil（v14-16）
3>從上面（上帝）來的智慧，與所結的果子。The wisdom that comes from heaven and the fruits（v17-18）

主題：Theme
1>從上面來的智慧。Wisdom coming down from heaven
2>真師傅與真智慧。Devoted teachers and the real fruit of Wisdom
3>智慧的果子。The fruit of wisdom

二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？Who is God? Who is Jesus? Who is the Holy Spirit?

1>賜下真智慧的上帝。God who grant wisdom（v15、v17）

三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？What is God teaching me (command, promise, model, rebuke, warning)?

1>藉行為印證智慧 Show the wisdom by our behaviors
你們當中有聰明智慧的人嗎？如果有，他就應該以充滿著謙卑和智 慧的好行為，來表現他有美好的生活。Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.（v13）
有些人自命不凡，自以為有聰明、有智慧、有見識、有謀略。因此，可 以當教師來教導人。Some people think they are smart, have enough knowledge and wisdom to teach others. 事實上，是否有資格當教師，不是自己說了就算，是要經過驗證的。But in fact, not everyone is qualified to we must go through experiences as well. 也就是要藉著純潔、和平、謙和、友善、仁慈等，美好的生活表現，來彰顯、印證他的智慧與見識。So one must show wisdom and knowledge through acts of purity, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, mercy and goodness.正如：我們可以從一棵樹所結出的果子，來分辨它是什麼樣的樹一樣。For instance, we can determine what kind of tree it is by examining its fruits.
反省：我的品格、我的行為，能否印證我是一個有智慧、有見識的 人？Reflection: Do my characters, behaviors show that I am someone who has wisdom?

2>來自屬世的智慧 Earthly wisdom
既然你們心裏有惡毒的嫉妒和自私，你們就不可以自誇，不可以撒 謊敵對真理。你們的所謂智慧不是從天上來的，而是屬世，屬情慾，屬魔鬼的。But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. ¹⁵Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.（v14-15）
雅各接著針對那些自以為有聰明、智慧，而且野心勃勃，力求表現 的人，提出質疑並說明理由。James points out to those who believe that they are smart, have knowledge and seek to perform. 他說：既然你們心裏懷著惡毒的嫉妒與自私，也就是因為私心所引發的苛刻、嚴酷與偏 執，這就沒有什麼好誇口的。“我們不能為了勝過對手，便採取不擇手段，強詞奪理，甚至因為撒謊而抵擋真理。這樣的智慧（言 論背後的根源），絕對不是來自上帝，而是屬世界的、屬肉體的、屬
血氣的、屬私慾的，也是受邪靈操控的，也就是屬魔鬼的。He said: “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. ¹⁵Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.”
反省：我心裏所懷的是什麼呢？會不會是苦毒、嫉妒、紛爭，導致 印證我的智慧並非來自上頭，而是來自下面？就是屬地的、屬情慾的、屬鬼魔的？Reflection: Am I holding in my hearts? Is it bitter envy or self ambition? Does my wisdom come from earthy, unspiritual of the devil?

3>假智慧製造混亂 The wisdom from earth creates chaos
凡是有嫉妒和自私的地方，就有紛亂和各種邪惡的行為。For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.（v16）
因為假智慧，或屬地的、屬情慾的、屬鬼魔的所謂「智慧」，其本 質根本是嫉妒與紛爭。也因為有嫉妒與紛爭，導致衍生出各樣的混亂，甚至各樣邪惡的事。The jealousy, envy and selfish ambition lead to the wisdom which is not from heaven .They also cause chaos and evilness. 總而言之，來自魔鬼的假智慧， 不會帶來溫柔與和平，只會製造紛爭與混亂。The false wisdom do not bring gentleness nor peace, but confusion and disorders.
反省：在教會生活當中，我的言行是建造、成全？或破壞、拆毀？是 以溫柔帶來和平，或專門製造矛盾與衝突？我的智慧是來自上頭（上帝）？或來自下面（魔鬼）？Reflection: In the church community, do my words and acts bring peace or creates conflict? Is my wisdom from above (God) or from devil?

4>真智慧帶來美善The wisdom from heaven brings goodness
但是，從上面來的智慧有幾樣特徵：第一是純潔，其次是和平、謙 和、友善，充滿著仁慈，能結出豐富的善果，沒有偏私，沒有虛偽。But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.（v17）
雅各接著清楚的提到，從上帝而來的真智慧，擁有下列幾項特質：James states that the fruit of Wisdom have the characteristics as follow:
a.純潔：心地純潔、天真，沒有邪惡的念頭。A) Pure: purity, innocence, no evil thoughts
b.和平：維持溫柔、協調、平順的人際關係。B) Peace-loving: gentleness toward people, coordination, peaceful relationships with others
c.謙和：態度溫和、謙讓、有耐心，能尊重他人的感受。C) Considerate: moderate manner, accommodate, patience, respects others’ feelings
d.友善：順從真理，不固執己見。D) Submissive: Obey the truth, willing to learn
…充滿仁慈：富同情心，善於幫助或饒恕他人。Full of mercy: good-hearted, help or forgive others
e.多結善果：使有需要的人得著幫助。E) Full of good fruit: Be the one assisting to people’s needs
f.沒有偏私：持守真理，大公無私。F) Impartial and sincere: hold on to truth
反省：從上帝而來的智慧所彰顯的特質，在我身上具備了幾項？Reflection: How many fruits that come from heaven do I see myself possess?

5>結出智慧的果子Fruits of wisdom
一切正義的果子都是從播種和平的人、為和平努力所撒的種子產生 出來的。Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.（v18）
經由那些「心中懷著嫉妒與紛爭」的人所結出的果子，絕對不是上 帝所喜悅的。Fruits coming from those who hold jealousy and hatred in them are not pleasing to God. 惟有致力於和平的人，經過栽種之後所結出的果子，才是上帝所接納、所喜悅的。But only fruits planted and grew through peace are acceptable and pleasing to God.
雅各----智慧的果子<公義的果子>（雅各書3:17）James – The fruit of the Wisdom (James 3:17)
純潔、和平、溫柔、謙遜、恩慈、善果（良善）、沒有偏袒、沒有 虛偽。Pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, good fruit, impartial and sincere.
保羅----聖靈的果子（加拉太書5:22）Paul – The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22)
仁愛、喜樂、和平、忍耐、恩慈、良善、信實、溫柔、節制。Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
反省：我是否成為和平的使者，專門栽種並生產智慧的果子？Reflection: Am I a peacemaker? Do I cultivate and produce the fruit of the Wisdom?

四、我的禱告 / 實際應用Prayer / Life application

Taming your tongue

James 3

Taming the Tongue

¹Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. ²We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.

³When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. ⁴Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. ⁵Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

⁷All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, ⁸but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

⁹With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. ¹⁰Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. ¹¹Can both fresh water and salt^[a] water flow from the same spring? ¹²My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

雅各書3:1-12

3:1 我的弟兄姊妹們，你們不應該個個都想當教師，因為，你們知道當教師的要比別人受更嚴重的裁判。3:2 我們常常犯 錯誤。那在言語上沒有過錯的便是一個完全人；他能夠控制整個自己。3:3 我們把嚼環放在馬嘴裏，就能使牠馴服，驅使牠到我們要 去的地方。3:4 再看，一條船雖然那麼大，在大風的吹襲下，只用一個小小的舵操縱，就可以隨著舵手的意思，使船朝目 的地走。3:5 同樣，舌頭雖然很小，卻能夠說大話。試想，星星之火不是可以燎原嗎？3:6 舌頭正像火 一樣，在我們的肢體中是邪惡的世界，會污染全身；它藉著地獄的火燒毀我們整個人生的路程。3:7 人能夠制伏野獸、飛禽、爬蟲，和水 族；其實，他已經制伏了各類動物。3:8 但是，人從來不能制伏舌頭；它是控制不了的邪惡，充滿著致命的毒氣。3:9 我們用舌頭 頌讚我們的主、我們的天父，也用舌頭詛咒上帝按照自己的形像所造出來的人。3:10 頌讚和詛咒都是從同一張嘴巴出來！弟兄姊妹們，這 是不應該的！3:11 從同一泉源能夠湧出甜和苦兩種水來嗎？3:12 弟兄姊妹們，無花果樹不能結橄欖；葡萄樹不能結無花 果；鹹澀的水源也流不出甘甜的水來。

一、中心內容：

內容：
1>不要爭著當教導人的師傅。（v1）Do not strive to be the teachers of men. (v1)
2>言語沒有過錯，就是完全的人。（v2）Anyone who is never at fault in what he says is a perfect man. (v2)
3>舌頭所發出的力量是極大的。（v3-6）The tongue has great power. (v3-6)
4>百體中最難控制的就是舌頭。（v7-8 ）Among all things, the tongue is the most difficult part to be controlled. (v7-8)
5>舌頭（口中所出的話語）與生命息息相關。（v9-12）Words proceeding from the tongue are relevant to life. (v7-9)

主題：控制自己的舌頭 Taming your tongue

二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？

1>施行審判的上帝。（v1）God who judges. (v1)
2>配得頌讚的耶穌基督。（v9）Jesus Christ is worthy of praise. (V9)
3>配得頌讚的上帝。（v9）God who is worthy of praise. (V9)
4>照著自己形象造人的上帝。（v9）God created humanity in His own image. (v9)

三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？

1>當教師審判更重 Teachers will be judged more strictly
我的弟兄姊妹們，你們不應該個個都想當教師，因為，你們知道當教師的要 比別人受更嚴重的裁判。（v1）

¹Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.(v1)
當 時教會當中，有人非常崇尚「師傅」（教導者）的職份。因 為擁有這樣的職份，便象徵他的地位比別人崇高。尤其早期教會的聚會，是開放給擁有「講道恩賜」的信 徒自由發言的。然 而，卻有許多人，或許真理不明，或許知而不行，空有「能言善道的舌頭」就當起教師來，而且高談闊論、若有其事的教導。

Back then, teachers were highly esteemed among churches. To be teachers meant to hold higher status. During the time of the early church, these positions were opened to those who were gifted in preaching. However, some people who might have been good speakers, yet without clear understanding of the truth or were without deeds despite of their knowledge of the truth, assumed the position as teachers. They taught rhetorically as if they were full of knowledge.
然而，卻缺乏屬靈的智慧、缺乏敬虔的生命、缺乏聖潔的生活、缺乏蒙召的 確據，卻當起教師來，是十分危險的事，因為末日要受更重的審判！因此，雅各認為師傅（教導人）的職份，不應該任意爭取。

It is extremely dangerous to assume the position of teachers, especially when spiritual wisdom, a godly and holy life and a clear calling are absent. They will be strictly judged on the final day. Therefore, James warned that people should not assume the teacher’s position without discretion.
反省：我是否常常扮演教導者的角色？我是否明白自己所教導的真理。當我 教導他人之前，自己是否先做到了？
Reflection: Do I always assume the teacher’s role? Do I have good understanding of the Truth and do it before I proceed teaching it to others?

2>言語無過即完全 Perfect are those who are without faults in words.

我們常常犯錯誤。那在言語上沒有過錯的便是一個完全人；他能夠控制整個 自己。（v2）

²We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. (v2)
根據聖經的教導，以及實際生活經驗，我們可以得知：人類大多數的過失， 都跟言語有關。因此，人若能控制自己的舌頭，也就是能夠謹慎自己的言語，大概就能控制全人，犯錯的機會自然降低許多。這樣，他就可以 稱為完全（完美）的人，也就是品德上沒有瑕疵的人。

According to the teaching in the Bible and experiences from real life, we know that most of the mistakes humans make all have something to do with words. If a man could control his tongue and speak with discretion, he might control his whole being as well, thus the chance of making mistakes may be greatly reduced. This person could be considered perfect, because there is no moral flaw in him.
反 省：我是否經常注意自己的言語？都習慣任意脫口而出？還 是三思而後行？是否經常口出穢言？是否經常出口傷人？是否經常搬弄是非？甚至經常挑撥離間？或是經 常化解誤會、促成 和平？我的言語，大多數是祝福人？安慰人？鼓勵人？造就人？或是：欺騙人？咒詛人？傷害人？拆毀人----？
Reflection: Am I always watchful with my words? Is my tongue always loose? Do I think before I leap? Do filthy words constantly proceed from my mouth? Do my words always hurt people who hear them? Do my words constantly stir up dissension? Do my words always dissolve misunderstandings and promote peace? Are my words blessing, comforting and encouraging? Do they build people up? Are my words deceitful? Do they curse, undermine and destroy people?
3>小小舌頭影響大 Little tongue, great influence
我 們把嚼環放在馬嘴裏，就能使牠馴服，驅使牠到我們要去的地 方。再看，一條船雖然那麼大，在大風的吹襲下，只用一個小小的舵操縱，就可以隨著舵手的意思，使 船朝目的地走。同 樣，舌頭雖然很小，卻能夠說大話。試想，星星之火不是可以燎原嗎？舌頭正像火一樣，在我們的肢體中是邪惡的世界，會污染全身；它藉著 地獄 的火燒毀我們整個人生的路程。（v3-6）

³When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. ⁴Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. ⁵Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. ⁶The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. (V3-6)
在百體（身體）之中，舌頭是極其微小的一部份，但是卻能說大話（自誇自 大），並產生極大的影響力。正如 小小的嚼環，卻能調動馬匹的全身；也如小小的船舵，卻能轉動船舶的方向；更如小小的火苗，卻能燃燒 整個森林。因此，一句話可以改變人的一生、一句話可以改 變國家的命運、一句話可以改變世界的局勢。

Among all things, the tongue is the least part and yet it can boast to create great impacts. Just as a small bit controls a horse; as a rudder controls a ship’s direction and as a small spark puts a forest on fire. Words can change people’s lives, a country’s destiny and the world’s situation.
反省：我是否經歷過「因一句話造就一個人」或「因一句話毀滅一個人」的 經驗？我是否隨時留意自己的話語？我的話語大都帶給人祝福？或帶給人咒詛？
Reflection: Do I have the experience of making or breaking a person with words? Am I watchful whenever I talk? Do my words bring blessings or curses upon people?
4>小小舌頭控制難 The littlest tongue is least controllable
人能夠制伏野獸、飛禽、爬蟲，和水族；其實，他已經制伏了各類動物。但 是，人從來不能制伏舌頭；它是控制不了的邪惡，充滿著致命的毒氣。（v7-8）

⁷All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, ⁸but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (v7-8)
上帝所造的萬物當中，有很多都已經能夠控制了，如：巨大如鯨魚、大象都 能控制；又如：凶猛如獅子、老虎等，也都能馴服。唯獨人的舌頭，是最難以控制的。

Among God’s creations, many animals as huge as whales and elephants; as ferocious as lions and tigers can be tamed by man. The most untamable thing is a human’s tongue.
反省：我是否曾經有過「不吐不快」的感覺？就是因為隱忍不住，所以隨即 脫口而出。但是一經說出之後，卻又發現事態嚴重、覆水難收，而後悔不已？
Reflection: Do I have the experience of feeling not being able to hold my tongue? For instance, because I could not hold my tongue and I let my words run loosely, the situation worsened and resulted in severe consequences and I regretted it?
5>小小舌頭應保守 Keep the little tongue in check
我 們用舌頭頌讚我們的主、我們的天父，也用舌頭詛咒 上帝按照自己的形像所造出來的人。頌讚和詛咒都是從同一張嘴巴出來！弟兄姊妹們，這是不應該的！從同一泉 源能夠湧出甜和苦 兩種水來嗎？弟兄姊妹們，無花果樹不能結橄欖；葡萄樹不能結無花果；鹹澀的水源也流不出甘甜的水來。（v9-12）

⁹With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. ¹⁰Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. ¹¹Can both fresh water and salt^[a] water flow from the same spring? ¹²My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. (V9-12)
從口中所出的 言語，跟內在所蘊含的生命，有著極為密切的關連。如 以泉源作為比擬，裏面所蘊含的泉源，如果是潔淨的，那麼絕對不會流出污穢的泉水來。同樣的道理，一個人 裏面若蘊含有屬靈 的生命，那麼口中絕對不會流出惡毒、污穢的話語來。一個常常親近上帝、頌讚上帝的人，絕對不會從同一個口中，流出咒詛別人的話語來。 因為 裏面（生命當中）所擁有的是什麼，流露出來的也是什麼。

Words proceeding from the mouth have everything to do with the inner life. As dirty water cannot flow out from clear and clean fountains; so will not wicked and filthy words flow from the mouth of a spiritual person. Curses will not come out from a person who is always close to God and who worships Him. What man’s heart is full of will naturally come out from his mouth.
反省：再一次檢視自我，從我口中經常流露出來的，是什麼樣的話語？我是 否曾經到禮拜堂的時候，高聲歌頌、讚美上帝，但是一旦回到日常生活當中，卻又常常口出尖酸、刻薄、輕挑、惡毒、咒罵、褻瀆、污穢的言 語？
Reflection: To keep my words in check again, what comes out of my mouth? Do I worship God by singing out loud in church services and let merciless, frivolous, wicked, cursing, blasphemous and filthy words run freely when I am at home?
6>舌頭如罪惡世界 Tongue is like an evil world
舌頭正像火一樣，在我們的肢體中是邪惡的世界，會污染全身；它藉著地獄 的火燒毀我們整個人生的路程。（v6）但是，人從來不能制伏舌頭；它是控制不了的邪惡，充滿著致命的毒氣。（v8）

⁶The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. (v6) ⁸but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. (v8)
雅各將舌頭形容為罪惡的世界，尤其就像火焚燒一樣，不僅會污染我們的全 身，也會燒毀整個人生的路程。因此，未受制伏的舌頭，遺害極為廣大。正如：經常搬弄是非、挑撥離間、譏笑詆毀、自吹自擂、誇大其詞、 撒謊詐欺、阿諛奉承----等。

James described tongue as an evil world and a burning fire. They corrupt our whole being and set our life on fire. An untamed tongue will do great damages. It gossips, stirs up dissension, mocks, slanders, boasts, exaggerates, lies, cheats and flatters…etc.
反省：我要如何約束自己的舌頭？如何實踐「凡事三思而後言」的原則？
Reflection: How can hold my tongue? How could I practice the principle of thinking before I leap?
7>話語應使人獲益 Words should benefit others
一句話說得合宜，就如金蘋果在銀網子裡。（箴言25:11）
污穢的言語一句不可出口，只要隨事說造就人的好話，叫聽見的人得益處。（以弗所書4:29）

¹¹ A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. (Proverbs 25:11)

²⁹Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (See Ephesians 4:29)

說 話合宜是一件非常重要，卻十分不容易的事，指的是：適當的時機，說適當的話語，以及約束自己的舌頭，不說不該說的話。而且不說污穢人 的言語，應該說造就人的好話，使凡聽見的人，都得著益處。（以弗所書4:29）

Though it is very important to speak appropriately, it is not an easy thing to do. It means to speak the right words at the right time and to restrain one’s tongue not to speak inappropriate and defiling words, but to speak words which can build people up, so that they will benefit the one who speaks and listens.

反省：我平時的言談都如何？常常天馬行空、言不及義？或損人利己？或傷人傷己？ 或是使人得益處？從我口中所出的話語合宜嗎？
Reflection: How are my daily words and deeds? Are my words futile and unwholesome? Do they hurt others for my personal benefit? Do they hurt both others and me? Are they beneficial to others? Are the words of my mouth appropriate?
四、我的禱告 / 實際應用