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So far in our study in James we have discussed joy, faith, works, love and the Word; now we move into more of a self reflection perspective in Chapter 3. The first lesson in James 3 aligns with the old southern saying, “You kiss your momma with that mouth?”. James teaches the importance of controlling our tongue and the power of our words.
The Power of our Words
The control and power of the tongue is explained in a simile in verses 3-5, comparing the tongue to a horse and a boat. The ability to control the entire body with just one small part of it is the point James is trying to get across. Once we understand the power of our words, it is crucial to self reflect on how we are using our words to speak life into others. James begins to tell the sad truth in James 3:9-10,
James 3: 9-10, “With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, 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”
This is where that old southern saying, “You kiss your momma with that mouth?” comes into play. The truth that many of us use our words (mouth) for the glory of God as well as the ammo to hurt others. James urges us in verse 12 that,
James 3:12, “ Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water”.
Meaning if our words are being used to hurt others and are filled with lies and evil, how can they speak life and love to others? As a reflection, think about your own speaking habits. What words in your vocabulary shouldn't be there? Are you using positive or negative words throughout your day? Are your words bringing life to others? Are you struggling with negative self talk, gossip, or cursing?
Wisdom
The second portion of James 3 teaches us the wisdom from above versus what the world perceives as wisdom. Have you ever had a friend that just seemed so wise beyond their years? Not by the amount of periodic elements they could list or by their 4.0 GPA, but by their presence, understanding and knowledge. Wisdom is a confusing yet simple concept to grasp. As explained throughout the Bible, wisdom is the understanding of Jesus Christ and his crucifixion. Meaning, the in-depth understanding of the importance, consequences, and day to day effects of the cross is defined as the wisdom we so greatly desire. As we learn more about wisdom, let’s start with what wisdom is not, in verse 14- 15 James describes worldly wisdom as this,
James 3:14-15, “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 it is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic”.
This is statement can frighten some people at times. Like I said earlier, spiritual wisdom is not from “earthly” knowledge, it is from God, his truth, and his word. Spiritual wisdom is then explained as this,
James 3: 17-18, “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”.
All of the above characteristics of wisdom are what our hope and prayer should be for the wisdom that fills us. Of course, being able to correctly execute them all seems impossible. Thankfully, we serve a merciful and generous God who answers our prayers for wisdom. Looking back at James 1:5,
James 1:5, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God – who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly – and it will be given to him”.
Although this chapter has been intense, and some might say harsh. It has taught the mercy, generosity, and hope we have in Jesus to give us wisdom and help us control our tongue in order to glorify him. I pray that as you read through James 3 on your own that you take the truth shared with an open mind and open heart to hear what the Lord is speaking to you!
Lots of Love,
Georgia Zeleskey
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