Today we're going to be jumping into James 3 and taking a look at the power of words.
Our words are incredibly powerful. Without the transforming work of Christ, our words can often cause harm. We need wisdom from God to use our words wisely. Our words also show what's in our hearts.
The Bible frequently talks about the tongue. James even dedicates an entire chapter to it. Jesus says in Matthew 12:34 that our words reveal what's inside us. In James 3:1-18, we learn that the tongue has power, it can be hypocritical, and it can only be truly changed by God.
First, we need to understand the power of the tongue (James 3:1-8). Many people want to be heard, and being a teacher of the gospel is a great way to be heard. But James warns us to be careful because the tongue is powerful and can lead to stricter judgment.
James explains that if we can control our tongue, we can control our whole body (verse 2). He gives examples: just as a small bit controls a horse (verse 3) and a small rudder steers a large ship (verse 4), the tongue, though small, has a big impact. Like a tiny spark that starts a huge wildfire (verse 5), our words can build up or destroy, revealing what's in our hearts. On our own, we can't control the tongue.
Next, we need to see the tongue's hypocrisy (James 3:9-12). The same tongue can both praise God and curse people (verse 9-10a). This shouldn't be the case (verse 10b-12). James speaks to believers, showing that such double-mindedness doesn't match a life changed by Christ. As Christians, we should be growing more consistent in our speech.
Lastly, we need to understand the source of a redeemed tongue: godly wisdom (James 3:13-18). Only wisdom from God can change our speech. Worldly wisdom leads to bitter and harmful words. God's wisdom leads to pure and peaceful words.
Worldly wisdom is earthly and unspiritual (verse 15). It shows up in envy, selfishness, boasting, and denial of the truth (verse 14). It results in disorder and evil (verse 16). This kind of wisdom and speech is our natural state.
Godly wisdom, however, comes from above (verse 17). It is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. It brings peace and good results. This wisdom is a gift from God.
The kind of wisdom and speech we use shows who is in control of our hearts. If our words are worldly, then earthly and unspiritual things are guiding us. If our words are pure and peaceful, then something from above is at work in us.
So, what do your words reveal about your heart? Are you growing in the way you speak? Or do you struggle to control your tongue? Without Christ, controlling our words is impossible. Redeemed speech and wisdom come only through the work of Jesus. Let's trust in Him and ask for His help to change our words and our hearts.