Episode #220. Today we’ll read James chapter 3 together. James speaks to us about controlling our tongues and wisdom from above.
Transcript
Joy: You’re listening to the Lifting Her Voice podcast, Episode #220. Today we’ll read James chapter 3 together. James speaks to us about controlling our tongues and wisdom from above.
Welcome to the Lifting Her Voice podcast. I’m your host, Joy Miller, and I invite you to grab your Bible and join me as we simply read God’s word together. Some things require discipline and sometimes that’s just not easy to muster by yourself, no matter how badly you want to do it or how much you know you should. It’s just easier to do it with a friend. So refill your coffee or tea, get comfortable in your favorite chair and follow along as I read aloud. I’m so glad you’re here!
Welcome
We live in one of only two little counties in California that are Yellow. That’s California Covid speak for minimal spread. That’s good! However, we are surrounded on three sides by Purple counties. Purple means the risk level is widespread. That’s not good. We are having serious talks in our church family about voluntarily going back to at-home church for a while. We care very much for each other and must think of the more infirm in our church family.
I would be lying if I told you I’m not sad though. The kids’ department is just starting to gain some momentum again. Families are just starting to come back for some much needed communion. But how can we overlook the health and welfare of each other? It’s a difficult decision. And this on the cusp of the holidays.
What will the holidays be like without so much hustle and bustle? Will we shop more online? Will we bake smaller turkeys or cook for fewer? What will our Candlelight Christmas Eve service look like if we’re not gathering together? Will we carol this year? What will Christmas morning look like? The same or different? Can we learn something in the quieter; in the less frantic?
What’s happening in your county? How is your church responding? Share your thoughts with me at Lifting Her Voice.com, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
James Chapter 3
Controlling the Tongue
Not many should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we will receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is mature, able also to control the whole body. Now if we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we direct their whole bodies. And consider ships: Though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how a small fire sets ablaze a large forest. And the tongue is a fire.
The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among our members. It stains the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. Every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and fish is tamed and has been tamed by humankind, but no one can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness. Blessing and cursing come out of the same mouth. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way. Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening? Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers and sisters, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.
The Wisdom from Above
Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.
Closing Thoughts
The imagery that James uses in this chapter is so perfect. A small piece of metal can give us control over an animal that can weigh upwards of 2000 pounds. A comparatively small rudder directs 200,000 gross tons worth of cruise ship. And finally, a spark can give way to a forest fire. James tells me that my tongue is that spark; that small fire can give way to a large one.
We can tame every animal on earth, but we cannot tame the tongue. I thought it was just me, but James implies that everyone has that problem. And he gives a long list of evils the tongue perpetrates. One only needs to log on to social media or tune in to the nightly news for a dose of the vitriol that can come from the tongue. But I confess that kind of hatred has come from my own mouth too. Bitterness that tears down and doesn’t build up.
Oddly, did you notice that James doesn’t say what to do about it? He doesn’t tell us what the fix is. He doesn’t even tell us to be quiet although in chapter 1 he does tell us to be slow to speak. I feel a little helpless without a formula for success. Or is that what we see in the next section?
Is the way to control the tongue with wisdom from above? Is it understanding, good conduct and the gentleness that comes from wisdom what arrests the tongue and renders it more docile? James also told us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask for it without doubting. If wisdom from above is the antidote for an uncontrollable tongue, then I would like to ask for that wisdom right now. Let’s pray.
Prayer
Oh Father, thank You that we can ask for Your wisdom. Thank You that Your wisdom, Your peace, Your gentleness, Your mercy, is the only cure for our untamed tongues. Let our mouths be springs that only pour out sweet water, that sing praises to You and speak blessings to build up our brothers and sisters. We ask for this wisdom without doubting, Lord. Amen.
Thank you for joining me here today. I pray God will grow in you what has been planted and watered here. In this time of unprecedented struggle worldwide, we can look to God for guidance and comfort. Be sensitive to those in your circle of influence who need a word of encouragement and invite them to join us. If you like this show, it would be great if you give it a five-star review. Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. See you right here tomorrow. Be well!
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible(r), Copyright (c) 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible(r) and CSB(r) are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Show Notes
- Awesome Video of Solomon’s Temple
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