As one works through the book of James, he/she discovers that faith and God’s gift of wisdom are central to the book’s teachings. Some biblical scholars even compare the book to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. The book of James answers the question, “How are we to live as followers of Christ?” In other words, James deals with the practical application of God-given wisdom.
When we look at James 3:1-12, the first verse of chapter three does not seem to fit with the rest of the passage’s instruction on controlling the tongue. But hang with me a moment. We read in James 3:1, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” James’ words here are few, but his teaching regarding the weighty responsibility of serving as a teacher is clear.
James shares two truths about being a teacher. The first truth is that not many should become teachers. In the New Testament, we discover that teaching is one of the leadership gifts given by the Holy Spirit. As true of any ministry, we should engage in ministry only when we are called by God and gifted by the Holy Spirit to do so. If you teach, do it to the glory of God, and if you don’t teach, do whatever God calls and equips you to do for His glory.
The second truth is that teachers will receive stricter judgment. Given the weighty privilege and responsibility of teaching the truth of God’s Word, there is little wonder that God would require a high standard of quality and faithfulness. If a teacher’s instruction harms God’s people, he or she will “reap what they sow.” We’re to understand that God will judge those who teach His Word. We also must realize that a stricter judgment will come from brothers and sisters in Christ for those who teach. Here is where this verse ties in with the rest, which deals with controlling the tongue. Realizing that teaching is a weighty privilege and responsibility, teachers need to take great and prayerful care in what they say about God’s Word because they can expect strict judgment from the family of God and from the Lord Himself.
Now, let’s move on to the rest of our passage about controlling the tongue. James 3:2-12 leaves little doubt that the tongue is difficult to control. James shares two assertions that help us understand how to control the tongue. The first assertion is that no one can on their own control the tongue (v.2). Further, He shares three contentions regarding the tongue. The first contention is that the tongue is a little member but boasts great things (vv. 2-5). To support this contention, James shares three illustrations of a bit in a horse’s mouth, the rudder of a ship, and a small fire. With a bit, one can control a horse; with a rudder, one can control a large ship; and with a spark, one can ignite a huge forest and destroy it by fire. So, it’s with the tongue; it’s very small but very powerful and significant.
The second contention is that the tongue is a fire – set on fire by hell (v. 6). In supporting this contention, James makes three statements about the destructiveness of the tongue. The first statement is that the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness (v. 6). The Greek word for unrighteousness is a powerful word referring to moral decadency. The second statement is that the tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body (v. 6). As a world plagued by iniquity, the tongue cannot be held in isolation. In fact, the tongue corrupts the entire body. Just as a rudder affects a ship and a bit affects a horse, the tongue affects the body and brings corruption. The third and final statement is that the tongue not only corrupts the body but also sets on fire the entire course of one’s life (v.6). The tongue not only corrupts the physical body of people but also brings corruption to their entire life. It affects not merely what we do but what we are.
The last contention James shares concerning the tongue is that the tongue is a restless evil, full of deadly poison (v. 8). The concept of “restless evil” is well represented by J. B. Philips’ translation of the New Testament, “The tongue is an evil always liable to break out, and the poison it spreads is deadly.” The evil James describes is not passive but is actively on the attack as a deadly poison. We can summarize from these three contentions that (1) the tongue is a little member but boast great things, (2) the tongue is a fire – set on fire by hell, and (3) the tongue is a restless evil, full of deadly poison?
James leaves no doubt that no one can, on their own, control the tongue. The tongue is an enigma; it defiles the natural order created by God (vv. 10-12). James explains that a spring doesn’t flow with both fresh and bitter water, nor does fresh and salt water flow from the same spring. Fig trees don’t bear olives, nor does a grapevine produce figs. Yet out of the same mouth can proceed both blessings and cursing (v. 10). The conclusion of James is clear. The significance and influence of the tongue are great.
So, where’s the hope? The problem with our tongues is spiritual, and to find the answer, we need to remember that when we look at Scripture, context is king! James has already instructed us back in James 1:16-18 that God is the source of all good and available to help in every situation. If we need wisdom, we need only to ask for it (James 1:5). Remember that James’ first assertion is that no one can on their own control the tongue. So, how do we control the tongue? We find the answer in James’ second assertion. To control our tongues, we need to approach our perfect God for help – only by His power and wisdom can we control our tongues.
Every good and perfect gift comes from Him alone (James 1:16-18). Only a perfect person can control his/her tongue (James 3:2). Only God is perfect. Since God is the only One who is perfect, He is the only One who can control any of our tongues. Our deep need is to be in a saving relationship with God; we need to receive Christ as Savior and Lord. We need to be forgiven of our sin. We need to be controlled by the Spirit of Christ, enabled by His power to control our tongue and our whole being. The good news is that when we give ourselves over to the Lord, He controls the master switch of our life. He gives us all we need to control not only our tongue but all of our life. Let me say it plainly. By the power of our Lord, leaning into His wisdom, we can control our tongue, speaking words of life while living the life. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!