James 3
We now continue with the third chapter of the letter of James.
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, because you know that we will be judged more strictly. For we all stumble in many ways. If someone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect individual, able to control the entire body as well. And if we put bits into the mouths of horses to get them to obey us, then we guide their entire bodies. Look at ships too: Though they are so large and driven by harsh winds, they are steered by a tiny rudder wherever the pilot’s inclination directs. So too the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it has great pretensions. Think how small a flame sets a huge forest ablaze. And the tongue is a fire! The tongue represents the world of wrongdoing among the parts of our bodies. It pollutes the entire body and sets fire to the course of human existence—and is set on fire by hell. (James 3:1-6)
We might think of teachers in churches as exalted positions but with great power comes great responsibility. It is good to teach, but it is also dangerous because the tools of the teacher are their words. Words can be used for good and equally for bad. James notes that the tongue is a small part of the body but it has influence out of proportion to its size. Many of us know this from experience, as our words have gotten us into trouble.
For every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and sea creature is subdued and has been subdued by humankind. But no human being can subdue the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse people made in God’s image. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. These things should not be so, my brothers and sisters. A spring does not pour out fresh water and bitter water from the same opening, does it? Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers and sisters, or a vine produce figs? Neither can a salt water spring produce fresh water. (James 3:7-12)
Words are not bad by themselves. It all comes down to how we use our words and James reminds us that we have a choice. We are to imagine a Christian singing praises to God and the next minute using their words to tear down another believer. That is not what God designed our tongues for.
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct he should show his works done in the gentleness that wisdom brings. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfishness in your hearts, do not boast and tell lies against the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical. And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace. (James 3:13-18)
We should all seek to be wise. But what is true wisdom? It is about being repositories of great knowledge. Knowledge is important but biblical wisdom is wider than that. There is a genre of writings in the Old Testament known as Wisdom Literature. They include the book of Proverbs. It does not take long reading Proverbs before we realize that the point of the book is right living.
James is drawing from that same type of understanding. How do we know if someone is wise? The answer is in how they live their life. Wisdom that is from above is such that is manifested in living a godly life that is a blessing toward others.
Discussion Questions
- Would you want to teach people about God? Why or why not?
- Have your words ever gotten you into trouble?
- Why is it so difficult to stop from saying the wrong thing?
- Have you been the victim of harsh words?
- Would people be able to recognize you as wise? Why or why not?
