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3:1 Becoming teachers was one way to improve social status in the early church (1 Cor 12:28; Eph 4:11; 1 Tim 5:17; cp. Acts 5:34). Such honor would compensate for the shame imposed upon Christians as social outsiders (Jas 2:6-7). But the conspicuous role of teachers symbolizes the power of human speech to benefit or harm the church.
3:11 Some springs, especially in the upper sources of the Jordan River, did produce fresh water and bitter water; such brackish springs could not support a town. Similarly, if a person’s speech mixes foul with sweet, it will not build up the community.
3:13 If you are wise and understand: The wisdom that comes from God (1:5) is not mere intellectual skill nor the collection of information, it is practical insight and spiritual understanding which expresses itself in moral uprightness, as described in 3:17-18 (see also Job 28:28; Prov 1:2-4; 2:10-15).
3:14 The truth is that wisdom cannot be associated with jealousy and selfish ambition. Only in humility can we receive God’s true word (1:18, 21).
genesis 1:26-27
genesis 3:1
genesis 9:6
job 28:28
proverbs 1:2-4
proverbs 2:10-15
matthew 5:9
matthew 5:22