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1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. (James 3:1-12 NIV Bible)
A dear departed friend worked her entire career as a nurse in the Intensive Care Unit of a downtown big city hospital. She witnessed many miracles, some surprising blessings, and saw more than her share of those who departed. She said she had a good idea of who they were who died happy and secure. Many of those who exclaim that the little boy on the window sill was delightful, then they died. And she also said she had an idea of those who died unhappy and angry. She also said she suspected those who did not control their tongues died with their tongues hanging out. Now, this is not scientific, but it does make us question the validity of what James wrote as he shared this passage with us.
His first concern is for those of us who "become teachers," because he knew that we would "be judged more strictly." We who teach or preach or attempt to, know that what we share could bring either life or death to those who seek to learn from us. Watch your tongue, James is saying, for it could open a door to eternal life or a door to eternal death. He emphasizes the tongue's power to shape our reality and affect others deeply. It is a small part of our body, yet it holds immense power for both good and harm. Just as a bit controls a horse or a rudder steers a ship, our words have the potential to direct the course of our interactions and relationships. I dare confess that many a time I wished I could extend my arm and retract words that had left my mouth and immediately pierced the heart of someone whom I loved and respected. Oh for truth to truly be found in the children's rthyme, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me!" Yes they can and do. Also, you and I know the many times people have told us, "Don't take this personally..." And we should say, "Too late!"
The passage reminds us that, despite our ability to control many things, taming the tongue is a challenge. It can be a source of immense blessing or a weapon of destruction. James highlights the inconsistency that can arise when we use our words to praise God one moment and to speak harmfully the next. Remember the little ones around us who are paying close attention to what we say, especially to them; use words that build up and encourage and nurture; avoid like the plague the word that can kill, steal, and destroy.
This inconsistency points to a deeper issue: the need for transformation in our hearts. As we seek to honor God with our speech, we must also cultivate purity and integrity in our hearts. The words we speak reflect what is within us. Therefore, a change in our speech often requires a change in our inner selves. Remember the teaching from Jesus that it's not what goes into our mouths that harms, but what comes out. Let the Lord create in us hearts that produce words of life and love.
PRAYER: Loving God, we thank You for the gift of speech and the power it holds. We confess that our words often fall short of reflecting Your love and truth. Help us to be mindful of the impact of our words and to use them to build others up rather than to tear them down. Transform our hearts so that our speech may be a true reflection of Your grace and wisdom. Guide us to speak with kindness, respect, and integrity, honoring You in all that we say. In Jesus' strong name we pray, Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Consider the impact of your words this week. Are there areas where your speech does not align with the love and grace of Christ? Identify a situation where you can consciously choose to speak words of encouragement, kindness, and truth. Pay attention to your interactions and strive to be a source of positive influence through your words.
I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
