James 3:9

9 In it we bless God, the Father, and in it we curse men, that be made to the likeness of God.

James 3:9 Meaning and Commentary

James 3:9

Therewith bless we God, even, the Father
Of Jesus Christ, and of spirits, and of mercies: this is the instrument that is used in blessing God daily every meal that is eaten; and in joining with the saints, though only verbally and outwardly, in blessing God for all spiritual blessings in Christ, both in prayer, and in singing psalms:

and therewith curse we men:
make imprecations, and wish evils upon them:

which are made after the similitude of God
as man was originally, ( Genesis 1:26 Genesis 1:27 ) and though sin has greatly defaced it, yet there are still some remains of it: and now, what an absurd and monstrous thing is this, that one and the same instrument should be used in blessing God, the Father of all creatures, and in cursing his children, his offering, as all men are by creation, and bear some resemblance to him.

James 3:9 In-Context

7 And all the kind of beasts, and of fowls, and of serpents, and of others is chastised, and those be made tame of man's kind; [Soothly all kind of beasts, and fowls, and serpents, and of others, be overcome, or under-yoked, and be made tame, of mankind];

8 but no man may chastise the tongue, for it is an unpeaceable evil [soothly it is an unquiet, or unpeaceable, evil thing], and full of deadly venom.

9 In it we bless God, the Father, and in it we curse men, that be made to the likeness of God.

10 Of the same mouth passeth forth blessing and cursing [Of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing]. My brethren, it behooveth not that these things be done so.

11 Whether a well of the same hole bringeth forth [bring forth] sweet and salt water?