James 3:1-5 - The Problems of the Tongue and Our Speech

<p>Another measure of spiritual maturity is a believer’s speech. James devoted a good portion of his letter to attacking a careless and corrupt tongue. He appealed, however, not only for controlled tongues (3:1–12) but also for controlled thoughts (3:13–17). The mouth is, after all, connected to the mind. Winsome speech demands a wise source. Both controlled talk and cultivated thought are necessary.</p><p>From his discourse on idle faith, James proceeded to discuss idle speech. The failure to bridle the tongue, mentioned earlier (1:26), is now expanded. As disturbing as those who have faith with no works, are those Christians who substitute words for works. One’s tongue should be controlled. Small though it is, the tongue is powerful and all too prone to perversion and pollution. Christian teachers (v. 1) and preachers will be held more accountable (Lk 20:47) because their speaking has great influence over others. It is so easy to sin in our speech (v. 2), and a sinful word has such far-reaching consequences (vv. 3-6). By ourselves we cannot control our speaking (vv. 7-8); it will continue to be a hypocritical mixture of good and evil (vv. 9-12). Only God’s grace, the wisdom from above described in verse 17, can give us mastery over evil speaking.</p><p>Envy and selfish ambition can control our tongues. When we are in love with our own ideas instead of the Lord Jesus, we struggle to promote our ideas and our success rather than promoting Him. We can easily slide into the habit of using our tongues to belittle others, work out our own agenda, develop pockets of strife, and promote our own policies. We can fail to love peace, respond in gentleness to others, produce righteousness, and demonstrate mercy.</p><p><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS</strong></p><ul><li>The tongue is small but powerful! It can control and influence major events in our lives.<ul><li>Only the grace of God can tame the tongue.</li></ul></li><li>When our tongues are controlled, wisdom is displayed<ul><li>We show our imperfection and sinfulness by committ