We must seek to do so for a very important reason. Able also to bridle the whole body.--Not that if the tongue be stilled all the members of the body are consequently in peace; but, because the work of ruling the one rebel is so great, that a much less corresponding effort will keep the others in subjection. I still recall the shivers that went down my spine on first reading, in 1970, D. Martyn Lloyd-Joness exposition of these words: Paul now points out . James goes to great extremes to show how evil and uncontrollable the tongue is. But it also means being able to control it in gracious speech when that is required. The tongue that is under his lordship always shares that tendency. He understands that words have power to control and guide someones life, so he aims to use them for evil. As you probably know, the bit is actually a part of the bridle, the part that actually serves as an instrument of control for the horse. My tongue is ongoingly cleansed and transformed by (if I may so express it) what comes from Gods tongue. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. that of the Syriac, "The tongue is a fire: the world of iniquity (is the forest)." Are we left to go to the local Christian bookstore, or attend a seminar or conference, in order to know how to sanctify the use of the tongue? Let them show it(P) by their good life, by deeds(Q) done in the humility that comes from wisdom. For less than $5/mo. Isaiah has been ripping up the consciences of his sinful contemporaries. Guarding the eyes implied guarding eyes in the heart as well as in the head. Psalms 34:13 - Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. The tongue is a "small part of the body" ( James 3:5 ), yet Proverbs 18:21 says it "has the power of life and death.". Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, NT Letters: James 3:2 For in many things we all stumble (Ja Jas. I have the privileged status of being a resident alien in the United States. For a judicious assessment, see Dan G. McCartney, James, BECNT [Baker Academic, 2009] on 3:112). Start your free trial today! In 1 Timothy 4:15 (ESV), Paul said, Practice these things, immerse yourself in them so that all may see your progress. After challenging Timothy to be devoted to the public reading of Scripture, preaching, and teaching, Paul tells him to immerse himself in these practices, so everyone would see his progress. A. Salem Media Group. Now, third, a series of vivid pictures flashes rapidly across Jamess mind as he thinks about the power of the tongue. And . If so, what is the proper balance? All rights reserved. Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. My colleague included the name of the theological seminary at which we both taught. The tongue is a very important part of the . . It is sinful and does not rest. "But the things that come out of a person's mouth come from the heart, and these defile them" ( Matthew 15:10 ). Listed below are 7 mini lessons from James that are important truths we should consider every day. If you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth (James 3:14). Think how small a flame sets a huge forest ablaze. Unless otherwise noted, the primary Scriptures used are taken from the NET Bible copyright 1996-2016 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. We need to see that we live by every word that comes out of Gods mouth. Proverbs 26:20 says, Where there is no wood, a fire goes out, and where there is no gossip, contention ceases. When we stop speaking ungodly words, often peace resumes in a friendship, family, and community. Jam 2:14-26). Psalm 63:4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. Was this the place to which our Lords body would have been taken were it not for the thoughtfulness of Joseph of Arimathaea? (3) "And the tongue is a fire: that world of iniquity, the tongue, is among our members that which defileth the whole body," etc. And that list is not exhaustive. If we are visitors, we will not be able to control our tongues; our tongues will control us and others in a negative manner. Proverbs 15:4 - A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. He, she, it, they, them, same. Verse Concepts. Temptation, and therefore spiritual compromise, often find their easiest access route to the heart via the eyes. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body. How careful you are as you put on a dress for a wedding, especially if it is your own. 2:24; the "matter" of a fire in Ecclus. and let them cover themselves with their own confusion" (Psalm 109:28-29). A good acronym to remember is HALT. James 1:26 - If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his . 3 Points modified from Bruce Goettsches sermon, accessed 3/4/20, from http://www.unionchurch.com/archive/092108.html, 4 Accessed 3/4/20, from http://www.unionchurch.com/archive/092108.html, Greg Brown has served twenty years in pastoral ministry, including twelve in his current position as a chaplain and professor at Handong Global University and the teaching pastor at Handong International Congregation. of Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. It is from such a hell that destructive words arise. But how commonplace it seems to be to hear a fellow Christians name mentioned in some context or other, and the first words of response demean his reputation, belittle him, and distance him from acceptance into the fellowship, although this is a brother for whom Christ died! We are not rashly or arrogantly to reprove others; but rather to bridle the tongue, a little member. One of Gods goals for believers is for them to become mature in the faith, and he often uses trials to create that in our lives. Therefore, if we have been saved, our tongues have changed, and in submission to God, we must continue to change them. Words have the ability to direct peoples lives for tremendous good. It is gentle and willing to obey. A small fire can destroy an entire forest; all it takes is an uncontrolled spark. Help the children understand that even though the tongue is a . 13Who among you is wise and understands? New International Version (NIV). Though a bit is small, it can be used to change the direction of a large horse. In this connection it is salutary to remember the thrust of Pauls most basic and powerful presentation of our need for the gospel. James 1:26 - If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Probably from the base of komizo; orderly arrangement, i.e. 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. When he stood before the high priest and the judgment seat of Pontius Pilate, he accepted a sentence of guilt. It pollutes the entire body and sets fire to the course of human existenceand is set on fire by hell. Words can consume and destroy a life. Lies Arabella Young, Who, on the twenty-fourth of May, Began to hold her tongue. It is an ought not to be, like a spring that spouts forth both fresh and salt water. 8But no man can make his tongue say what he wants it to say. For we all stumble in many ways. to err, sin, fail. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Is anyone cheerful? Rocky's owners said they always knew he had an unusually long tongue, but it wasn't until people started commenting on its length that they realized Rocky had something special. Fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. Made after the similitude of God; better, likeness . With this stark reality in mind, here are six types of ungodly speech to avoid: By these and other negative words, people ignite destructive fires that wound and kill individuals and communities. From trecho; a wheel, i.e. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. Scripture: James 3:1-12 Target Age Group: Age 7 - 12 (U.S. 1st - 6th Grade) Original Learning Context: Sunday School Target Time Frame: 30 minutes Supply List: white/black board; writing tool; paper, matches, and cup of water Graces are fragile; therefore guard your tongue lest it destroy them. And with our tongue we speak bad words against men who are made like God. To stumble, fall, sin, err, transgress. The truly wise are mild and peaceable, without envy and strife. How nervous about that new silk tie during dinner. He does this because the tongue always reveals who we are, including whether we have true faith. The tongue is a world of unrighteousness. I remember reading a picture quiz in an in-flight magazine many years ago. 11Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? He would later think better of it. Psalm 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. It is full of poison that kills. Pray for God to anoint our lips to praise and honor God in all circumstances, to speak with wisdom to help others, and to declare Gods truths, including the gospel, with boldness. It means that even though they deserve our wrath, we give them Gods favor. You are not a Christian unless you have been made speechless! 4) Resolved: To be constantly quick to hear, slow to speak. James shared that perspective but brought to it a more profound analysis: Forked tongue connected to forked heart. Such speech is a mark of the double-minded man who is unstable in all his ways (James 1:8). Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Many people have been hurt in the church because of the ungodly words and actions of a person in leadership. Of which size, of what size, how small, how much. In James 4:11, he commanded them to not slander one another (NIV). Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. To boast, be arrogant, vaunt. Therefore, James gives us even more reason to seek to control our tongues. What are some common triggers that lead you into ungodly speech? correction . Used by permission. Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular. This was the secret of the Lord Jesus own use of his tongue. Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? How have you experienced power to control your tongue when living by the Spirit? Motyer, The Prophecy of Isaiah [InterVarsity, 1993], 77). Therefore, teachers must work hard. Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural. In order to help us to grasp how James does this, it will be helpful, further, to consider how this teaching fits in with the rest of the book. All along his goal is to lead his readers and hearers men and women who were possibly once under his direct pastoral care but are now widely scattered to full spiritual maturity, so that their whole being, without reservation, should be wholly Christs. This tiny appliance controls the enormous power and energy of the horse and is used to give it direction. How do you know whether you are a Christian or not? . All rights reserved worldwide. To have an unreliable tongue is likely to pro- vide a destructive model for those who are taught. A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). I have just recently become a Christian. (2) "And the tongue is a fire, that world of iniquity: the tongue is among our members that which defileth the whole body," etc. 10) Resolved: To never speak evil of another. Our tongues are windows into our spiritual lives, whether we are aware of it or not. With that said, understanding how God holds us accountable for our words is important for learning how to control them. Indeed there is! A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Ministry should be pursued for more opportunities to serve God and others and not to be served or honored. Our minds are like computers; what we put in comes out. Start your free trial today. "Speech is silver; silence, gold." James, however unbelieving he might have been during Jesus early ministry, has clearly absorbed his half brothers teaching and has been led by it to the multitude of Old Testament word pictures about the power and destructive ability of the tongue. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. We can use our tongue to bring blessings and life or curses and death. And when we do, by Gods grace, we speak as those who have first been silenced. From a compound of eu and logos; to speak well of, i.e. Application Question: In what ways have you experienced how words spoken over you had a tremendous impact on the direction of your life? are you? That is surely a parable of what it is possible for the people of God to become in the way we use our tongues, as by Gods grace we learn to speak with a Jesus-like accent. Gods Word sanctifies us. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. We are particularly prone to sinning with our mouths in those times. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse people made in Gods image. 11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? The true reading appears to be (A, B, C). For the things they do in secret are shameful even to mention. Some things we shouldnt even mention, and certainly not joke about. If such words could be spoken to professing Christians serious enough in their faith to experience persecution and suffer privation in a world that was becoming increasingly inhospitable to the followers of the Way how much more devastating are they when addressed to pampered, often self-indulgent professors of Christianity in the early twenty-first century? The story could so easily have ended on a different note: a stain inflicted on a young man by a mature believer a stain that might have proved impossible to wash out. Let there be something of benevolence in all that I speak. Think how small a flame sets a huge forest ablaze. (S) 15Such wisdom does not come down from heaven(T) but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. From spilos; to stain or soil. It corrupts the whole body,(K) sets the whole course of ones life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 17) Resolved: To ask for the prayers of others when I am sick. Here, as well as in other places, he is completely in harmony with the way the apostle Paul employed all his God-given powers: Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. The schoolteacher is accountable for the students in his classroom. He is referring to becoming mature. Psalm 35:28 And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long. "Control of speech is named, not as in itself constituting perfection, but as a crucial test indicating whether the man has or has not attained unto it" (Plumptre). (G), 3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. A well does not give both good water and bad water. Teachers must prepare diligently. 28. Youre not from around here . The, the definite article. In John 8:36, Christ said, So if the son sets you free, you will be really free. This is a promise that the addict and person struggling with some habitual sin must hold onto. If we ask how this was true in his life, the answer is found in the third Servant Song: The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. She adds new content to her wall daily, which includes a . Why should this be? As we come to James 3, it would have been very easy for me to title this message: "Teachers, Hold Your Tongues." True, it may not be immediately evident, but if we keep our minds and spirits in the passage long enough and learn to wait patiently on the Lord in his Word, it will become clear. What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? (cf. Therefore, confess your sins to one another (James 5:16). 17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. This is what James challenges these believers about in this textspecifically focusing on their language. James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Singular. Let that one show from a good life by the things he does that he is wise and gentle. (2) It pollutes the entire body, as it affects the mind and therefore various parts of the body. To understand this metaphor in context, we need to begin in verse 5: "Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. In James 1:19, he said, Let every person be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. In James 2:12, he said, Speak and act as those who will be judged by a law that gives freedom. In James 3, half the text is about the tongue. I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. . With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse people made in Gods image. James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'. A sharp word, a loose sentence, a callous aside can cause a conflagration that cannot be extinguished. 11) Resolved: To never boast in what I will accomplish. But he is not only, nor is he first of all, an exemplar. Introduce poison here and we endanger everything. Genesis 1:26,27 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. The tongue sets our whole lives on fire with a fire that comes from hell. My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. The person who can do this is master of the whole body (note that some scholars take body here to refer to the church. The "likeness of God" assuredly remains in the most abandoned and fallen; and to curse it is to invoke the wrath of its Creator. For we all stumble in many ways. The world of iniquity ( ). Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) Copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. It poisons the whole body. So James 3:112 has general as well as specific application. Is anyone among you sick? The subduing of the heart leads to the silencing of the tongue; humility within leads to humility expressed. Dr. Lloyd-Jones surely put his finger on the essence of it the humbling of the proud, self-sufficient heart, the breaking of our native arrogance. He was all talk but no control, all words but without weight. We are not rashly or arrogantly to reprove others; but rather to bridle the tongue, a little member. And if we put bits into the mouths of horses to get them to obey us, then we guide their entire bodies. A seminary colleague once told me how, because of flight delays, he arrived late and very weary at a hotel where he had booked a room. When Peter preached at Pentecost, 3000 people were saved (Acts 2). but a powerful instrument of much good, and great harm. They loved being called Rabbi, which means master or great one.1 Rabbis were given tremendous respect in the Jewish culture. Look! Speech and silence, appropriately expressed, are together the mark of the mature (compare with one of the clearest illustrations of this in Colossians 3:117). After describing how true saving faith always leads to good works in James 2:14-26, James focuses his attention on the tongue. Read the below Bible verses about the tongue and be encouraged to start speaking words of life and healing today! It has no doubts and does not pretend to be something it is not. Jesus said: For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34). I thank you that Jesus came and was silent Our tongues can be the most difficult thing to control and leave us with great regret if we use our words to hurt. 2) Do God's Word, don't just speak it (James 1:22-25). What Happens When Christians Don't Know Ecclesiology? 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.