Good morning,
This week we continue our study of the book of James.
Chapter three explains the dangers of the tongue and earthly and heavenly wisdom.
The Jewish believers in James’s day were being persecuted. They had been driven out of Jerusalem and were scattered abroad. James encourages those scattered Jewish believers on how to conduct themselves during this time.
James 3
1. Dangers of the tongue v 1-12
Masters (teachers) receive a stricter judgment v 1-2
“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.”
James does not encourage many to become teachers of God’s word. The teacher must be called by God, submissive to the call, willing to teach what God wants, and do it correctly. If not, these teachers will receive a greater judgement. “Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.” (2Timothy 2:14-16)
Control your tongue and you will control your whole body v 3-5
“Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”
James now illustrates small things that have a great impact.
A horse is a wild animal. Without the bit in the horse’s mouth, the horse will run free. The bit allows the rider to control the horse.
A ship left to itself will go wherever the wind and sea takes it. The rudder, managed by the pilot, directs the ship.
The tongue is compared to a fire consuming a forest. However, there is nothing mentioned about controlling the tongue.
James is warning those who want to be teachers to consider that they will receive harsher judgement from God for teaching false doctrine. Then he challenges his hearers to consider small things that have great impacts.
The last of these is the tongue.
The application for us is to proclaim God’s word correctly. Remembering that what we say has consequences. Our words can be a hindrance or help for the cause of Christ.
What will our words do?
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com