John Trapp Complete Commentary - James 3:1
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. Ver. 1. Be not many masters ] Masters of opinions, that boldly obtrude upon others their own placits, and will not have them disputed or debated. Such are the Sorbonists, who rejoice to be called Magistri nostri Parisienses, our Masters of Paris. Bacon, the Carmelite, was called Doctor resolutissimus, because he would endure no guessing or maybes. (Praefat. in 1 Sent.) The pope’s parasites... read more
The Biblical Illustrator - James 3:15-16
James 3:15-16This wisdom descendeth not from aboveThe wisdom that is from belowThere are two characteristics here specified which we shall find are given as the infallible signs of the heavenly wisdom; and their opposites as signs of the other.The heavenly wisdom is fruitful of good deeds, and inspires those who possess it with gentleness. The other wisdom is productive of nothing really valuable, and inspires those who possess it with contentiousness. This test is a very practical one, and we... read more