Tame Your Tongue

We must guard our tongues against utterances that could harm or destroy others and use them as an instrument of blessing. Proverbs 12:18 - There is that speaketh like the piercing of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. The followings are discussed: Control Your Speech; Destructive Nature of the Tongue, and Speak and live Wisely.

Control Your Speech: James tells the teachers of the word of God and those occupying leadership positions in the Church to see themselves as stewards who will one day give account of their deeds and utterances. Just as actions do, words of the mouth can lead people toward or away from God. While the Early Church struggled against heretical teachings of false teachers, James warned the aspiring teachers to beware of teachings that were not in line with the word of God (James 1:3). He calls on those who want to become teachers, and all who want to engage in spiritual leadership to recognise immense responsibilities accompanying roles they will play, and that they would be accountable for what they say. Teachers of the Word need to regularly study the Word, seek God in prayer, submit to godly authority and ask for the wisdom to live an accountable life.

James also included all believers in his message, requiring them to watch their tongues. He asserted that a person who is able to control his speech will be able to control virtually everything else and called such person 'perfect' (James 3:2-5). It would easier to control other aspects of one's life if the tongue can be controlled. The tongue is described as a part of the body that can spark tremendous passions or emotions, and has the power to alter lives. Therefore we need the power of Holy Spirit to help us control our tongues and say words that can edify others. Christians are not to speak carelessly, but say words that can save lives.

Destructive Nature of the Tongue: Tongue holds great corrupting power and should be guarded against careless words that can destroy families, friendships and even spark wars between nations. James described tongue as a fire and potent tool in the hand of Satan. It corrupts personalities and pollutes souls to spark anger, nurse grudges and create enmity. People have been able to tame animals and control many things in the environment, but it has been difficult to control tongue (James 3:6-8 ). Tongue remains as dangerous and corrosive as deadly poison. It's destructive power is evident in our society, even in the Church. Some people often talk carelessly, saying things that can breed resentment and destroy relationships with others.

James also talks about those who are expected to praise God but speak evil of fellow human beings. Tongue should be used for the highest purpose which is to exalt God, and not to abuse others. Our words should build up and bring blessings to others (James 3:9-12). When we offer praises and exalt God He sends down blessings. Gossips and other forms of inglorious statements should be removed from our mouths so that our lives can be a blessing and build others up.

Speak and Live Wisely: James speaks about two kinds of wisdom: heavenly and earthly wisdom. Believers are enjoined to choose wisdom that comes from God over the wisdom of this world. While the earthly wisdom harbours sinful attitude such as envy and selfish ambition, godly wisdom proclaims the truth and leads to eternal life (James 3:13-6). Earthly wisdom has negative characteristics which destroy the society while the wisdom of God produces qualities such as love, godliness, selflessness, mercy and others that help to do good and pursue eternal priorities.

Wisdom that comes from the above has eternal value and and exhibits Christ-like behaviour. It makes relationships work and transforms the society. Godly wisdom reflects humility which is part of Christ life. Christ humbled himself by leaving glories of heaven to come to this world. Humility will make us look at others as Christ sees them and threat them with godly love. We must forgive offences and humbly admit when we are wrong. The Church and entire society will benefit from our contributions when our words are characterized by godly love and selfless service. Lesson text: James 3:1-18.