James 3:10

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does James 3:10 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
James 3:10 — American Standard Version

Context — James 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing, etc.] Which is not only a contradiction, but unnatural, as well as wicked and sinful: my brethren, these things ought not so to be: in any, and much less in professors of religion: such things are unbecoming men, are a scandal upon human nature, and exceeding unworthy of the Christian name; (see <195016> Psalm 50:16,19,20).”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The tongue, says ÆSOP, is at once the best and the worst of things. So in a fable, a man with the same breath blows hot and cold. "Life and death are in the power of the tongue" (compare Psa 62:4). brethren--an appeal to their consciences by their brotherhood in Christ. ought not so to be--a mild appeal, leaving it to themselves to understand that such conduct deserves the most severe reprobation.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing - The meaning here may be, either that out of the mouth of man two such opposite things proceed, not referring to the same individual, but to different persons; or, out of the mouth of the same individual. Both of these are true; and both are equally incongruous and wrong. No organ should be devoted to uses so unlike, and the mouth should be employed in giving utterance only to that which is just, benevolent, and good. It is true, however, that the mouth is devoted to these opposite employments; and that while one part of the race employ it for purposes of praise, the other employ it in uttering maledictions. It is also true of many…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“of: Psa 50:16-20; Jer 7:4-10; Mic 3:11; Rom 12:14; Pe1 3:9 these: Gen 20:9; Sa2 13:12; Co1 3:3; Ti1 5:13 James 3:11”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification