Tongue Tied

James 3

James is writing to those in the church who think they are wise enough to be teachers. He warns those that aspire to teach to be careful as they will fall under greater condemnation. We all stumble or sin in many ways, but James likens those who do not sin in their words to a perfect person, able to control the whole body (v.2).

James emphasizes how influential the tongue is in our bodies. In James’ teaching, size does not matter. Even though very small compared to the rest of the body, the tongue wields great power and influence. James gives three examples of small objects that control larger objects. First, he speaks of a small bit in a horse’s mouth and how it is able to control a large and powerful horse (v.3). Second, he speaks of a rudder, small, but able to control a large ship (v.4). Lastly, he speaks of a small spark as being able to start a great fire (v.5).

Not only does James emphasize the influence of the tongue but also the iniquity of it. James states that the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity that defiles our entire body and is set on fire by hell (v.6). James says that we can use our tongue to destroy like an arsonist. Proverbs 16:27 says that an ungodly person digs up evil while his words are like scorching fire. James not only compares the tongue to a fire but also to a wild beast that no person can tame. He illustrates how man has tamed every kind of beast, bird, and things of the sea but not our tongues. In Galatians 5:15, Paul also talks about this when he warns that if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. James then compares the tongue to deadly poison. In Psalm 140, David is asking God to rescue him from evil men. He describes these evil men as sharpening their tongues like a serpent and the poison of a viper being under their lips.

Not only does James speak of the influence of the tongue and the iniquity of the tongue but he also speaks of the inconsistency of the tongue. Hypocrisy is a big topic for James. He states the fact that with the same tongue we bless God on the one hand but turn around and curse men on the other hand. He tells us this ought not to be so. He then gives two examples of how this is impossible in the natural world. First he uses a fountain. A fountain can not put forth fresh water and bitter water at the same time (v.11). Next he speaks how a fig tree can not produce olives nor can a vine produce figs (v.12). Basically he is stating that what is impossible in the physical world ought not to be possible in the spiritual world. To sum it up, James is saying that if you claim to be a Christian and a follower of Christ, let it be shown in your speech to others.

James then shifts gears and moves on to wisdom. Again, James is looking for visual evidence of wisdom. This evidence is shown by good behavior done in the gentleness of wisdom (v.13). But instead, if you have jealousy and strife in your heart, that wisdom is not from above but is earthly, natural and demonic (v.15). This kind of wisdom breeds disorder and every evil thing. In contrast, the wisdom that comes from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, and without hypocrisy (v.17). This kind of wisdom is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James says that if you want to teach you need to be wise. In order to be wise, you need to seek the wisdom that comes from above. With that wisdom, you will be able to tame the previously untamable tongue. The evidence of a tamed tongue is good behavior done in gentleness and meekness. The one who accomplishes this in full is a perfect person.