The concept of principalities and powers has usually been associated with Pauline writings. This eschatological language has been interpreted as applying to both heavenly spiritual forces as well as concrete cultural manifestations. In this essay I demonstrate how James’ portrayal of the tongue in chapter 3 is very similar to the descriptions of principalities and powers in Paul. Then secondly I explore a background in Jewish wisdom literature. As a result I conclude that James employs the language of wisdom literature and the dual nature of principality and power language to describe the cosmic nature of the tongue. The tongue, therefore, as exhibited in contemporary media and technological speech propaganda must be seen through the lens of the New Testament descriptions of the powers.

1. Structures or Outlines of James                             2-7

2. Genre of James                                                          8-9

3. Theological Foundation of James’ Ethic               10-12

4. Jewish Audience                                                        13

5. Provenance                                                                14-16

6. Dating                                                                        17-18

7. Authorship                                                                19-26

8. James 1:2-15                                                              27-41

9. James 1:16-27                                                            42-48

10. James 2:1-13                                                             49-57

11. James 2:14-26                                                           58-64

12. James 3:1-12                                                              65-75

13. James 3:13-4:10 (12)                                                 76-85

14. James 4:13-5:6                                                            86-94

15. James 5:7-20                                                            95-100

16. James as a Theologian                                              101-105

17. James as a Moral Theologian                                  106-119

18. James as an Apologist                                             110-112

19. James as a Literary Writer                                       113-115