James 3:9

9 With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image.

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 This is scary: You can tame a tiger,
8 but you can't tame a tongue - it's never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer.
9 With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image.
10 Curses and blessings out of the same mouth!
11 A spring doesn't gush fresh water one day and brackish the next, does it?
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.