How we steward our words is a clear theme throughout the book of James. What we say and how we say it is extremely important for the follower of Jesus because our words matter more than we know. Most major studies agree that people speak around 16,000 words per day on average. To put this in perspective, that’s almost 6 million words per year which is enough to fill 100 average-sized books. So, the question could be: what book are you writing with the words you are saying? Is it helpful or hurtful? Does it bring life or bring death? Does it encourage or tear down? The fact is, if we don’t control our words then our words will control us. So, how do we get control over the way we speak? That is what our passage is all about today as we learn together how to tame our tongue!
Psalms 141:3 – Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.
James 3:1-12 – Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.
THE TONGUE IS POWERFUL (James 3:1-5)
Proverbs 18:21 – Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
THE TONGUE IS DANGEROUS (James 3:5-6)
Proverbs 12:18 – The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
Proverbs 16:27 – A worthless man digs up evil, while his words are like scorching fire.
THE TONGUE IS UNTAMABLE (James 3:7-12)
Psalm 19:14 – Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Can you identify any patterns in your life where your words are harmful toward others? Is God calling you to repent for the way you use your words?
How can you become more mindful of the words you speak? Where does this apply in your life?
In what way can you speak life and help shape others around you in a Christ-like way?