Book of James
Chapter 3
“But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” (3:8)
Taming the Tongue
James 3 provides an invaluable lesson on the power of the tongue and the significance of divine wisdom. It calls for introspection on how we use our words and challenges us to live a life that reflects true wisdom from above. It reaffirms that a peaceful, humble life, lived in sincere wisdom, yields righteousness. Our words and actions must align to reflect the divine wisdom that can only come from God.
The Challenge of Taming the Tongue (James 3:7-12)
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.
The author continues by stating the human inability to tame the tongue. He mentions how humans can tame all kinds of animals but fail to control the tongue, which is full of deadly poison. He laments the inconsistency of using the tongue for both blessing God and cursing people who are made in God’s likeness.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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