06. Understanding the Tongue

James 3:1-12

Introduction

I mentioned in a previous sermon that James has much to say about controlling the tongue. We come this morning to the most detailed passage in this epistle dealing with this subject. James speaks of the tongue in most unflattering terms. This is not because he had bad experiences in this life with people saying things they shouldn't. James writes about the tongue in a negative manner because he knew that it is a fundamental issue in our sanctification.

James realized that there is no danger of overly emphasizing the potential damage associated with human speech. He recognized that, as fallen creatures, our speech is the primary way in which we offend, hurt, destroy, manipulate and confuse. I have seen tears in the eyes of other people; I have seen looks of devastation and extreme hurt on the faces of other people; and I have known of incidents in which marriages were fatally wounded and friendships forever spoiled. I have seen these things and witnessed these events and all were caused by what someone said. As James is going to teach, the tongue is an incredibly powerful organ. That is why it is imperative that Christians know all about the tongue.

Therefore, James presents a passage concerned with understanding the tongue. In these verses, he will write first of the importance of the tongue; second, he will write about the nature of the tongue; and, third, he will write concerning the work of the tongue.

01. The Importance of the Tongue (vv. 1, 2)

3:1 Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.

This passage begins with a word of exhortation to those who think they might like to become teachers (v. 1). A teacher, by definition, speaks; a teacher performs his duties by talking and, thereby, imparting knowledge and opinion to others. One who teaches helps shape the worldview of others; one who teaches is likely to have an enormously significant impact upon the development of other human beings. This truth, by itself, James implies, should be sufficient reason to make us all think twice before putting ourselves forward as a teacher.

We might wonder why James turns to this particular subject at this point in his letter. Perhaps James suspected that some in his audience were too quickly desiring to become instructors for the group, or perhaps some other concern prompted him to deal with this issue at this time. It is not clear why James starts talking about the great responsibility which rests upon the shoulders of those who teach others. However, consideration of this matter leads James to provide a lengthy statement on the tongue.

Admittedly, James writes, “we all stumble in many ways.” (v. 2) There are many faults which can be cataloged in the human experience (the word translated “stumble” is ptaio, which refers to errors or sins). Every person has problems with consistency and faithfulness; no one goes through life without making mistakes and without sinning. But there is one area which must be of a greater concern to us than others; there is one area where inconsistency or faithlessness can be very costly. That one area is the speech which comes out of our mouths. “If anyone does not stumble in what he says,” James declares, “he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.”

Now consider the implications of this statement. James teaches that control of our speech is the key to self-control in other matters. The man who “does not stumble in what he says” is a “perfect man.” The word “perfect” (teleios) means “complete” or “full grown.” So, in this case, it refers to an advanced level of maturity. The person who manages to gain control of his speech so that he says what is necessary and not what is unnecessary-which is a simple way to think of what James means here-is a person who will manifest a stability in all matters which have to do with self-control. The tongue is of such a nature that mastery of it means mastery of what are, by way of implication, less unruly aspects of our lives.

This statement from James tells us just how important the tongue really is. It is the key to self-control. The tongue is so important, to look at it from another perspective, that if we are not able to control our speech, then we will have no control in many other areas of our lives. Without question, then, the one who would put himself forth as a teacher of others must have control of his speech. But, as James illustrates as he continues with this thought, we all must give consideration to our speech because control in that matter is inseparably linked to self-discipline in general. Maturity in the faith, James teaches, depends upon control of the tongue. The person who does not control his speech will not and cannot advance in spiritual growth. The tongue occupies a pivotal position when it comes to gauging our advancement as Christians.

02. The Nature of the Tongue (vv. 3-8)

James already has written concerning the importance of the tongue. He explained how control of the tongue is linked to self-control in general and how control of the tongue impacts our over-all maturity in the faith. But, exactly what are we dealing with when we think of controlling the tongue? What is the tongue like and why does it pose such a threat to our spiritual well-being? What is it about the tongue which leads James to write with such zeal? As this passage continues, we find the answer to these questions:

3 Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. 4 Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. 5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. 7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. 8 But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.

As we've seen before, James is fond of using mental images to convey his points. Here, he reminds us of a couple of common truths. First, he says, a beast as big and strong as a horse is controlled by a relatively small bit which is placed in the animal's mouth (v. 3). With the bit in place, if the rider pulls the reins to the left, the horse turns to the left; or, if the rider pulls the reins to the right, the huge animal immediately turns to the right. From one perspective, it makes no sense to think that a small bit, only a few inches long, could possible have anything to do with controlling a horse. But, as James says, the horse obeys us and we are able to direct that animal as we will because of that small bit.

Consider also, James continues, the ships which travel upon the sea (v. 4). These are large structures. It takes a powerful wind to move them along. Nevertheless, even these great vessels are controlled by “a very small rudder.” The pilot of the ship decides which direction he wants to take and he adjusts that relatively small rudder and that big ship goes where the pilot wishes. Compared to the ship, the pilot is almost insignificant in size; yet, he decides where that ship is going and he does it by means of a small rudder.

James is illustrating how something which seems relatively insignificant does, in fact, have great significance-significance far beyond what one might assume based upon certain considerations. This is how you must think of the tongue, James writes: “So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.” (v. 5) Here is where we begin the introduction to the nature of the tongue. Already James has told us about the importance of the tongue, but he did not speak of what we should expect of the tongue or why, precisely, it must be controlled. Now James tells us something about what the tongue is like; it is a small part of the body, yet it boasts of great things. It is the nature of the human tongue to exaggerate, to brag and to make unfounded declarations. Don't miss this point. This is what the tongue is like; this is the nature of the tongue which has so much influence over our lives. And this is why it must be controlled. The potential for harm is easily understood based upon what James has written so far.

He gives us another illustration: “See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!” Every forest fire begins with a small flame, but this small flame can destroy the entire forest if it is not controlled. So it is with the tongue, James teaches. In fact, the goes on to say that the tongue is like that small flame which leads to the destruction of the whole forest. The tongue, he writes, is “the very world of iniquity.” Here again we are being told about the nature of the tongue. In fallen man, the tongue will, if left to its own inclinations, speak evil. It is evil by nature just like the person to whom it is attached. It will give evidence of the fallen condition unless it is stopped. It will, James declares, “defile the entire body.” The tongue can ruin your reputation and your life if you do not learn to master it. It is like a flame from hell, James adds, and it will burn up our lives if we aren't careful.

Let me emphasize that James is telling us about the nature of the tongue in these verses. It is not an innocent member of our body. The tongue has one purpose in fallen man and that is to destroy. To prevent that destruction, which is going to come rapidly and naturally, the Christian must take steps to manage the tongue. We can be assured that our tongues will have exactly the kind of influence in our lives, which James describes, if we don't take precautions.

The tongue, simply put, is an unruly entity. Man has managed to tame all kinds of beasts and birds and reptiles and creatures of the sea, James says (v. 7). But no can tame the tongue. The tongue is “a restless evil,” James declares. The word “restless” (akatastatos) means “that which is unstable, unsteady and unruly.” The tongue is never still, but always ready to spew forth hurtful words, words which sting and words which are unnecessary. The tongue is “full of deadly poison,” James concludes. There is nothing good in the tongue and the wise Christian is the one who listens to James and believes him. The foolish Christian is the one who thinks, “Well, things aren't that bad.” That's the kind of Christian who destroys others with their careless talk.

If the nature of the tongue in fallen man is what James says, then we had better realize that we are up against a powerful foe, one determined to undermine our lives and one determined to bring misery to others. Simple words, James teaches, lead to untold devastation. Words, which seem so powerless, which have no form or obvious might, words kill and the tongue is ever ready to prove the reality of James' teaching. Just give the tongue a chance to wag freely and you will soon hear yourself speaking evil of a brother or speaking critically of a sister. You will soon hear yourself calling into question the motives of your Elders.

You are a fool if you think the tongue won't do exactly that if you turn it loose. Just remember that it is the nature of the tongue to destroy. This means that the tongue can't help but be what it is in fallen man; and, in fallen man, the tongue is a “world of inquity,” a flame of hell which will set your whole life on fire, “a restless evil” and “full of deadly poison.” “Don't underestimate the tongue,” James tells his readers. “Don't assume that I'm talking of your neighbor,” he implies. “Know that your tongue is what I've been describing.”

03. The Work of the Tongue (vv. 9-12)

Maybe you need proof of the nature of the tongue, James seems to suggest. Maybe as you read his words, you think that James is speaking only in hypothetical terms. So, what about the work of the tongue in real life? Is it truly as bad as what James says? Is the tongue really a “restless evil” and is it really “full of deadly poison”? James now provides a prime example of the true nature of the tongue as he cites one “work” in which the tongue engages:

9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; 10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. 11 Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.

To demonstrate the way in which the tongue operates, James cites two opposite activities. On the one hand, we use our tongues to “bless our Lord and Father.” We speak praises to God with our mouths. We speak wonderful things about Him; we declare our love and devotion. But then, James adds, “with [our tongue] we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God.” (v. 9) This shows the duplicity of the tongue; this shows that James' estimation of the tongue, given previously, is exactly right. How can the same source speak blessings upon God and then curses upon God's creatures, those who bear His image on the earth? James assumes that we see the hypocrisy in such behavior.

Just in case the obvious is not obvious to his readers, James continues and says that blessing and cursing come from the same mouth (v. 10). He expects the reader to recognize how wrong that is; he expects us to see and agree with him that the tongue which praises God should not then curse those made in God's image. This is the same as praising God and then turning right around and cursing Him. “My brethren,” James pleads, “these things ought not to be this way.” Surely you can see, James says, that something is terribly wrong when a man speaks with reverence and love for God, but then speaks with hatred and disdain for his fellow-man who bears God's image.

Nevertheless, this is how the tongue works. It behaves in this shocking fashion because of its nature, which James explained before. The tongue is treacherous; it cannot be trusted, as James' illustration here shows. If the tongue will bless God one minute and curse His creatures the next, how can it be trusted? How can we possibly conclude that there is no danger in the tongue?

Consider this, James says: “Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?” (v. 12) Or, have you ever seen a fig tree, he asks, which produced olives? What about a vine which produced figs? Have you known fresh water to come from salt water? A fountain doesn't give both fresh and poisonous water. A fig tree doesn't produce olives. A vine doesn't produce figs. Fresh water doesn't come from salt water. Everyone knows all of this. But, James emphasizes, the tongue speaks the praises of God and then speaks evil of the creatures which bear His image. Such is the evil inherent in the human tongue. It is an evil to be identified, an evil to be guarded and an evil to be subdued.

If allowed to do its work, the tongue will behave in the manner described; if allowed to go its natural way, the tongue will speak pleasantries about God and then rip the hide off a brother or sister. If not controlled, the human tongue will deceive, lie, hurt and kill all the while claiming love for God and devotion to God's will. This is what James wants us to see. He wants us to recognize the tongue for what it is. When we recognize the tongue for what it is, then we can deal with it effectively; then we are armed with helpful knowledge; then we can do something about the destruction which is produced by this unruly member in our midst.

Conclusion

How many people have been hurt by your words? How many reputations have you damage by your words? Husband, how many times have your harsh words wounded your wife's heart? How many times has your child's eyes fallen to the ground because you spoke in a tone of voice which crushed them? I can ask these questions in confidence knowing that they are right on target for everyone in this room. My confidence comes from the words of James. He tells us how important the tongue is; he tells us about the nature of the tongue; and he just describe how the tongue does its work. We have to face what James is saying. We cannot pretend as though we have no problem with our tongues. James says everyone has a problem with the tongue because everyone has one.

Are you listening to what James says? Do you understand the importance of the tongue? The tongue is so important that it is the key to self-control across the board. The tongue is so influential, so dominant in our lives that control of it means control in many other areas of our lives. Should you give attention, therefore, to this issue? Or should you say, “Nice sermon, pastor,” and be on your way? You need to understand how important your speech is. If you want to mature in Christ, if you want to be considered a mature man or woman in Christ, then you must gain control of what you say. You cannot be a person who speaks quickly without thinking. You cannot be a person who speaks without having all the facts. You cannot be a person who repeats everything you hear just because you were not sworn to secrecy. The tongue is important and you must use it with discretion.

James also wrote of the nature of the tongue. Do you understand how influential your speech is in your life? Do you understand that people reach conclusions about you and your faith based upon what you say and when you say it? Your whole life is affected by your tongue. Let it flap as it pleases and you will be a person with an unstable life. Let the tongue go unchecked and you soon will be a person who is not trusted. No one is going to confide in you if they suspect that you will tell others about their problems. And this means that the body of Christ suffers. We are supposed to bear one another's burdens and we are supposed to offer comfort and counsel when needed. But if we can't be trusted to keep our mouths closed, then those helps are not going to be available to the one who needs them.

Don't be fooled by the smallness of the tongue, James warned. It is a danger which is constantly present in your life. You dare not drop your guard for an instant. Remember that the tongue's nature is evil. It will do evil if allowed to do evil because it is evil. The tongue would much rather speak words of hurt and destruction. If you understand that, then you are on your way to controlling that rascal.

Finally, James spoke of the work of the tongue. There, he spelled out the problem with how the tongue works. It is hypocritical. It will praise God in one breath and curse a brother in the next; it will say, “Oh, how I love Jesus,” and then spew out poison on those for whom Jesus died. Don't let that be your legacy as a Christian. Don't be a hypocrite. Don't think that your pretty speech about how much you adore the Lord is going to mask those words which follow and which crush His people and hurt His beloved children.

Determine that from this day forward, you will monitor your mouth and you will guard your speech so that whatever you say is that which is necessary. Understand beginning right now that this is not a secondary issue; this is a primary issue. It is one which must be given attention. Otherwise, the rest of your Christian life means little.