James 3:9

9 With our tongues we praise our Lord and Father. With our tongues we call down curses on people. We do it even though they have been created to be like 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 People have controlled all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea. They still control them.

8 But no one can control the tongue. It is an evil thing that never rests. It is full of deadly poison.

9 With our tongues we praise our Lord and Father. With our tongues we call down curses on people. We do it even though they have been created to be like God.

10 Praise and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, it shouldn't be that way.

11 Can fresh water and salt water flow out of the same spring?