Study No. 8
Tongues And wisdom
James 3:1-18
3:1 ¶ DON’T aim at adding (yourselves) to the number of teachers, my brothers, I beg you! Remember that we who are teachers will be judged by a much higher standard.
In the previous chapter we noticed James speaking against 'class-distinctions'. He mentions the poor and the rich. In our opening verse he is pointing out another all-to-common, class-distinction. The educated versus the unlearned. Or perhaps we could say it this way, those who love to teach and talk versus those who are quiet and like to stay in the background.
He speaks to the ones who push themselves into the forefront ... in this case, the teachers, or those who want to be. And he says that they will be judged by a higher standard. Does that sound fair? Let's look at this same issue as it is addressed in other parts of the bible.
Paul asks these questions;
“You then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal?” Romans 2:21
Inconsistency and/or hypocrisy is bad wherever it crops up, but when it occurs in our leaders it becomes grossly intolerant. James' pointing out that teachers will be judged by a higher standard is designed to cause these 'know-it-alls' to sit back and be quiet.
So what do we conclude? Should all teachers step down? Before we say that, I think that we need to consider that teaching is a calling and also, in some cases, a gift. James is doing two things here, I think. I believe he is encouraging those who merely like the limelight to step back. And he is encouraging those who really are called to teach … to do so with consistency and integrity.
The apostle Peter sets out a straight forward and simple instruction regarding how teachers should teach.
He said, “So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 1Peter 5:1
This quite a verse. What all does shepherding entail? Complete courses are offered in seminaries and bible colleges explaining all of the aspects.
But in the final wrap-up at the end of the age we make note of some very serious words of Jesus that expand on what James said; ( . . . judged by a much higher standard.)
We read in Luke 12 ...
41 Peter said, "Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?"
42 And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?
43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes
44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.
45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful.
47 And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating.
48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating.
And here is the principle that Jesus gives ...
Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
What is all this about 'beatings'? I confess that I don't really know. I do know one thing … this does not sound like something to be trifled with. This sounds incredibly serious. I don't believe that we are talking about a literal beating with a rod or a whip. But in Jesus' illustration of a servant's actions in light of his master's absence, the beating likely would be literal. At any rate … this is something to be avoided.
In the next verse James moves from warning people about the heavier responsibility placed on teachers and their use of words compared to their personal Christian walk … to words spoken by any of us. In other words, the teachers will be judged based on a high standard ... but it is not only the teachers who need to pay attention to their words. We ALL need to watch what we say. Let's read on;
3:2 We all make mistakes in all kinds of ways, but the man who can claim that he never says the wrong thing can consider himself perfect, for if he can control his tongue he can control every other part of his personality.
Tongues are used to orally convey thought in a medium we call language. It is done by forming words and speaking them. This is normal. But there are many exceptions, for example, an individual has had his tongue removed … can he no longer speak? Or a person is born mute. The deaf have developed languages comprised of signs and symbols … but still convey words and thoughts. Are they excluded from James' words regarding the use of our tongues?
Although James is speaking of actual tongues inside of actual mouths, I sure he knew that it takes more than a tongue to form words. We use the whole mouth and lips … but actually we use our brain … and perhaps most important of all … our spiritual heart.
He speaks of difficulty in controlling how the tongue gets used.
I am sure James would be familiar with his own bible and he may have been thinking of this verse:
Ecclesiastes 5:2 Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few.
Wow. That would be a good verse to put behind a framed glass wall hanging and placed in a prominent place in our homes.
And here is a verse from the Proverbs that describes good words.
Proverbs 25:11 ¶ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.
All of us speak … some of us more than others – teachers for example.
The more we speak, the greater the chance that we will use our tongues in an improper manner.
James is talking about hurtful, evil and other negative things that come out of our mouths.
How bad is the problem? I get the sense that James is very fired up on this issue.
3:3 Men control the movements of a large animal like the horse with a tiny bit placed in its mouth.
4 Ships too, for all their size and the momentum they have with a strong wind behind them, are controlled by a very small rudder according to the course chosen by the helmsman.
5 The human tongue is physically small, but what tremendous effects it can boast of! A whole forest can he set ablaze by a tiny spark of fire, 6 and the tongue is a fire, a whole world of evil. It is set within our bodily members but it can poison the whole body, it can set the whole of life ablaze, fed with the fires of hell.
7 Beasts, birds, reptiles and all kinds of sea-creatures can be, and in fact are, tamed by man, 8 but no one can tame the human tongue. It is an evil always liable to break out, and the poison it spreads is deadly.
9 We use the tongue to bless our Lord and Father and we use the same tongue to curse our fellow-men, who are all crested in God’s likeness.
10 Blessing and curses come out of the same mouth — surely, my brothers, this is the sort of thing that never ought to happen!
11 Have you ever known a spring to give sweet and bitter water from the same source?
12 Have you ever seen a fig-tree with a crop of olives, or seen figs growing on a vine? It is just as impossible for salt water to produce fresh.
It makes one wonder if James, as the pastor of the Jerusalem church … has had problems in the congregation that was fueled by gossip.
With us as well, our day to day normal use of the tongue is also often abused. But in no situation can we ever say,
“I can’t help it. That’s just the way I am. It’s the way God made me.”
James gives the solution.
This is what we must do … recognize that it is our responsibility to bridle our tongue. Back in the first Chapter of his book James said, If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. James 1:26
James said no one can tame the human tongue (3:7)
But in the verse we just read he says that the tongue must be bridled. So just like an over active horse, our tongue will not magically behave itself … it will always need a bridle.
In practical terms it means that the 'new man' that was born from above, will have to consciously take control of the 'old man' … and don't ever relax, otherwise it can get away on you.
Here are a couple of other scriptures that underscore what James has been saying.
Psalm 34:13 Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit.
Proverbs 13:3 ¶ He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.
1Peter 3:10 For "He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.
And then back in chapter one of James ...
James 1:19 ¶ So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
Bad stuff coming out of our mouths can be a heart issue. He is about to say something that goes back to chapter one. He asks,
13 ¶ Is there some wise and understanding man among you? Then let his life be a shining example of the humility that is born of true wisdom.
In chapter one verse ….. he had said,
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5
James shows us that, without God's wonderful gift of wisdom, we can exhibit some very awful traits. He shows us that it is so much more than just wisdom that is given when we ask for it. It comes as a package gift from God. He said a truly wise man exhibits humility. Humility, and speaking when you should be quiet, do not go together.
Notice, in the next verse, the complete lack of humility … which comes from a lack of wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
The reason for the flaming tongues now comes out into the open.
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
Self-seeking hearts, bitter, boastful, (exaggerating?) lying with reference to our claim of being a bible believer.
Who were these people! Sounds a bit like some politicians. One likely possibility; they were persons aspiring for church leadership.
Unbridled tongues are really a heart issue.
Just like true faith will always have evidence … so also wisdom cannot be announced in the following way: ‘I asked for it therefore I have it’. The evidence that we asked and received will be demonstrated in
1. Our purity of heart and motive
2. Our desire to make peace and not issues.
3. Our gentleness when confrontation is necessary.
4. Our willingness to yield to alternate ways of doing things; “not my way or the high way.”
5. The genuine mercy we show when a person apologizes for having offended and opposed us.
6. The benevolent and kind actions we have toward all, including those we don’t like.
In the previous chapter we noticed James speaking against 'class-distinctions'. He mentions the poor and the rich. In our opening verse he is pointing out another all-to-common, class-distinction. The educated versus the unlearned. Or perhaps we could say it this way, those who love to teach and talk versus those who are quiet and like to stay in the background.
He speaks to the ones who push themselves into the forefront ... in this case, the teachers, or those who want to be. And he says that they will be judged by a higher standard. Does that sound fair? Let's look at this same issue as it is addressed in other parts of the bible.
Paul asks these questions;
“You then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal?” Romans 2:21
Inconsistency and/or hypocrisy is bad wherever it crops up, but when it occurs in our leaders it becomes grossly intolerant. James' pointing out that teachers will be judged by a higher standard is designed to cause these 'know-it-alls' to sit back and be quiet.
So what do we conclude? Should all teachers step down? Before we say that, I think that we need to consider that teaching is a calling and also, in some cases, a gift. James is doing two things here, I think. I believe he is encouraging those who merely like the limelight to step back. And he is encouraging those who really are called to teach … to do so with consistency and integrity.
The apostle Peter sets out a straight forward and simple instruction regarding how teachers should teach.
He said, “So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 1Peter 5:1
This quite a verse. What all does shepherding entail? Complete courses are offered in seminaries and bible colleges explaining all of the aspects.
But in the final wrap-up at the end of the age we make note of some very serious words of Jesus that expand on what James said; ( . . . judged by a much higher standard.)
We read in Luke 12 ...
41 Peter said, "Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?"
42 And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?
43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes
44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.
45 But if that servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful.
47 And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating.
48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating.
And here is the principle that Jesus gives ...
Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
What is all this about 'beatings'? I confess that I don't really know. I do know one thing … this does not sound like something to be trifled with. This sounds incredibly serious. I don't believe that we are talking about a literal beating with a rod or a whip. But in Jesus' illustration of a servant's actions in light of his master's absence, the beating likely would be literal. At any rate … this is something to be avoided.
In the next verse James moves from warning people about the heavier responsibility placed on teachers and their use of words compared to their personal Christian walk … to words spoken by any of us. In other words, the teachers will be judged based on a high standard ... but it is not only the teachers who need to pay attention to their words. We ALL need to watch what we say. Let's read on;
3:2 We all make mistakes in all kinds of ways, but the man who can claim that he never says the wrong thing can consider himself perfect, for if he can control his tongue he can control every other part of his personality.
Tongues are used to orally convey thought in a medium we call language. It is done by forming words and speaking them. This is normal. But there are many exceptions, for example, an individual has had his tongue removed … can he no longer speak? Or a person is born mute. The deaf have developed languages comprised of signs and symbols … but still convey words and thoughts. Are they excluded from James' words regarding the use of our tongues?
Although James is speaking of actual tongues inside of actual mouths, I sure he knew that it takes more than a tongue to form words. We use the whole mouth and lips … but actually we use our brain … and perhaps most important of all … our spiritual heart.
He speaks of difficulty in controlling how the tongue gets used.
I am sure James would be familiar with his own bible and he may have been thinking of this verse:
Ecclesiastes 5:2 Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few.
Wow. That would be a good verse to put behind a framed glass wall hanging and placed in a prominent place in our homes.
And here is a verse from the Proverbs that describes good words.
Proverbs 25:11 ¶ A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver.
All of us speak … some of us more than others – teachers for example.
The more we speak, the greater the chance that we will use our tongues in an improper manner.
James is talking about hurtful, evil and other negative things that come out of our mouths.
How bad is the problem? I get the sense that James is very fired up on this issue.
3:3 Men control the movements of a large animal like the horse with a tiny bit placed in its mouth.
4 Ships too, for all their size and the momentum they have with a strong wind behind them, are controlled by a very small rudder according to the course chosen by the helmsman.
5 The human tongue is physically small, but what tremendous effects it can boast of! A whole forest can he set ablaze by a tiny spark of fire, 6 and the tongue is a fire, a whole world of evil. It is set within our bodily members but it can poison the whole body, it can set the whole of life ablaze, fed with the fires of hell.
7 Beasts, birds, reptiles and all kinds of sea-creatures can be, and in fact are, tamed by man, 8 but no one can tame the human tongue. It is an evil always liable to break out, and the poison it spreads is deadly.
9 We use the tongue to bless our Lord and Father and we use the same tongue to curse our fellow-men, who are all crested in God’s likeness.
10 Blessing and curses come out of the same mouth — surely, my brothers, this is the sort of thing that never ought to happen!
11 Have you ever known a spring to give sweet and bitter water from the same source?
12 Have you ever seen a fig-tree with a crop of olives, or seen figs growing on a vine? It is just as impossible for salt water to produce fresh.
It makes one wonder if James, as the pastor of the Jerusalem church … has had problems in the congregation that was fueled by gossip.
With us as well, our day to day normal use of the tongue is also often abused. But in no situation can we ever say,
“I can’t help it. That’s just the way I am. It’s the way God made me.”
James gives the solution.
This is what we must do … recognize that it is our responsibility to bridle our tongue. Back in the first Chapter of his book James said, If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. James 1:26
James said no one can tame the human tongue (3:7)
But in the verse we just read he says that the tongue must be bridled. So just like an over active horse, our tongue will not magically behave itself … it will always need a bridle.
In practical terms it means that the 'new man' that was born from above, will have to consciously take control of the 'old man' … and don't ever relax, otherwise it can get away on you.
Here are a couple of other scriptures that underscore what James has been saying.
Psalm 34:13 Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit.
Proverbs 13:3 ¶ He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.
1Peter 3:10 For "He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.
And then back in chapter one of James ...
James 1:19 ¶ So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
Bad stuff coming out of our mouths can be a heart issue. He is about to say something that goes back to chapter one. He asks,
13 ¶ Is there some wise and understanding man among you? Then let his life be a shining example of the humility that is born of true wisdom.
In chapter one verse ….. he had said,
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5
James shows us that, without God's wonderful gift of wisdom, we can exhibit some very awful traits. He shows us that it is so much more than just wisdom that is given when we ask for it. It comes as a package gift from God. He said a truly wise man exhibits humility. Humility, and speaking when you should be quiet, do not go together.
Notice, in the next verse, the complete lack of humility … which comes from a lack of wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
The reason for the flaming tongues now comes out into the open.
16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
Self-seeking hearts, bitter, boastful, (exaggerating?) lying with reference to our claim of being a bible believer.
Who were these people! Sounds a bit like some politicians. One likely possibility; they were persons aspiring for church leadership.
Unbridled tongues are really a heart issue.
Just like true faith will always have evidence … so also wisdom cannot be announced in the following way: ‘I asked for it therefore I have it’. The evidence that we asked and received will be demonstrated in
1. Our purity of heart and motive
2. Our desire to make peace and not issues.
3. Our gentleness when confrontation is necessary.
4. Our willingness to yield to alternate ways of doing things; “not my way or the high way.”
5. The genuine mercy we show when a person apologizes for having offended and opposed us.
6. The benevolent and kind actions we have toward all, including those we don’t like.
- All of the above with total sincerity
And James puts it like this:
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
James recommends asking for wisdom. He had said, “If any of you lacks (or needs) wisdom, ask God and He will give it to you freely”. But what we have been seeing is that every single one of us needs this wisdom. We should all be asking for it. James says,
18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
What did he just say? He is saying that, if we are to reap a gospel harvest … a harvest of people who have been made righteous by placing their faith in Jesus, it will only happen when we as a body of believers, are peacemakers.
Sadly, in the next chapter James will have to address war … civil war, in the church.