James 3:1-12 ~ Taming the Tongue

The first half of James 3 sees the tongue as a small yet powerful member of the body that is able to curse with evil intent. The teachers of the faith have been warned that they will be judged with greater strictness (verse 1) as they should display exemplary character for those whom they teach to follow. Yet verse 2 tell us that despite this, many still stumble as no one is perfect. While the many analogies James put forth may at first glance point to the tongue being the member that controls the rest of the body, we need to remember that out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34) and by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned (Matthew 12:37).

Just as how James questioned the logic to have a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water (verse 11), likewise it ought not to be so to have from the same mouth come blessing and cursing (verse 10). As we have learnt earlier that it is ultimately our heart or inner desires and intentions that shape the things we say (and think and do), our response should be one of repentance and a change of heart. We have the perfect man (verse 2) in Christ who models to us how we should align our desires to that of His will that we may grow in our godliness in thought, speech and action. Being sinful in nature, it is acknowledged that no human being can tame the tongue (verse 8) - it cannot be denied that we can still stumble but at the very least, we can still repent and seek to follow His ways.