Dear Diary,
The life
changing Gospel According to James 3:
#Life_and_Death_are_in_the_Power_of_the-Tongue
#Eat_the_Fruit_of_Your_Tongue
Earlier, we
learned that a person who has been regenerated must apply God’s word in
specific areas of life. One of these areas is restraining speech. In chapter
1:19 James mentioned restrain the tongue and reiterated the same in v. 26. In
this chapter he expands on the powerful influence and the perversity of the
tongue. At the heat of a moment, am sure many of us have said things we regret,
let’s see how we can be able to restrain our tongues.
Opening
observation
James’s first
concern has to do with those who desire to be teachers. They ought to be
conscious of the weight and influence of their tongue which lies at the heart
of their teaching. He begins by stating that they have a stricter
responsibility, v.1 “Not many [of you] should
become teachers [serving in an official teaching capacity], my brothers and
sisters, for you know that we [who are teachers] will [a]be judged
by a higher standard [because we have assumed greater accountability and more
condemnation if we teach incorrectly],” (AMP). Those who want to become
teachers must realize that the responsibility and accountability is serious and
greater. You remember even Jesus warned, “But the one who did
not know it and did things worthy of a beating, will receive only a few [lashes]. From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and
to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more,” Luke 12:48.
The responsibility and accountability is sobering in the light of the shared weakness
that the tongue is the most difficult member of a body to tame v.2.
The power of the
tongue, 3-6
Consider the
following illustrations: first, the bit. A bit is a metal mouthpiece of a
bridle whereby a rider controls a horse, v3; second, a rudder. A rudder is a
flat piece, usually of wood, metal, or plastic, hinged vertically near the
stern of a boat or ship for steering. Compared of the size of the vessel, the
small rudder is able to guide a ship wherever the pilot wants, v. 4; third,
fire, an inflammatory and destructive potential. A vast forest is set on fire
by a small spark, v.5b; fourth, a world of evil, v. 6. Its powerful influence
is such that it can destroy and/or corrupt the whole person and sets the whole
course of his life on fire, v6b. Likewise,
the tongue is a small member of the body, it has no bones yet it has power to
alter destinies. By controlling it, the entire body is bridled, v. 5a. Now,
James concludes this section by tracing the inflaming nature of the tongue back
to its source-hell. “…and is itself set on fire by hell,” v.6b.
The
perversity of the tongue, v. 7-12
God gave man
dominion over creation, Genesis 1:28. Successfully, mankind has been able to
tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures, v. 7. However, one
of the aspects of the perversity of the tongue is that no man can tame the
tongue, v. 8. In
its natural state the tongue is restless evil, deadly poison. The second aspect
of its perversity is its inconsistency, v. 9-10. We use the same tongue to praise
the Lord and our Father and to curse fellow men, who are made in the image of
God. James turns to nature for very inspiring illustrations, “Can both fresh
water and salt water flow from the same spring?” v. 11. “Can a fig tree bear
olives?” v.12. According to nature, a water spring and a plant produce
according to its nature. Likewise, a regenerated man ought to restrain his
speech-out of a good man’s mouth should come good words.
Demonstration of
a living faith: Heavenly vs. earthly wisdom, v. 13-18
So, “Who is wise
and understanding?” he should show it by his good life, deeds done in humility
that comes from wisdom, v.13. Wisdom enables a regenerated person to live a
life of godliness. The character of earthly wisdom is bitter envy, selfish
ambition, arrogant and defiant against truth. Such wisdom is sensual and
demonic; it doesn’t come from heaven. In fact, it results in confusion and
every evil thing, v.14-16. On the flip side the character of heavenly wisdom is
pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive,
full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere, peacemakers who sow
in peace reap a harvest of righteousness, v. 17-18.
In conclusion, “Life
and death are in the power of the tongue and we will eat the fruit of what we
say,” Proverbs 18:21. “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin:
but he that refraineth his lips is wise,” (Prov. 10:19). “Whoever would love
life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from
deceitful speech,” 1 Peter 3:10. Silence is not the ultimate answer to the
problem of the tongue but verbal holiness includes both gracious and honest
speech and also silence under the control of the Holy Spirit. Secondly, ask God
for heavenly wisdom and understanding to become spiritually mature evidenced in
the use of the tongue. The Holy Spirit and Wisdom from God makes it possible
for a born again (wo)man to tame the tongue.
Yours faithful
scribbler,
NzakuNashipae
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