John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 9. Therewith bless we God, even, the Father , etc.] Of Jesus Christ, and of spirits, and of mercies: this is the instrument that is used in blessing God daily every meal that is eaten; and in joining with the saints, though only verbally and outwardly, in blessing God for all spiritual blessings in Christ, both in prayer, and in singing psalms: and therewith curse we men : make imprecations, and wish evils upon them: which are made after the similitude of God as man was originally, ( Genesis 1:26,27) and though sin has greatly defaced it, yet there are still some remains of it: and now, what an absurd and monstrous thing is this, that one and the same instrument should be used in blessing God, the Father of all creatures, and in cursing his children, his offering, as all men are by creation, and bear some resemblance to him.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-12 - We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men Every age of the world, and every condition of life, private or public affords examples of this. Hell has more to do in promoting the fire of the tongue than men generally think; and whenever men's tongues ar employed in sinful ways, they are set on fire of hell. No man can tam the tongue without Divine grace and assistance. The apostle does no represent it as impossible, but as extremely difficult. Other sin decay with age, this many times gets worse; we grow more froward an fretful, as natural strength decays, and the days come on in which we have no pleasure. When other sins are tamed and subdued by the infirmities of age, the spirit often grows more tart, nature being drawn down to the dregs, and the words used become more passionate That man's tongue confutes itself, which at one time pretends to ador the perfections of God, and to refer all things to him; and at anothe time condemns even good men, if they do not use the same words an expressions. True religion will not admit of contradictions: how man sins would be prevented, if men would always be consistent! Pious an edifying language is the genuine produce of a sanctified heart; an none who understand Christianity, expect to hear curses, lies boastings, and revilings from a true believer's mouth, any more tha they look for the fruit of one tree from another. But facts prove tha more professors succeed in bridling their senses and appetites, than i duly restraining their tongues. Then, depending on Divine grace, let u take heed to bless and curse not; and let us aim to be consistent in our words and actions.
Greek Textus Receptus
εν 1722 PREP αυτη 846 P-DSF ευλογουμεν 2127 5719 V-PAI-1P τον 3588 T-ASM θεον 2316 N-ASM και 2532 CONJ πατερα 3962 N-ASM και 2532 CONJ εν 1722 PREP αυτη 846 P-DSF καταρωμεθα 2672 5736 V-PNI-1P τους 3588 T-APM ανθρωπους 444 N-APM τους 3588 T-APM καθ 2596 PREP ομοιωσιν 3669 N-ASF θεου 2316 N-GSM γεγονοτας 1096 5756 V-2RAP-APM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
9. God, even the Father (ton Qeon kai patera). The proper reading, is ton Kurion, the Lord, and the kai, and, is simply connective. Read, therefore, as Rev., the Lord and Father. This combination of terms for God is uncommon. See ch. i. 27.Which. Not who, which would designate personally certain men; whereas James designates them generically.
