James 3:9

9 We use our tongues to praise our Lord and Father, but then we curse people, whom God made like himself.

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 People can tame every kind of wild animal, bird, reptile, and fish, and they have tamed them,

8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is wild and evil and full of deadly poison.

9 We use our tongues to praise our Lord and Father, but then we curse people, whom God made like himself.

10 Praises and curses come from the same mouth! My brothers and sisters, this should not happen.

11 Do good and bad water flow from the same spring?