James 3:1–12
Our scripture today continues with the book of James, chapter 3:1–12. This passage talks a great deal about one organ in our body. James spends almost an entire chapter discussing the tongue, because the words we speak are very important—they make us who we are. He uses some very interesting examples and metaphors to explain this, along with some sharp and challenging words about our tongues and the words we use.
As you remember, James heard stories about problems in the church, and one of those problems was the way people spoke to one another. So, he decided to turn the focus of his letter toward practical ways of living. That’s what we’ve been studying over the past few Sundays.
We’ve talked about faith and works—how without works, faith is dead, and how our works should demonstrate our faith. Christianity is not just about believing something; it’s about acting on that belief. Our actions express our faith in Christ. Similarly, our words are very important, for they reveal who we are.
In the past, people used to say, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Have you heard that? Amen. But I think that’s not really true—at least not 100%. Words can truly hurt. They may not wound us physically, but they can wound us internally, sometimes leaving gaping hurts that may never heal in this lifetime. We might even say that emotional pain caused by words can last longer than physical pain.
In earlier times, words were spoken or written. But now, in our modern age, we have virtual words—through social media. People can hide behind screens and say whatever they want to the entire world. Not only do people now speak online through microphones or videos, they also type messages and express what’s in their hearts using any language or tone they please. And lately, we have memes and emojis—you don’t even have to use words at all! Just one click can communicate laughter, anger, hatred, or love.
Our expressions of communication have changed dramatically. But the question is: have we progressed in the culture of our communication? Are we using these tools to display grace and character, or have we become harsher and ruder with one another? Sadly, when I look at social media today, I often see more rudeness and harsh behavior than kindness and understanding.
That’s why this teaching from James—written nearly two thousand years ago—is still so relevant to us today. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible speaks about the power of words: words that can heal or hurt, bless or curse. The same tongue can do both. It’s a small organ, but very powerful, and we must be careful how we use it.
Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” In other words, the words we speak reflect what’s in our hearts. He also warned that on the day of judgment, everyone will give an account for every careless word spoken. “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36–37).
Our words have power—and keeping our word is important too. In earlier times, people used to talk about a “gentleman’s contract.” It didn’t have to be written down or signed. A simple “yes” meant yes, and a “no” meant no. You could make an agreement with your neighbor or brother simply by speaking. But now, everything has to be written down, signed, and read carefully—even the fine print that you need a magnifying glass to see!
Jesus said, “Let your yes be yes and your no be no.” Yet how many times do we say “yes” when we really mean “no,” just to avoid someone? I’ve been guilty of that too. Politicians do it all the time—they promise everything, and then forget it immediately. But as Christians, we must be honest with our words.
I recently read about the famous basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. At one point, he had an opportunity to sign with two teams. One offered him $1.5 million; the other offered $2 million. Although he had already given his word to the first team, the press asked him why he didn’t take the higher offer. He replied, “I already gave my word, and I am a man of my word.” That’s the kind of integrity we should have as Christians.
James gives an extensive teaching about the tongue because our words reveal our character and faith. We can claim to be Christians, but if our words don’t reflect that, we’re misrepresenting not only ourselves but also Christ.
Aesop once told a story about a donkey who dressed up as a lion to scare other animals. The donkey roared, but a fox heard the sound and said, “You can dress however you want, but I know your voice.” The donkey’s voice gave him away. Likewise, our words give us away.
In the Bible, Jacob disguised himself as his brother Esau to receive his father’s blessing. When his father touched him, he said, “The body feels like Esau, but the voice is Jacob’s.” Jacob lied to his father and stole the blessing, which led to years of trouble and separation from his family. Later, when God confronted him and asked, “Who are you?” Jacob finally confessed and repented, realizing he had lived a life of deceit. As Christians, we must live with integrity. When we say “yes,” it should mean yes. When we say we are Christians, we should live as Christians.
Words are powerful. Once they leave our mouths, they cannot be taken back—like a stone thrown from the hand. Words can hurt more deeply than we imagine. That’s why every Sunday, before preaching, I often pray David’s prayer from Psalm 19:14: “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord.”
We must ask God for the grace to speak the right words—to others and to Him in prayer. Sometimes we don’t know what to say, but by God’s grace, our words can bring healing and life.
God’s own words have power. In Genesis, God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. By His word, He created everything—light, water, skies, mountains, animals—everything except man, who was formed by His hands. God’s words created.
Our words, too, have the power to create and to bless—but also to destroy. Jesus used words to heal and bless others. He said, “Be opened,” and the blind saw, the deaf heard, and the lame walked. But words can also break, discourage, and destroy.
James warns that “out of the same mouth come praise and cursing.” This should not be so. If our hearts are filled with bitterness, our words will reveal that bitterness. But if our hearts are filled with grace, our words will reveal grace.
James gives three illustrations to describe the power of the tongue: a bit in a horse’s mouth, a rudder on a ship, and a spark of fire. The bit in a horse’s mouth is small, yet it controls a mighty animal. Likewise, our tongue is small but has great power over our lives. A rudder, though small, can steer a massive ship. And a tiny spark can destroy an entire forest.
How many churches have been damaged by a single spark of gossip? Even one or two people can set off a fire that harms the entire community. I believe our own church has seen such times in the past. Let us therefore be gracious in our speech, mindful of Christ’s example of gentle, healing words.
A doctor once told his patient that the secret to good health is to “watch your tongue.” The patient thought he meant watching what he eats, but the doctor said, “No—watch what you say. Bitter words make bitter hearts, but gentle words bring peace and healing.”
Jesus healed and redeemed through His words. So let us choose words that give life, not hurt; that comfort, not condemn; that encourage, not embarrass.
We can only do this by God’s grace. No human can tame the tongue on their own. James says in verse 8, “No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” With the same tongue, we praise the Lord and curse people made in His image.
He also reminds us that every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and sea creature can be tamed—but no one can tame the tongue. Think about that. Humans can train lions and tigers, birds of prey, snakes, even dolphins—but not the tongue.
So, let us pray that God helps us surrender not only our hearts but also our tongues to Him. May our mouths bring praise to God and words of grace to the people around us. May He help us speak words that calm storms, heal the wounded, and forgive those who hurt us.
May the Lord bless us with these words as we go from this place, always remembering the power of the words we speak—and may we use them graciously for His glory.
Comments
Post a Comment