James 3:1-12
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James 3:1 (NASB 2020)
Do not become teachers in large numbers, my brothers, since you know that we who are teachers will incur a stricter judgment.
The verse is a warning. A warning to not rush into positions of teaching others what the Bible says.
Why?
How does this work into the tests of our integrity?
James 3:2–5 (NASB 2020)
For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to rein in the whole body as well. Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their whole body as well. Look at the ships too: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are nevertheless directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot determines. 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!
There is power in our words. Not some mystical power of speaking things into existence. Power to steer the direction of people’s lives.
When have you seen the impact of your words?
James 3:6–8 (NASB 2020)
And the tongue is a fire, the very world of unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our body’s parts as that which defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one among mankind can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
This is a vivid contrast between the power we have over other creations and yet no power over ourselves.
What words impacted you? What words have you used to cause pain in others?
James 3:9–12 (NASB 2020)
With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way. Does a spring send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, bear olives, or a vine bear figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.
And here we come to why the tongue is powerful and evil. The tongue demonstrates the duality of humankind towards God. We praise God in one breath and then destroy others. Think back to God’s name.
Why is it so easy to praise God and then curse others?
Is this a test of integrity that never ends?
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