Topic: Danger! Beware of one’s tongue (James 3:1-12)
It is estimated that people spend 52 minutes a day talking about someone who is not present. Of those gossip-filled conversations, 10 percent are positive or flattering, 75 percent are neutral and 15 percent are negative. Most of the time, people don't hear what's being said about them, but what if they did? Words do matter.
The small size of the tongue doesn't keep it from doing great damage. Words can demoralize and destroy others just like a small spark can start a wildfire that destroys a large forest. James even says that the tongue is a fire. And it sets the course of life on fire and is itself set on fire by hell. Those are strong words.
We've probably all experienced the harsh effects of a tongue and have been on the receiving end of cutting criticism, destructive gossip or demoralizing sarcasm. We've also seen the effects of lying, slander and careless words.
Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things the Lord hates and three of them are sins of the tongue—a lying tongue, a lying witness who gives false testimony and one who stirs up trouble among brothers.
The apostle Paul pleaded with his readers to avoid the use of obscene and foolish talking or crude joking. Clearly words are powerful and can destroy relationships and people's reputations.
Yes, words matter. They can destroy or they can give hope. Our words have the power to instruct, inspire, encourage and motivate. Teachers’ words make a difference in their students' lives. The words they say are important—so important that the very act of teaching invites a stricter judgment. God is serious about what is taught.
James uses the examples of horses and ships to illustrate how we can control those things using instruments that are so much smaller. A bridle bit weighs between 1-2 pounds, yet by using it a rider can direct an 1800 pound horse. A rudder is a tiny fraction of the size of the ship's hull, and yet the captain uses it to steer the entire ship.
James points out how inconsistent we are. With our words, we use the same tongue to bless God yet curse the people He created in His image. So, what do we do? Do we simply give up and give in to every temptation to lie, curse and gossip about others? Of course not. And that is James' point.
Let's face it, Satan is always going to tempt us to do evil with our tongues. So we have to be on our guard and constantly submit that temptation to the Lord. If we rely on our own self-control, that's not the answer. The only way we can use our tongue consistently for God's good purposes is to submit to God's control in our lives.
We need God's wisdom in the ongoing battle to control our untamed tongue. When we are tempted to let our tongue wreak havoc in our relationships, we need to pause, think and pray, seeking God's wisdom. We cannot let conventional worldly wisdom, what James called bitter envy and selfish ambition, guide us.
See you Sunday! Dr. Scott Kallem