Taming the tongue James 3:1-12 Part 5

 

Read James 3:1-12

Words are powerful. So powerful that God spoke, and the world was created. So powerful that Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Think about that. God’s word pierces to the division of the soul and the spirit, joints and marrow and discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart! God’s Word can impact the whole body, mind and soul! Our text, however, brings our attention to man’s words. Is what we say important? Does it impact our lives or the lives of others? James would say, “Absolutely!” What we say, and how we use our tongues is so important that James dedicates twelve verses to talking about it. He begins with those whose words are meant to impact others, teachers. Teachers’ words are used to shape the minds of others, particularly our young. In Matthew 5:19 Jesus said, “Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Teachers were highly respected in biblical times and, therefore, teaching was a desirable position. James, however, warns against becoming a teacher because teachers will be judged more strictly. Teachers are respected and have a great influence and will be held more accountable because of this. In Matthew 12:36-37 Jesus says, “I tell you, on the day of Judgement people will give account for every careless word they speak. For by your words, you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Thus, James warns the reader that if they want to be a teacher they should be aware that they will be held accountable to a higher standard.

James goes on to talk about how we are to tame our tongues. He is expanding on his statement in James 1:26 where it says, “If anyone considers himself religious and yet, does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.” Our tongue can easily lead us to sin. Sins like gossiping, insulting, false flattery, lying, bragging, and manipulating others are all sins of the tongue. What we say and do is important, but it is also important to control the things we shouldn’t say. When and where and who we say things to is all important. We must learn to T.H.I.N.K. before we speak. Ask yourself, is it true? Is it helpful? Is it important? Is it necessary? Is it kind? We must learn to control not only what we say but when and to whom we say it.

James tells us that one who can control their tongue would be a perfect person. If you have the self-control to keep your tongue in check, then you would have self-control over your whole body and therefore be perfect.

What follows is a list of comparisons that the readers would have understood. A small bit in a horse’s mouth will control the whole horse. This small bit tells the horse where to go and what to do. You pull the bit left or right and it tells the horse which direction to take. It’s the same idea with a ship. A small part of it can direct it and steer it where the captain wills. James is giving the reader a way to better understand that, despite its size, the tongue has a huge influence on the whole body. The tongue is like a small spark of fire that can lead to a huge and widespread forest fire. Careless and hurtful words can spread uncontrolled and do damage, not only to ourselves, but also to others. Like a fire, you cannot control or reverse the damage once done. Years spent growing and nurturing a forest, or a relationship, can be wrecked and destroyed by a small spark of fire or a careless word.

I saw an analogy once that I think is quite fitting. A mother sat her son down after a particularly harsh fight with his sister. She took a piece of paper and told the boy to say to the paper the things he had said to his sister. Every time he said something mean or insulting, she would crumple or tear the page. When the boy said that he could just say sorry she said, “Now take the paper and make it right again.” No matter what the boy did, he could not undo the damage already done. He could try to smooth it over, but nothing would take away the wrinkles and tears. He would have been better off not speaking to his sister. As Proverbs 21:23 says, “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue, keeps himself out of trouble.”

Satan will use your words against you. He will use them to divide and pit people against each other. He loves it when you lose your temper and will quickly use your words to spread destruction. Once spoken, like the crumpled paper, you can’t undo or take back the pain and damage done. James tells us, regarding the tongue, that “it corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. James is saying that the devil is the source of the tongues’ evil.

In verses 7-8 James makes an interesting point. Man can tame all sorts of creatures yet is unable to control his own tongue. By this, we can conclude that there is only one perfect person. The perfect person mentioned in verse 2 is Jesus. No other man is capable of controlling this “restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:8). All of this does not mean we shouldn’t try. In and of ourselves we may be unable to tame the tongue, but, as Christians, we know we are not alone. Romans 5:5 tells us that “God has poured out His love into our hearts, by the Holy Spirit”. The Holy Spirit is working in us and will help us fight against sin and temptation. 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power, and love, and self-control.” It goes on to say in 2 Timothy 1:14 that “what you have heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” God gave us His Holy Spirit to work in us, to work His Word in us, to help us deal with our emotions and exercise self-control. When and where we do fall short, the Spirit will remind us of the love God poured into our hearts so we can respond appropriately.

James goes on to remind us that we are made in God’s image, however because of our sinful nature, “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.” (James 3:10). This should not be. We fight an inner and spiritual battle. Sometimes, by the Spirit, we say godly and wise things, yet at other times our speech can be hurtful and destructive. Proverbs 12:18 says, “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” Proverbs 13:3 says, “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” We are to use our tongues to build up others and when we don’t have anything positive, godly or upbuilding to say, then we ought to practice self-control and not say anything. I’m sure you’ve heard the expression: “if you don’t have anything nice to say, then don’t say anything at all.” When we are born again and filled with the Holy Spirit, we are called to use self-control but also to use our tongues for good. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that “death and life are in the power of the tongue” so we must use our words wisely and carefully. As we read earlier in Matthew 12, what we say has an impact on Judgement Day. We will be judged by what we say. Next time you want to speak, choose your words carefully!

 

1. Why will teachers be held more accountable on the day of judgement?

22.  If we are made in God’s image, what must our words be like?

33. Think of a time when you said something you regret, what should you have said instead? Is there a conversation or harsh word you’ve spoken that you need to make right? Remember God’s love and think of a way that you can use your words to ease the hurt you may have caused.

44. Where else in the Bible are we taught about our tongues?

55. Name some ways you can use your tongue for good.