THE DUTY AND ADVANTAGE -- JAMES THREE
OF BRIDLING THE TONGUE
In James three we have a strong caution against the
desire among many to be counted among the public teachers in the church. (James
3:1) There was a desire on the part of many to teach without much regard at all
for proper preparation. Public teachers of God's word must give a more solemn
account than others. They also expose themselves to the danger of a greater
condemnation
James sets forth both the duty and advantage of bridling
the tongue. It has the power to do good, but it likewise has power to do much
mischief. Those who claim to be Christians must be especially careful to govern
their tongues. Just as a horse is controlled by the bit, and a ship is steered
by the rudder, so our tongue must be controlled. The tongue even though a
little member is capable of doing many harms if not controlled.
In James chapter three true wisdom is distinguished from
a wisdom that is earthly and hypocritical. James said that a wise man would
show his wisdom by his good works done in meekness. "Who is a wise man and
endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his
works with meekness of wisdom." (James 3:13) True wisdom leads to a
peaceful life of purity. In this life the "fruits of righteousness are
sown in peace." (James 3:17-18)
Committed to teaching -- James 3:1:
James begins this chapter by saying, "My brethren, be not many masters,
knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." (James 3:1) It
was not the wish of James to discourage any who might have been qualified to
teach God's word and who had the desire to so do. It was only that he knew that
a small number of well-qualified and faithful teachers could do more good, than
many could do who are unqualified or unfaithful. He also knew that a much more
sever judgment awaited those who would be teachers of Gods' word.
The teaching of James 3:1 is similar to the words of
Jesus in Matthew 23:7. He said these Jews loved, "greetings in the
markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi." Many who desire to be
teachers lack the true wisdom to be a public teacher of God's word. Multitudes
who claim to be teachers of the Law of Liberty are, in fact, the great
corrupters of Christianity. Paul described those who, "desired to be
teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they
affirm." (1 Timothy 1:7) False teachers do untold damage. It is no wonder
that they will receive a more sever judgment.
Careful about control -- James 3:2-6:
The
fact that all teachers are prone to speak error is one of the main reason why
men were cautioned about seeking to be a teacher. Mistakes in teaching not only
damn the teacher, but his false teaching will lead other to damnation. What a
terrible sin to answer for on the Day of Judgment!
Man must learn to bridle his tongue. The thought is that
if one attains control or mastery over the tongue he is able to control the
entire body. Our tongue is the most unruly and rebellious member of our body.
James had in mind the challenge to avoid teaching error, or doing wrong with
our tongue.
James sets forth three illustrations to help us
understand the subject of controlling our tongue -- (1) bits in a horse's
mouth, (2) the very small helm (rudder) of a ship, and (3) the tongue as a
small fire. The "bit" and the "helm" stress the importance
and power of such a small thing as the tongue. The fire stresses the astounding
damage resulting from such a small beginning.
The bit is a small thing. Yet, with it you can control
the entire horse, even as large as he may be. Likewise, a small thing, the
tongue, controls our body. He who has proper control over his tongue can govern
his entire body.
The second illustration is that a large ship being
controlled by a small helm or rudder. The ship is very large, yet this small
rudder easily manages it. He that has control of the helm has control of the
ship itself. The rider controls the horse with the bit. The ship is managed by
a small helm. A tongue, under control, is God's special mean for governing the
whole man.
An uncontrolled tongue is compared to "fire” in
regard to the damage that it can do. Just a spark turns a house to ashes or
burns thousands of acres. A fiery, out of control tongue can destroy a family,
corrupt a society, ruin a church, or wreck a kingdom. The origin of the
destructive fire of the tongue came from hell itself. Let us remember the harm
done by a tongue whose words have a hellish origin. Contentions, revilings,
reproaches, and all kinds of false teachings come from such a tongue.
Constant in taming -- James 3:7-12: Man
has had success in taming or subduing all of creation, except the tongue. He
has had no success in the effort to tame that one thing. The tongue is a
restless evil that can only be managed with God's help. A wicked tongue is
venomous and hurtful. Nothing or no one is secure against the evils of a
satanic tongue.
The tongue should be used to bless and praise
God. The tongue is often used to curse men that have the image of God upon
them. The same tongue cannot bless God and curse men. To pray and to curse with
the same tongue is shameful hypocrisy. Many times we put what could be used as
the best member of our physical body to the worst of use. Sweet water and
bitter from the same fountain, olives from a fig tree, or figs from a grape
vine would all make as much sense as blessing and cursing from the same
tongue.
Concern for true wisdom -- James 3:13-18:
If one
is to be a teacher of God's word he must be a truly wise person. True wisdom is
found only in those of Christ-like character. A correct, consistent, and godly
life is the mark of the truly wise person. Men should only seek to be teachers,
if the truth about their present life would allow them to be.
Earthly wisdom causes worldly people to want to be
teachers. James gives a three point description of earthly wisdom: (1) earthly,
(2) sensual, and (3) devilish. In contrast, James gives seven qualities of the
faithful teacher who has true wisdom: (1) pure, (2) peaceable, (3) gentle, (4)
easy to be intreated, (5) full of mercy and good fruits, (6) without
partiality, and (7) without hypocrisy. The behavior desired in this chapter is
the result of that true wisdom.
It is our Christian duty to guard our tongue and our
life. To become a Christian you must hear (Romans 10:17), believe (John 8:24),
repent (Acts 2:38), confess (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (Mark 16:16). As a
Christian always be wise enough to do the will of God.
By Charles Box, Walnut Street
Church of Christ, P.O. Box 551, Greenville, Alabama 36037 USA