Sep. 15, 2024

Taming The Tongue

James 3:1-12

 The tongue is an important matter in the book of James.  James has 108 verses across five chapters, and 46 of those 108 verses in some way, some shape, some form, somehow, deal with the tongue, language, or speech.   And in chapter three, we see his most concentrated teachings on it. James gives a warning that false teachings (words) can destroy or damage the faith of those who are taught.  It can be hard not to stumble in what we say.    We speak without thinking.  We can lie, use self-justifying words, harmful ones, or use empty ones.  The apostle says that these are not without effect.  James explains that the tongue can control us. It can control what we believe, or even think.  If we say that we are “worthless” or “stupid,” or even say that about others, we can begin to believe that about others, or even ourselves.  We can repeat a lie so much that we believe it to be true!   Our tongue can control us, and it can even control others, even though it is tiny compared to our bodies. James says that the tongue’s use should reflect however our calling.  “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.”   We can sing our praises to God with our tongue in church and then go wound someone with it right after. Fortunately, Jesus controlled the tongue for our sake and salvation.  On the cross, He cries out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me” as He bears the punishment for our sin. When we fail and stumble, we hear the words of the Perfect One: “You are forgiven!”  James says that our tongues can control, and they can destroy.  In baptism, our tongues redeemed for a good use. 

 Questions:  

1. How do we know that the tongue is important in the book of James?    
2. How can the tongue control us?
3. What did Jesus control on our behalf? How?