James Chapter 3 — Commentary on Verses 11-12

    Canbothfreshwaterandsaltwaterflowfromthesamespring?Mybrothers,canafigtreebear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

    Here are several illustrations taken from the same aspect of nature, to show that one cause can give birth to only one sort of thing. He reasons from what is impossible in nature to what is absurd in manners.

    Notes on Verses 11-12

    Nature abhors hypocrisy; contrary effects from the same cause are against the way God orders matters in creation. It is true that a Christian has a double principle—flesh and spirit—but not a double heart. Hate the double-dealing that occurs when you profess religion and live in sin. See how contrary this is to the whole course of nature; say, “Surely this cannot come from a uniform and good heart.” Especially use these illustrations to check the deformities of your speech. When you are inclined to both bless and curse, to pray and revile, say, “This would be monstrous in nature; is there anything else in the world with such different uses as the tongue?”