James 3:1-12
3 Not 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.
“Concentrate on your strengths!” This is popular advice. Along with this advice you will often hear, “Don’t concentrate on your weaknesses because that will just make you weak.” It is likely true that there is more to be gained by concentrating on an area of strength. But, it is not true that weaknesses should be ignored. Weaknesses cause a great deal of damage.
The tongue is highlighted in God’s Word as a weakness that causes great sin. No matter how wonderful a person may be in other areas of life, the tongue can damage and even destroy all the good that might have been accomplished.
Tongues that were used in prayer were later used to plot against Jesus, true God come to save. Lips that could speak psalms, were used to demand the crucifixion of the Lord of Life. Like wells yielding bad water, sinful hearts were revealed in the way people misused their tongues, twisted their words, and promoted evil. But, while these things are destructive, God accomplished our salvation through Jesus life, death on the cross, and resurrection.
Today, God invites us to reflect on our personal use of the gift of speech. Our lips which speak God’s praise should not be used to sin. Our voices that ask for God’s forgiveness should also be willing to forgive. We have received all good things, even the salvation of our souls through faith in Jesus. May our words likewise be truthful, gracious, and abundant with God’s Words for the good of others.
Let us pray,
Lord Jesus I thank you for granting me faith to use my lips in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. Forgive my sins, and defend me from the sins of the tongue. May your Words be found in me this day and always. In your name I pray. Amen
The Collect for Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Lord Jesus Christ, our support and defense in every need, continue and preserve Your Church is safety, govern her by Your goodness, and bless her with Your peace; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.