We have all said things we wish we hadn’t. There are also the words we wish we had spoken. This week, we read James 3 to learn about the power of our tongues and wisdom:
- Nothing is as hard to control as our tongues. We can control large horses and huge ships but our tongues present quite the challenge. “People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue.” (James 3:7, NLT)
- The proof is in our tongues. James reminds us our tongues can do great damage, “set a forest on fire” (verse 5) or speak blessing (verse 9). “The proof that you have God’s Spirit in your life is not that you speak in an unknown tongue, but that you know how to control the tongue that you do know about.” (J Sudlow Baxter)
- Mere human effort will not control our tongues. When both blessing and cursing come from our mouths, we are hindered in our ability to build up community. Others will not know what to expect from us and therefore, will not trust us. It truly will take a work of the Holy Spirit. Only a transformed heart produces a transformed tongue.
- We show our wisdom. Wisdom is to be an action, one we do and live out each day. “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds.” (James 3:17, NLT) A good question to ask ourselves is … Are we “reaping a harvest of righteousness?” (verse 18)
- Look at the harvest. In reading this chapter in The Message, I discovered … “By our speech we can 1) ruin the world 2) turn harmony into chaos 3) throw mud on a reputation 4) send the whole world up in smoke.” Getting along with one another, day after day, year after year will take hard work. I found this bit of wisdom as well from The Message > ” Live well, live wisely, live humbly.” In so doing, we will reap the blessings.
Let’s turn our hearts and tongues over to the only One able to help us control it.
And reap a harvest of righteousness.
Today I am joining … Inspire Me Monday and Playdates With God and Reflect and Sharing His Beauty and #SmallWonder .
James on the tongue was what drew me to Christ as a mouthy middle schooler. Still in the battle, I’m thankful for his strong words about Christians and their speech. Thank you for this series!
Wait, aren’t all middle schoolers mouthy? And you are so right … it is a life long battle. But one we have help with as we come to Him & ask for His help.
Oh, the tongue! It is an unruly member! I agree with Michele above, my tongue in high school got me in more trouble than I care to remember. I believe they call it rebellion 🙁 So thankful for the Word, that even though others may try to water it down it is still the same today as when it was written: Pointed and Particular in order to save ME! ♥
And James sure excels in being “pointed and particular”!
Oh how I need to focus on this! Thank you for pointing us to the truth! Guard my mouth Lord!
We so need the reminder now & then, Jann, for sure.
I love Hello Mornings. This is one of the first studies I’ve sat out of since I discovered it. I just felt I was doing too many which, of course, means not really doing any fully :).
It amazes me the havoc or beauty the tongue can reap. I’ve been trying to stay very conscious of this ever since reading a book called Keep It Shut. Thanks for this important reminder, Joanne!
Candace, I have so loved HM since discovering it. And I know exactly what you mean as at times, I see other studies which look interesting. I feel a tug to do another one at the same time but I know I would never do more than one justice. So nice to see you today 🙂
I’ve never considered that wisdom is an action before–all too often, I think wisdom comes from words I say. In reflecting on your words, I see how true they are. It’s often more wise to be quiet and listen and then to act quietly rather than to launch into ‘words of wisdom’. Thank you for pointing this out!
Anita, this study in James has been such a learning experience for me. It’s true – we hear so much about “words of wisdom” but may our actions be wise as well. It’s always wonderful to join you each Monday!