THE TONGUE
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. (James 3:6)
INTRODUCTION
The tongue can be a blessing and a curse.
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?
The uncontrolled tongue is destructive v 6-12
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. 7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.”
James tells us that the tongue defiles the whole body. He explains that all other living creatures can be tamed by man. The tongue can no man tame. The tongue is unruly and full of deadly poison.
With the tongue, we bless God and curse man. “Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.” (10) James challenges his hearers to speak blessings, not cursings.
What can we learn from this?
Do not speak impulsively. Wait, consider, think, control, what we say. When we say it, it cannot be retrieved! We want what we say to bless others, not to hurt them. By the way, that is what we want others to do to us.
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: 20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20)
Is our speech blessing others? Are we an encouragement? Does our speech focus on Godly things, as opposed to the things of this world?
2. Earthly wisdom and Heavenly wisdom v 13-18
Earthly wisdom v 13-16
“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.”
Teachers must not use the wisdom of this world. Earthly wisdom is characterized by worldly wisdom, bitter envying, strife, lying, sensual, and devilish. It does not lift up God or the things of the Bible.
“Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.” (1 Corinthians 3:18-20)
When we see this kind of teaching, we should avoid it at all costs. It will drive us away from God and toward the things of Satan.
Heavenly wisdom v 17-18
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.”
Heavenly wisdom comes from the Bible. It must be taught with the knowledge of the text. Historical background. Within the context of the passage.
“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:19-21)
Our challenge is to read, study, correctly interpret, and then share what we have studied with others. It does not have to be a Bible study or even a presentation, but what God has shown you. Share it with others.
CONCLUSION
Be careful what you say
Use your speech for good not evil
Be a wise person who exhibits Heavenly wisdom
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
Leave a Reply