Life is a struggle and knowing what to do and living out the right way of life are all moving targets. Not that they are undefined, unexpected or can be avoided. It is much like a golf game. There are different aspects of the game that need attention. The drive and big hit can definitely set the stage for the remainder of the hole. The middle of the hole, or “irons” can either sustain a great start, make a remarkable recovery or just be solid and consistent. Then if you know about golf, you know it does not matter how many strokes got you to the green, it can all be lost in a few moments with a putter in our hands.

As we continue through the book of James we get to receive wisdom from James, the brother of Jesus. His book is packed full of how followers of Jesus are to live life. He has unloaded two solid chapters that we can all relate to, and today will be no different.  Even if by some miraculous feat someone says they have not experienced or lived through any of the trials in the previous chapters, that all comes to an end this week.  Every one of us have been on both sides todays subject…. the tongue. It has been quoted as the “world’s smallest but largest troublemaker”.

¹Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. ² 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. ³ If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. ⁴ 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. ⁵ So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. ⁷ For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, ⁸ but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. ¹⁰ From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. ¹¹ Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? ¹² Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. – James 3:1-12 ESV

What is you insights or thoughts on the tongue, words, speech and what James opens with this week?

The power of speech is one of the greatest powers God has given us. With the tongue, man can praise God, pray, preach the Word, and lead the lost to Christ. What a privilege! But with that same tongue he can tell lies that could ruin a man’s reputation or break a person’s heart. The ability to speak words is the ability to influence others and accomplish tremendous tasks; and yet we take this ability for granted.

In order to impress on us the importance of controlled speech, and the great consequences of our words, James gave us six pictures of the tongue: the bit, the rudder, fire, a poisonous animal, a fountain, and a fig tree. You can put these six pictures into three meaningful classifications that reveal the three powers of the tongue.

Power to Direct (Bit & Rudder)

A person with less power can control and guide something much bigger and powerful than themselves. Two great examples. a bit and a rudder.  The jockey of a powerful horse can make a champion. In the same way, the tiny rudder of a ship directs its way.

The person who is able to discipline his tongue gives evidence that he can control his whole body. He proves that he is a mature (perfect) man.

Is James making a mistake by connecting sins of the tongue with sins committed by “the whole body”? No, because words usually lead to deeds. During World War II we were accustomed to seeing posters that read LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS! But loose lips also wreck lives. A person makes an unguarded statement and suddenly finds himself involved in a fight. His tongue has forced the rest of his body to defend itself.

How has the power of the tongue directed you or how have you been led (good or bad) by the “little trouble maker” of another?

Power to Destroy (Fire)

A small spark or flame can begin innocent and maybe even hopeful but then end in a wildfire. First providing light or heat, then burning, singe.

We have all had the wonderful experiences where things were going just fine, then all of sudden, with not intention, things get out of control and disaster is upon us. It could be as simple as trying to carry that cup of coffee filled to the brim, could be that brief distraction at the stove, or a conversation that is not controlled.

We have talked in the past about how we create filters to control what we say and know when to say things, but we have also learned that it is exhausting, and a tragedy waiting to happen.

The tongue cannot be tamed by man, but it can be tamed by God. The important thing, of course, is the heart; for it is For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matt. 12:34). If the heart is filled with hatred, Satan will light the fire. But if the heart is filled with love, God will light the fire.

You have an example when things went out of control?

Power to Delight (Fountain & Tree)

The fountain, of course, provides the cool water that man needs to stay alive. Man needs water not only for drinking, but also for washing, cooking, farming, and a host of other activities so necessary to life.

“The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook” (Prov. 18:4). “The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life” (Prov. 10:11). “The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death” (Prov. 13:14). These verses parallel what James has written and underscore the importance of our words.

Water is life-giving, and our words can give life. However, if water is not controlled, it brings death and destruction. We have seen it many times on the news and in real life where too much of a good thing can be so damaging.

Our words to others can also help to cleanse and sanctify them. Our words can help to shelter and encourage a weary traveler, and can help to feed a hungry soul. As we share His Word with others, we feed them and encourage them along the way.

How has water/fountain of life impacted you?

The symbolism of a tree is very simple and real to me. I desire a nice tree in my yard, the reward and the measurement is the visual appearance, but if I don’t pay attention to the root system, I am looking for trouble. The most important thing about a tree is the root system. If the roots do not go down deep, the tree will not grow in a healthy manner. If we are rooted in the things of the Lord, then our words will be the fruit of our fellowship with Him.

If you and I are going to have tongues that delight, then we must meet with the Lord each day and learn from Him. We must get our “spiritual roots” deep into His Word. We must pray and meditate and permit the Spirit of God to fill our hearts with God’s love and truth.

But James issued a warning: a fountain cannot give forth two kinds of water, and a tree cannot bear two different kinds of fruit. We expect the fountain to flow with sweet water at all times, and we expect the fig tree to bear figs and the olive tree to bear olives. Nature reproduces after its kind.

If the tongue is inconsistent, there is something radically wrong with the heart.

As we fill our hearts with God’s Word, and yield to the Holy Spirit, He can use us to bring delight to others, and we will be refreshing fountains and trees.

Be wise this week, be attentive to your words and also be conscious of the words of others. Remember that the words are merely a messenger of the heart. If you do hear alarming words, be wise to the source. Check your own heart and follow the guidance to tend to your heart. You will be amazed at how God can grow you when you let Him tend to you.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Jas 3:1–12). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.