Although this text from James has often been viewed as a later insertion into the text, it ties together easily and logically the author's emphasis on teachers (3:1ff) and his material on disputes (4:1ff). James is anxious to emphasize the crucial role of those with special gifts of teaching and leading in determining the prevailing beliefs and behaviors of communities. Those in prominent positions shoulder a great responsibility. Whether the community will savor the sweetness of spiritual harmony, fellowship, and peace; or whether the bitterness of acrid divisiveness, suspicion, and Cain-killing spirits will flavor all communal relationships is often determined by these leaders and teachers.

Unsurprisingly, James is more than passingly familiar with the negative energies that are easily …