Taming the Tongue
James 3:1-12
James, the brother of Jesus, composes the only book of wisdom in the New Testament. There are examples of wisdom literature in various other passages, but James is the only complete volume of wisdom literature in the New Testament. This characteristic puts it in the same category as Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, or Job. It is not doctrinal or arguing deeply about theological subjects. James, instead, gets practical and tries to address everyday kinds of things that the Christian community faces. We saw that as we looked James 1:17-27 - there James reminds us that the church’s responsibilities is to care for the widow and the orphan (and any group or individual who is vulnerable and powerless). In James 2:1-17, he reminds us that faith has to be working; our faith has to lead us to take action in line with God’s activity if it is going to be a living faith.
In our passage of consideration today, James reminds us of that words are powerful. Words have the power to bless and the power to curse. James recognizes the power of words and cautions us about how we use them. The matter of importance here is whether we will use words that align us with God or not. He explores the power of words as he describes the tongue as a small thing but then uses playful images to get at the power of words. Like a bit in a horses mouth or a rudder on a boat, words guide our direction. He also points out that the tongue, or our words, are like a small fire setting a forest on fire - we know all about that as the forests across the western part of our country are in flames.
As followers of Jesus, we need to align our words with the patterns of God’s actions in all of scripture including in the life and ministry and words of Jesus Christ. The challenge for us is will we use them to bless as God does or will we use them to tear things up?
Reflection Questions
When have you experienced words that were a blessing? A curse?
When have you spoken words that were a blessing? A curse?
What helps you use your words carefully?
What leads to you speaking words that can tear things up?