The Power of the Tongue

Journey through James: 3:1-5a

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.— James 3:1-5a

James starts chapter 3 by giving us a stark exhortation about teachers. Speaking of teachers, it is hard to believe kids will be back in school in less than a month. As a side note, it is a good reminder to keep our teachers in your prayers as they get ready for another school year. 

James gives a warning that not many people should become teachers because teachers will be judged with greater strictness. James is not saying this because he wants to scare everyone away from being a teacher; he is stressing the importance of guarding what we say. Those who teach are responsible for what they teach other people. What we say should not be taken lightly; idle words can have a destructive impact. This is especially true for those who teach God’s Word. We should not be afraid to teach His Word, but we do need to take it seriously. We should rely on the Holy Spirit and share His Word with humility. 

James reminds us that we all stumble in many ways. In teaching us, James reminds us that he is aware that he is not perfect. He is one of us who stumbles and has shortcomings. This is not an excuse to make errors but an acknowledgement that we need to be aware of our sinfulness. It is easy to point out other people’s faults, but we need to be more aware of our faults. James goes as far as to say that if someone didn’t stumble in what they say, then that person would be perfect. Why does he say this? Because what we say comes from our hearts (Matthew 15:18-20). Eventually what we think in our hearts will come out in what we say. Only one person ever spoke perfectly—Jesus. James had firsthand knowledge of what it looked like to see someone who had perfect control of the tongue. This also helped him realize that no one but Jesus ever spoke this way. 

James saw the power of perfect speech as Jesus preached and spoke with the multitudes. He also saw the sinful destructive power of the tongue as the religious leaders used lies and hateful speech to lead to Jesus’ wrongful conviction and crucifixion. The tongue is a small part of the body, yet it has great power. James tells us that just like a horse can be controlled by a bit, so the tongue has great control over what happens in our lives. Just as a large boat is guided by a small rudder, the course of our lives can be guided by the words that come out of our mouths. May we guard our speech this week with the Lord’s help.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.— Proverbs 18:21