Day 6: Taming the Tongue
Read James 3:1-12
Context: Why does James specifically warn about the responsibility of those who teach, and how does this introduce his broader discussion about speech?
You might get the impression that James is changing the topic from what he’s previously talked about, but there is continuity. That continuity follows this path – to this point, James has been urging, warning, encouraging and challenging the readers when it comes to right actions that express right beliefs. These right beliefs, however, are taught. Thus, it makes sense at this juncture to talk about teaching and how that is delivered by those who hold to a higher accountability because they’ve got to live by what they teach, especially when that teaching is delivered through verbal instruction. That’s the suitable platform to explore how what is verbally conveyed is a very murky and dangerous world indeed because of what it reveals about what’s going on inside … and what that can do to what’s going on outside.
Content: What vivid illustrations does James use to describe the power and inconsistency of human speech?
Bits in the mouths of horses to control them. Ships can be steered through a storm with a small rudder. Then the picture of the forest set on fire by one small spark. How beasts can be tamed but the tongue can’t be. Then the picture of the spring pouring out certain types of water, whereas the tongue somehow comes out with contrasting types of words.
These pictures brought up by James highlight the role of the tongue and the magnitude and glaring inconsistency of what it delivers. This goes back to how James warns teachers because of what their words can do as soon as they trip off the tongue. It’s more than being careful; it’s considering prayerfully just how much we need to submit to the rulership of God, to submit to the only One who could possibly tame what is clearly beyond human ability to control.
Concept: According to James, why is the tongue such a reliable indicator of spiritual maturity, and what makes controlling it so challenging?
The tongue reveals what is going on inside, and what comes from it will determine if a person is growing to be more like their Father above or is still run by the flesh. The effects of the tongue also point to what is going on inside and what we want. The spiritually mature are those who understand this and grow to submit what they say to God, ensuring it aligns with His character. The challenge is our tendency to operate in the flesh and say things that cause a lot of hurt, distress, and damage. Added to that, we’re in a world of people who also operate on that basis. These are the circumstances and environment we’re used to, even though, as James points out, it leads people to sound like they’re sponsored by the Spirit of God for a few moments, only for them to sound like they are sponsored by demons a few moments later. This is why he encourages folks earlier on to be quick to listen and slow to speak in the hope that the time taken to think about what will be said will be useful for the hearer and put god in the glorious light that He deserves to be in.
Conclusion: What specific patterns in your speech need the Holy Spirit’s transforming work, and what practical steps will you take to honour God with your words?
I submit to the Holy Spirit all my speech. I don’t take for granted at all the care and consideration I need to take with what I say. I want to be the fount of blessing and not be double-minded to bless one minute and then moan and mope the next. Helping with that is ensuring that I’m ensuring my heart is the place from which whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, excellent, admirable and praiseworthy emerges because I make it my priority to think on those things, appreciating that if this fills my inside, my mouth will be the vehicle for it to come out of me.
Next Up – James – Day 7: Two Kinds of Wisdom
Read James 3:13-18
Context: How does James’ teaching about two kinds of wisdom connect with his previous discussions about trials, faith, and the tongue?
Content: What are the characteristics and sources of earthly wisdom versus heavenly wisdom according to James?
Concept: How does James link wisdom with behaviour, and what does he mean when he says that “peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness”?
Conclusion: Which type of wisdom more accurately describes your approach to relationships and decision-making, and what changes do you need to make?
God knows our toughest task is to control what we say. God knows and God cares. That’s another reason to get the Word In so we can get the Word Out!
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
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