Faith: Restrains Our Words

Study of James

Week 4 

James 3:1-12

Have you ever, in the heat of the moment, lashed out at somebody? I mean where words flew out of your mouth as quickly as ants scatter from their home when attacked.

Then, did regret set in knowing that the words you spewed could not be taken back? Much like ants returning to a collapsed anthill, the impact of that assault is too great.

I have been there. My guess is that you, too, have experienced that unchangeable moment.   

Let’s look at what James has to say about guarding our words. Once again, he uses familiar circumstances to illustrate his point: real faith in Jesus restrains our words.   

He begins his case.  

Teachers will be held to a higher standard based on what they say, what they

teach.(v1-2) He sternly warns those who hold that position of authority to be careful, “for we will hold a stricter judgement.”   

Why? Because the words of a teacher matter. Their “tongue” can bring truth or error, love or harm, unity or discord. Those who are guided under the words of a teacher are impacted either way.

Real faith restrains the words of a teacher.

Next, James discusses how the tongue, our words, can have such impact. He compares the tongue to both a horse’s bit (v3) and a ship’s rudder (v 4). He used these common scenarios to make his point. The tongue, though a simple small muscle, is mighty when used. The impact of both a horse’s bit and a ship’s rudder help steer.  

When utilized, they provide direction.  Similarly, there is great power in the tongue.

Real faith restrains the words of those giving others guidance and direction.

Then, James throws out this seemingly harsh notion.

“But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.”(v8)

Is James cautioning  “new” teachers or men who are all jostling for position in this young Christian church?  Is he speaking to those with a hidden agenda, those trying to make a name for themselves? I’m not sure, but we do have a clue, the word “poison.”

This word, “poison” is like that of a serpent. Venomous. It is used only a handful of times in the New Testament. Here, it focuses on those with a “poison” tongue, venomous words.

I have known those kinds of words from people, and I can tell you, they do not characterize a Christ follower. I believe this “poison” can be symptomatic of a heart  problem well before the venom hits the tongue.

For those who whisper in private as the expense of another, poison.

For those who carelessly hurl verbal attacks, poison.

And for those who gossip, passing falsehood, poison.  

Real faith recognizes an evil tongue.

Where does this leave us today?   How can our words bless and not curse.(v10)

Verse 9 gives us the key. 

“We have been made in the likeness of God.” 

James, well acquainted with the God of the Old Testament, grew up listening to the stories of a great God who loved His chosen people. He heard the recorded history of God the Creator, the Deliverer, the Mighty Conqueror, and the Restorer.

Then, he walked with Jesus, God in the flesh. He witnessed His humility and teaching. He saw His kindness when others were not kind to Him, a man of peace. James’ faith in Christ impacted every part of him, his heart, his words, his tongue.  

“We, too, have been made in the likeness of God.”

Real faith in Christ will look just like Him.

Real faith in Christ will sound just like Him.

A heart surrendered is a tongue surrendered.

jeannaswann

#nowuntohimwhoisable

Question for discussion: (your email is never posted or shared)

What is the best way you have found to submit your words, your tongue, to the Lord?