Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. New Living Translation And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! English Standard Version From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Berean Standard Bible Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! Berean Literal Bible Out of the same mouth proceed forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. King James Bible Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. New King James Version Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. New American Standard Bible from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way. NASB 1995 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. NASB 1977 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Legacy Standard Bible From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Amplified Bible Out of the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. These things, my brothers, should not be this way [for we have a moral obligation to speak in a manner that reflects our fear of God and profound respect for His precepts]. Christian Standard Bible Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way. Holman Christian Standard Bible Praising and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers, these things should not be this way. American Standard Version out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. English Revised Version out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. GOD'S WORD® Translation Praise and curses come from the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, this should not happen! Good News Translation Words of thanksgiving and cursing pour out from the same mouth. My friends, this should not happen! International Standard Version From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. It should not be like this, my brothers! NET Bible From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. These things should not be so, my brothers and sisters. New Heart English Bible Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Webster's Bible Translation Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Weymouth New Testament Out of the same mouth there proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, this ought not to be. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOut of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! World English Bible Out of the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionout of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing; it does not need, my brothers, these things to so happen; Berean Literal Bible Out of the same mouth proceed forth blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Young's Literal Translation out of the same mouth doth come forth blessing and cursing; it doth not need, my brethren, these things so to happen; Smith's Literal Translation Out of the same month comes forth blessing and cursing. There is no need, my brethren, for these things so to be. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleOut of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Catholic Public Domain Version From the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so! New American Bible From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. This need not be so, my brothers. New Revised Standard Version From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleOut of the same mouth proceed curses and blessings. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Aramaic Bible in Plain English From the mouth proceeds blessing and cursing, my brethren. These things ought not so to be done. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentOut of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing. These things, my brethren, ought not so to be. Godbey New Testament out of the same mouth come forth blessing and scolding. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Haweis New Testament Out of the same mouth goeth forth blessing and cursing. These things, my brethren, ought not to be thus. Mace New Testament from the same mouth shall blessing and cursing proceed? this ought not to be practis'd, my brethren; Weymouth New Testament Out of the same mouth there proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, this ought not to be. Worrell New Testament Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing! My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Worsley New Testament out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. These things, my brethren, ought not so to be. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Taming the Tongue…9With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be! 11Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?… Cross References Proverbs 18:21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Matthew 12:34-37 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. / But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. ... Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. Proverbs 15:4 A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit. Colossians 3:8 But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Proverbs 12:18 Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 1 Peter 3:10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. Matthew 15:11 A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.” Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse. Proverbs 10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. Luke 6:45 The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. 1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God. Proverbs 4:24 Put away deception from your mouth; keep your lips from perverse speech. Treasury of Scripture Out of the same mouth proceeds blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not so to be. of. Psalm 50:16-20 But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth? … Jeremiah 7:4-10 Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, The temple of the LORD, are these… Micah 3:11 The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us. these. Genesis 20:9 Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said unto him, What hast thou done unto us? and what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done. 2 Samuel 13:12 And she answered him, Nay, my brother, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel: do not thou this folly. 1 Corinthians 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? Jump to Previous Blessing Cursing Forth Goes Mouth Need Ought Praise Proceed Proceedeth Right WayJump to Next Blessing Cursing Forth Goes Mouth Need Ought Praise Proceed Proceedeth Right WayJames 3 1. We are not rashly or arrogantly to reprove others;5. but rather to bridle the tongue, a little member, 9. but a powerful instrument of much good, and great harm. 13. The truly wise are mild and peaceable, without envy and strife. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. This phrase highlights the inconsistency and duality of human speech. In biblical context, the mouth is often seen as a reflection of the heart (Matthew 12:34). The ability to both bless and curse with the same mouth underscores the struggle between the flesh and the spirit, a theme prevalent throughout the New Testament. The power of words is emphasized in Proverbs 18:21, which states that "death and life are in the power of the tongue." Historically, the Jewish culture placed a high value on spoken words, understanding them as binding and powerful. This duality can also be seen in the story of Balaam (Numbers 22-24), who was hired to curse Israel but ended up blessing them instead, illustrating God's sovereignty over human intentions. My brothers, this should not be! Persons / Places / Events 1. JamesThe author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He is known for his practical teachings on Christian living. 2. Early Christian Communities The recipients of the letter, likely Jewish Christians scattered outside of Palestine, facing trials and needing guidance on living out their faith. 3. The Tongue A central theme in James 3, representing human speech and its power to influence both positively and negatively. Teaching Points The Power of SpeechOur words have the power to build up or tear down. As Christians, we are called to use our speech to bless others and glorify God. Consistency in Christian Living Just as a spring cannot produce both fresh and saltwater, our speech should consistently reflect our faith and values. Guarding the Heart Since our words reflect our inner state, we must guard our hearts and minds, filling them with God's truth and love. Repentance and Transformation Recognize areas where our speech does not align with our faith, and seek God's help in transforming our hearts and tongues. Community Accountability Engage with fellow believers to hold each other accountable in speech, encouraging one another to speak life and truth. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of James 3:10?2. How can we prevent "blessing and cursing" from coming out of our mouths? 3. What does James 3:10 teach about the power of our words? 4. How does James 3:10 connect with Proverbs 18:21 about the tongue's power? 5. In what ways can we use our speech to glorify God daily? 6. How can we encourage others to speak blessings, not curses, as James instructs? 7. How does James 3:10 challenge our use of language in daily life? 8. Why does James emphasize the power of the tongue in 3:10? 9. What historical context influenced the message of James 3:10? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from James 3? 11. What does 'Same Mouth Blessing and Cursing' mean? 12. How do words defile a person? 13. What is the definition of positive confession? 14. How do words defile a person? What Does James 3:10 Mean Out of the same mouthJames points to the single opening through which every word leaves the heart. Scripture is clear that the tongue is never neutral: it faithfully reveals what fills us. As Jesus says, “For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45, Matthew 12:34–37). Proverbs calls a righteous mouth “a fountain of life” (Proverbs 10:11), showing how seriously God takes what we say. Because the Bible is both true and authoritative, we receive this statement at face value: one mouth, one heart, yet two very different streams can flow. Helpful checkpoints: • Pause before speaking—James 1:19 reminds us to be “slow to speak.” • Fill the heart with truth—Colossians 3:16 urges us to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,” so that life-giving words are what naturally spill out. Come blessing and cursing Blessing—speaking well of God and people, encouraging, praying, praising. Cursing—tearing down, mocking, gossiping, swearing. Both can’t rightly coexist. Life and death are in the tongue’s power (Proverbs 18:21); Paul commands, “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths” (Ephesians 4:29). Peter echoes, “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing” (1 Peter 3:9). God’s word doesn’t present this as optional advice but as an absolute. When we bless, we align with His character; when we curse, we contradict it. Quick contrast: • Blessing lifts others toward Christ (Romans 12:14). • Cursing allies us with the enemy’s work of accusation (Revelation 12:10). My brothers James addresses fellow believers, reminding us that we are one family in Christ. Brotherly love is evidence of new life (1 John 3:14). Because we belong to the same body, words aimed at another believer wound the whole fellowship (Galatians 6:10; Hebrews 13:1). The familial term also underscores accountability: siblings cannot dismiss one another’s spiritual health. If my mouth harms my brother, I grieve my Father. Practical family habits: • Speak to edify—1 Thessalonians 5:11. • Apologize quickly when words wound—Matthew 5:23–24. • Celebrate others’ growth aloud—Philippians 1:3–5. This should not be! The Spirit, through James, issues a firm rebuke. Coexistence of blessing and cursing violates God’s design. Earlier James warned, “If anyone does not bridle his tongue, his religion is worthless” (James 1:26). Colossians 3:8 commands us to “put aside…slander and filthy language.” Our witness is at stake: Jesus calls us to shine so that others “glorify your Father” (Matthew 5:16). Consistent speech that honors God flows from a surrendered heart and ongoing dependence on the Holy Spirit. Steps toward obedience: • Confess sinful words immediately—1 John 1:9. • Ask the Spirit to set a guard over your lips—Psalm 141:3. • Remember the goal: “Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). summary James 3:10 exposes the impossibility of a divided tongue: one mouth cannot rightly produce both life-giving blessing and destructive cursing. Because Scripture is utterly true, we take this warning literally and personally. Our words reveal our hearts, affect our brothers and sisters, and either honor or dishonor our Lord. By filling our hearts with His word, relying on His Spirit, and intentionally choosing speech that builds up, we can let every word that leaves our mouth echo the blessing of our Father. (10) Ought not.--The Greek equivalent for this is only found here in the New Testament, and seems strangely weak when we reflect on the usual vehemence of the writer. Was he sadly conscious of the failure beforehand of his protest? At least, there seems no trace of satire in the sorrowful cadence of his lines, "Out of the same mouth!"Greek Out ofἐκ (ek) Preposition Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. same αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. mouth στόματος (stomatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular Strong's 4750: The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword. come ἐξέρχεται (exerchetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1831: To go out, come out. From ek and erchomai; to issue. blessing εὐλογία (eulogia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 2129: Adulation, praise, blessing, gift. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. cursing. κατάρα (katara) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 2671: Cursing; a curse; meton: a doomed one. From kata and ara; imprecation, execration. My μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. brothers, ἀδελφοί (adelphoi) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. this ταῦτα (tauta) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Plural Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. should χρή (chrē) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 5534: It is necessary, proper, fitting. Third person singular of the same as chraomai or chrao used impersonally; it needs be. not οὐ (ou) Adverb Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. be! γίνεσθαι (ginesthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. Links James 3:10 NIVJames 3:10 NLT James 3:10 ESV James 3:10 NASB James 3:10 KJV James 3:10 BibleApps.com James 3:10 Biblia Paralela James 3:10 Chinese Bible James 3:10 French Bible James 3:10 Catholic Bible NT Letters: James 3:10 Out of the same mouth comes forth (Ja Jas. Jam) |
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