James 3 reminds me of the subtle reply to someone after they use profanity; “Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?” Today’s lesson is about the power of words to bless or harm. James continues his letter with a note about responsibility: “Not many of you should become teachers.” He explains that those “who teach will be judged more strictly.” This is related to not “causing little-ones to stumble” (Matt 18:16). I believe this includes more than just teaching accurate facts. It also means those who teach are held to a higher standard. Teachers are expected to demonstrate understanding through their actions: “to keep their whole body in check.” We teach by what we say and what we do. Next, James uses several analogies to describe the power of words. He describes putting the bit into “the mouths of horses to make them obey.” He says “we can turn the whole animal” with that small devise. He then describes how a large ship, driven by strong winds can be “steered by a very small rudder” to wherever the pilot directs. His point is: “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body… but it makes great boasts.” Taunting, belittling, coaxing, insulting and shaming are effective, but cruel ways to manipulate. James explains that just as a small spark can ignite a great forest, “The tongue also is a fire.” He says like a raging fire, “It corrupts the whole body” setting “the whole course of one’s life on fire.” Vulnerable people can be persuaded to believe the worst about themselves and others. James warns that an unguarded tongue is “full of deadly poison.” For that reason, I believe it is critically important to avoid words of hate.
James presents an observation about the way we speak: “With the tongue we praise our Lord… and with it we curse human beings.” For most of us, with “the same mouth come praise and cursing.” But James asks the believer to consider: “Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?” The answer is no. He is saying that whatever is inside will be revealed by the words that come out. Is your language a bit too salty?
The chapter closes with what James describes as a “good life”. He asks, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” He urges us to “show it by… deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” Once again, our attitude, our words and our deeds should align. On the other hand, if you “harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart… do not boast about it.” Today, we might say, don’t wallow in your misery. He adds, don’t “deny the truth”. Bitter people often blame God, denying the concept of “free-will”. James says, “Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” I see two extremes to avoid. Manmade layers of religious requirements lead to frustration and failure. On the other end we see a lack of firm standards of right and wrong. Remove either God’s righteousness, or His mercy, and: “there you find disorder and every evil practice.” Jesus said “no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again” (John 3:3). Part of that means we are spiritually made new. Not only can we choose to honor God, but we desire to honor Him because He set us free from our past. James explains: “the wisdom that comes from heaven is… pure… peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” This kind of wisdom is not self-centered. It recognizes the importance of both the vertical relationship with God, and the horizontal relationship with our brothers and sisters. James calls these kind of folks “Peacemakers”. He says that they will “reap a harvest of righteousness.” What have you been harvesting lately? Jesus invited all of us to participate in healing and hope and restoration. We can extend that same invitation though our words and actions. My friend, today you have the choice, will you invite, or incite?