*James 3:1-12
James condemns the difficulty of controlling the tongue and its power to do both good and evil.
- Caution about Teaching:
- James begins by warning that not many should become teachers because they will be judged more strictly.
- This sets the stage for a discussion on the responsibility that comes with guiding others, particularly in using one’s words wisely.
- Power of the Tongue:
- The tongue, although a small part of the body, boasts great power, illustrated by comparisons to a bit in a horse’s mouth and a small rudder on a large ship.
- These analogies show how a small tool can control large entities, emphasizing the disproportionate impact of speech.
- Destructive Capability of the Tongue:
- James describes the tongue as a fire, a world of evil that can corrupt the whole person and set the course of one’s life on fire.
- The tongue itself is portrayed as set on fire by hell, underscoring its potential for great harm.
- Taming the Tongue:
- Unlike animals, which can be tamed by humans, the tongue is described as untamable and full of deadly poison.
- This part of the discussion highlights the difficulty of controlling one’s speech and the constant vigilance it requires.
- Inconsistency of Speech:
- James criticizes the inconsistency of praising God and cursing human beings with the same mouth, noting that both praise and curses come from the same place.
- He points out the unnaturalness of a spring producing both fresh and salt water, or a fig tree bearing olives, or a grapevine producing figs, illustrating that speech should be consistent with one’s professed beliefs.
- Call for Congruence in Speech and Belief:
- The passage emphasizes the need for speech that is congruent with Christian values, suggesting that what we say directly reflects our inner faith and should consistently manifest godliness.
3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3:3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
3:4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things.
Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
3:7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: 3:8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
3:9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
3:10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
3:11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? 3:12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.