James 3:9

9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in 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 For every species of animals and birds, of reptiles and sea creatures, is being tamed and has been tamed by the human species,

8 but no human being is able to tame the tongue. [It is] a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.

10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these [things] ought not to be so!

11 A spring does not pour forth from the same opening fresh and bitter [water, does it]?

Footnotes

• [a]. *Or possibly "our," if the Greek article is understood as a possessive pronoun