James 3:1-5

1: Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.
2: For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. 
3: Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. 
4: Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. 
5: So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!

*** 

James began a discussion about the power of spoken words. He begins by mentioning a stricter judgement on teachers, being judged by what they teach—or say. One shouldn’t be eager to take that position too hastily. One should learn to properly govern their words before becoming a teacher. Those who teach in error receive a stricter judgment than those who hear an error taught, for those who hear the error may be misled. We don’t want to be the one who is misleading others.

Everyone stumbles, makes mistakes, but if one does not stumble in what he says he’s considered perfect—able to govern his whole body. James gave examples of how a powerful horse can be controlled by a small bit in his mouth, and a large ship is directed by a very small rudder. In the same way, the tongue, though such a small part of the body, boasts about great things causing a huge forest to be set on fire.

Words can be destructive and should not be taken lightly. Jesus said that people will give an account for every careless word spoken. Our words will justify or condemn us, for we speak from what is in our heart (Matthew 12:33-37). Our words reveal our heart, and our works reveal our faith.

We read in Psalm 12 of those who think their words are their own—that no one is lord over them, that they will not be judged for their words, but they are wrong. They will be judged for their lies, boasting, and deception. Jesus said that it is the word He has spoken which will judge those who reject His sayings, for He spoke just as the Father told Him (John 12:47-50).

We have the advantage today of having access to the throne of grace, of coming before the Lord and hearing from Him, of studying His spoken words, of being filled with the same Holy Spirit. We must fill our heart with Him, renew our minds with His words, judge all things accordingly, and only allow the good treasures out of our mouths (Hebrews 4:16, Luke 11;13, Acts 2:39, John 14:20, Ephesians 3:17, Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 10:4-6, Luke 6:43-45). We must give attention to His words, keep them in our hearts, diligently guard our hearts, and put away deceitful and devious speech (Proverbs 4:20-27)!


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