In his letter to the Jewish Christians of the first century, James, the Lord's half-brother, deals with the use of, and dangers arising from misuse of, the tongue. In James 2:2-12, James addresses extensively this important topic. James breaks the subject down for us:
1) The tongue has great influence over our body - over our entire self.
If we can but control our tongue, we can control our body! It is amazing how that one small part can control so much, and yet it is true. James makes an interesting comparison for us:A bit in a horse's mouth is only a small piece of metal, but it can control the large and powerful animal.
2) The tongue can be very destructive.
James gives us another analogy: One small fire has the ability to set ablaze and destroy a very large forest. And so it is true that the tongue has similar ability. How many times have we seen just a few words ruin an entire relationship between friends.The tongue can destroy reputations and hurt others in many ways:
a) Lying (Proverbs 6:16-19; Revelation 21:8)
b) Foul language. It is rampant in our society. It is common on the TV, radio and in the movies. We hear it daily among our co-workers.
c) Gossiping. It is a major problem, and sadly, even in the church it is found. While many take steps to avoid lying and crude language, they may not think anything at all wrong with a little gossip. When we hear a statement from someone, we must always ask ourselves: Is the statement true? Is repeating it beneficial to others? Is it kind to repeat for the sake of those associated? If not, do not repeat it!3) The tongue cannot be tamed.
While people have tamed and domesticated all of the wild animals in the world, he has not been able to tame the tongue.a) The tongue is a restless evil.
b) The tongue is full of poison. It never losses the ability to inflict harm. A man may control the tongue for a period of time, and then, in one sudden outburst, the tongue can do great, unexpected damage.4) The tongue can be hypocritical.
Are we consistent in our use of the tongue? Or are we hypocritical? Do we praise God and then turn around and curse men? James told us that this ought not to be. He makes rich comparisons for us:a) A fountain from the ground will not flow forth both fresh water and bitter.
b) A tree will not produce both olives and figs.Are we as consistent as these? James admonishes us to be so.
James 2:2-12
2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?
8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.Proverbs 6:16-19
16 These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17 A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19 A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
