The love of money is the root of all sorts of evil, as well as the tongue depending on how it is used. When used for good, we encourage, build up and speak truth in love. When used for harm, we can injure, tear down, and deceive with lies & flattery……. the list goes on. There is power in what we say, Proverbs 18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat of its fruit.” It should be noted that our words are NOT divine. When Paul in Romans 4:17, says, “(he)…who gives life to the dead and calls into existence that things that do not exist”…he is referring to God alone. The meaning of the noted Proverbs is essentially this: Our tongues can be life-giving, or destructive to ourselves and those around us.
Tongue control is not a virtue of our culture, as few endeavor to regulate their mouths. Social media is excellent example of the poisonous nature of people’s communication with one another. Our political and cultural divisiveness reveals hearts that overflow with hate and indifference that spills out in our public discourse. Further, social media has given a pulpit to the narcissistic inclination of man’s sinful nature. Worst, this behavior is mirrored by professed Christians who seem to show no regard for impact of our words towards those who have to read it or hear it. To live a quiet and peaceable life is not valued in our society, but rather to do what we want and say want we want. Our exaltation of freedoms has become idolatrous, and it is indeed destroying us.
More than any of the other NT writers, James is very concerned about this issue among believers as he warns about the dangers of an unruly tongue. An unbridled tongue hinders our ability to graciously hear others because it is driven by a bitter root and exposes dying faith (Jam 1:19-26). Much like sexual immorality, an unbridle tongue effects not only the individual, but can set ablaze all those around you. Here are a few observations from the focus text that can help us (a) understand the power of the tongue, and (b) the necessity that the Spirit reign over it.
Teaching & Tongue (v1-2). James first addresses those who teach the Word of God, thus, “Not many of you should become teachers…” In making this statement, his intention is not to discourage the pursuit of being a teacher of the Gospel. Remember:
- We are all called to be teachers of the Gospel. Mt 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, (20) teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…”
- The writer of Hebrews offers a rebuke to believers who have not matured to a place where they can also teach others the good news of Jesus. Heb 5:11-13, “About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. (12) For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, (13) for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child.” Lack spiritual growth in the knowledge of God makes us prone to apostasy.
A person with such responsibility has influence over trusting listeners, which can make them more vulnerable to error if such instruction is unsound and careless. When James says, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness…” he is warning of the dangers of being unruly with our tongues because of our sphere of influence. Jesus also warned, “I tell you, on the day of judgement people will give account for every careless word they speak…(Mt 12:36).” The words we use gives a people inside view of our hearts condition. James acknowledges that teachers will not be perfect, thus, “for we all stumble in many ways.” All have sin and cannot escape its power (Ecc 7:20, 1 Jn 1:8).
In relation to the text, James is not defining a perfect man as sinless, but rather a person who is spiritually mature that speaks truth in love, filled with wisdom and understanding, and is able to bridle their tongue. All is accomplished by the power of the Spirit. Sin robs us of spiritual maturity and cause us to speak carelessly.
The Role of the Tongue (v3-5). James now offers practical examples to illustrate the importance of the function of the tongue. He says that:
- A Horse’s Food. Small bits that placed into the mouth of horse can influenced the whole animal to obey in both body and mind.
- A Ship Rudder. Though ship vessels can be large and driven by strong winds, it is a small rudder that directs the entire body of the vessel.
- Modern Example (Doggie Treats). Small treats the size of a small pebble is used in dog obedience training. While there are other aspects of such training such as voice commands, physical handling of the dogs, it is this small piece of food by which the dog becomes fixated on that now controls both his mind and his behavior.
What is James endeavoring to communicate about the tongue with these illustrations? The tongue is a small member but has a controlling effect on person. Whatever direction the heart and mind want to go, the tongue charts the course. James says it makes great boast. The Spirit is needed to restrain the ruinous characteristics of the tongue. It is like a small spark that causes a forest fire that devastates many acres of land, displaces and destroys homes, and inflict untold suffering on millions. This happens in our interpersonal relationships with people when our tongues become flammable due to human carelessness and neglect. Failure to obey the exhortation to exhibit fruits of the Spirit such as peace, patience, gentleness, and self-control is lacking.
Much like a forest fire, the damage cannot be undone. What we say cannot be unheard. Once out, we can’t get the toothpaste back in its tube. We can only deal with the consequences of what we have said, like first responders descending on ground zero, attempting triage the wounded; and clean up debris and the damage wrought by those impacted by it.
A World of Evil (v6-8). James says the tongue is a world of unrighteousness. With it we tell lies, slander’s peoples name, kindle hate, creates discord, incite lust, and gives rise to many sins. Because of our inclination in our nature to evil, the tongue used in such a way that corrupts mans’ total being. Remember, Jesus taught that it was not what enters the body, but rather what comes out of us that makes us unclean (Mk 7:20-23). To further strengthen his point, James notes that wild animals (some very powerful) of all kinds are tamed by man, but man cannot tame his own tongue. It is restless evil full of deadly poison like a viper (cf. Prv 30:14).
Duplicity with our Tongue (v9-12). Can both honey and venom come out from the same one source? On one hand we praise God in prayer, confession, and hymn, but with the same mouth we curse people who have been created in the image of God. Regardless of whether person does not share the same race and cultural worldview; or belong to your political party….God does not show partiality for one over the other. When we curse men who are image bearers, we indirectly curse God. Jesus taught that we are to bless those who curse us and to love our enemies.
James rightly concludes that this duplicity should not be witnessed among the saints. Just like fresh and salt water will not flow from the same stream, blessing and curses should flow from our same mouth.
Application: Instructive guidance from scripture that is helpful in obeying James exhortations on tongue control:
- Self-Examination. The Bible teaches that that the sources of our issues originate in the heart, Prv 4:23), that should always be asked before we speak: Is what I am about to say going to be self-justifying or God-glorifying?
- Consult with God before speaking (Ps 141:3). We need wisdom from above. Often, we respond better when we have first heard. Timely wise words are often the result of active listening (Prv 1:5). Timing in what we say is just as important as what we say, Prv 15:23, “To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!”
- Avoid Quarreling. Discord ruins our witness for Christ and harms those who are witness it (2 Tim 2:14, Eph 4:29-30).
- Speak & Instruct with Spirit of Gentleness (2 Tim 2:24-25).
- Jesus Model for Conflict Resolution. He always mirrored his Father’s temperament even in indignation (i.e. tearing up the temple). In his righteous anger, it did not lead him to sin (cf. Eph 4:26). The Bible also records events during his arrest where they assailed him with questions and false accusations, through which he mostly remained silent. Not every attack requires a response. In faith, we have to trust God to fight our battles and clear our names.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D
www.springoflivingwaters.com