1-12
James begins this chapter by commanding the people to be very careful about taking a leadership role.
I don’t believe he says this to discourage believers who felt called to teach or preach, but as a way to punctuate the importance of these positions.
We know from Matthew 23, that in the days of Jesus, the scribes and Pharisees loved to be esteemed by others. They loved to sit in places of honor, and loved to be called rabbi, or teacher, by others. Yet, they were not teaching the truth, because they did not believe the truth. They had rejected it. They were like the blind leading the blind, and Jesus strongly condemns them for it.
For this reason, I believe, James strongly cautions his brothers and sisters against rushing to be in leadership positions, because he knows the role brings with it a stricter judgment. If they feel called to do it, they should make sure it’s for the right reasons.
After all, he notes, everyone sins in multiple ways. To prove his point he then lists an area of our lives that he knows is a weak spot for everyone – our speech. In fact, he contends, and rightly so, that if a man, or woman, is able to not sin with their tongue, that person would indeed be perfect, because if they can control their tongue, they can control their whole body.
He then gives several analogies which prove this point. A horse, whose body is so large, can be easily controlled by a small bit in its mouth. A huge ship can be driven by a rudder that is a fraction of its size.
He then turns to discussing all the destruction that can come from the tongue. In one of my favorite metaphors of the Bible he compares the tongue to a fire. Maybe it’s because I was an English major, but I think this is such a powerful comparison, simply because it’s so true.
The tongue can be such a destructive member of our bodies if left untamed. Its evil quickly spreads from its owner, to all others in its surroundings. Like that fire, it quickly destroys everything and everyone in its path.
As he writes, James himself seems to marvel at the fact that we humans have learned to control every type of bird, animal, reptile and fish, but no one can control the tongue.
It is unruly and poisonous.
James then points out the tongue’s hypocritical actions. With it, he says, we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse our brothers and sisters who were made in our Father’s image. This should never be.
He then uses several illustrations to demonstrate that one who is a Spirit-led, Spirit-controlled believer will not allow his speech to contradict his faith.
This is one of those passages in scripture which I think is universally convicting. I mean, who among us has never slipped up in their speech. It reminds me of the verse in Matthew that says we will give an account for every idle word we speak.
“As Christians it is so important to keep a tight rein on our tongue and the words we allow it to utter, even when we think no one else is listening.”
That is a whole lot of responsibility, and it’s meant to be. The Lord knows how very quickly a careless word can ruin a relationship or a reputation. As Christians it is so important to keep a tight rein on our tongue and the words we allow it to utter, even when we think no one else is listening.
13-18
James changes gears in the next few verses and talks about wisdom. Basically, he’s trying to explain the difference to them between the world’s wisdom and God’s wisdom.
He says if they truly possess God’s wisdom, their lives will show it by how they live their lives. Their great depth of knowledge will be tempered by meekness and the good works they do will be clothed in humility.
On the other hand, if the knowledge you gain is only to prosper your own selfish ambition, do not think you are wise. That wisdom, he says, is earthly, sensual, even demonic.
He then gives some qualities of Godly wisdom.
It is:
- pure – chaste, morally sincere
- peaceful – loving or promoting peace
- gentle – reasonable
- easy to be intreated or open to reason – teachable
- full of mercy and good fruits – showing concern for others in pain or hardship and doing good to them
- impartial – consistent, one who does not make unfair distinctions
- without hypocrisy
He concludes again by emphasizing that true wisdom is shown through righteous living and through the peace both within the hearts and surrounding the lives of those who possess it.
Final thoughts
Perhaps more than anyone else in the Bible, James shows us quite clearly the power of our words. In vivid descriptions he shows us how incredibly important it is to be in control of our tongue. To me, the key verses in this chapter are 11 and 12, in which James gives three illustrations to demonstrate the sinfulness of “cursing” others. “Can a salt pond yield fresh water?” he asks. Can a fig tree bear olives? No. Here is yet another reason why it is so important to consume God’s word on a daily basis. Just like a plant, or a tree, we produce whatever we consume. We cannot speak love and grace to others if we are full of jealousy and selfishness.
What were your lessons from today’s chapter?
Let me know in the comments.
I have a situation i my family, where i was quick to condem and yell and scream. I have softened my outlook, knowing noone can make anyone else do something they are not ready to do. I have prayed about it and found talking softly, listening to the other person, not putting them down, makes a world of difference. I have felt more at peace and things seem to be working out much better.
What a great application of James’ teaching on the tongue.