Controlling the Tongue
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My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 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. Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 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. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! 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. 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: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
No man had a right to exercise the sacred functions of the appointed masters in Israel.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?
And none might take the honour of the priesthood unto himself, “but he that was called of God, as was Aaron”
And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
Example:
Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
The test of all ministry must come at last in the day of trial and fiery inquisition of God; this and not the world’s opinion will be the real approval.
For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
Bridle - the headgear used to control a horse, consisting of buckled straps to which a bit and reins are attached:
Helm - a tiller or wheel and any associated equipment for steering a ship or boat:
Controlling the Tongue
One sure sign of true or worthless faith is what comes out of a person’s mouth.
Jesus says, “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of,” so “by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned”
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
For Jesus, this is one of the chief fruits by which we can discern true believers from false ones
All of us will be judged by our words, but none of us more than instructors. Being a rabbi in Jewish culture meant power, privilege, and respect, but Jesus told His disciples not to be called “Rabbi,” “father,” or “instructors”
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
James has similar counsel. In chapter 3 he comes to his second test of pure religion (1:26), of living faith (2:26), of maturity (3:2)—the use of the tongue. Read 3:1–12.
1. Why should we hesitate before we presume to be teachers (3:1)? (Optional: Consider Matthew 12:33–37; Romans 2:17–24.)
Perfect (3:2). This is the same Greek word as “mature” in 1:4 and “complete” in 2:22 (KJV has “perfect” in all three verses). The word means “that which has reached its maturity or fulfilled the end contemplated.”1 God’s goal for us is holiness and righteousness like His (Matthew 5:48; Ephesians 4:22–24). We may not reach that goal in this life, but we should be growing toward it.
2. James uses some vivid imagery to explain why controlling our tongues is the key to maturity. How is a tongue like a horse’s bit or a ship’s rudder (3:2–5)?
For Further Study: What does Matthew 23:1–12 have to say to Christian instructors?
For Thought and Discussion: The tongue is “set on fire by hell” (3:6), and Satan is “the father of lies” (John 8:44). Does this mean that Satan, not we, is responsible for our evil words? Why or why not? (Consider the rest of John 8:44.)
A world of evil among the parts of the body (3:6). Or, “the world of evil.” The tongue represents and expresses the fallen world order in our bodies perhaps more than any other organ.
The whole course of one’s life (3:6). This is the probable meaning of “the course of nature” (KJV).
3. Put into your own words what James says about the tongue in 3:6.
Restless (3:8). Like a wild beast ready to break out of its cage at any time.
4. Animals can be tamed because God gave mankind dominion over them at Creation (Genesis 1:26–28; James 3:7). Why can’t human beings tame their own tongues (Genesis 2:16–17; 6:5; James 3:8)?
For Thought and Discussion: To what kinds of speech does 3:9 apply, besides actual swearing?
For Thought and Discussion: a. What would happen to the fresh water if fresh and salt water flowed from the same spring (3:11)?
b. How is this like what happens to our praises if curses also come from our mouths (3:10)?