We talk too much

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. ² For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. ³ If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. ⁴ Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. ⁵ So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! ⁶ And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. ⁷ For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, ⁸ but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. ⁹ With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. ¹⁰ From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. ¹¹ Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? ¹² Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

James 3:1–12

We speak from our hearts constantly, and the things we say reveals the truths we understand and the lies we believe. Many of us want to teach others what we believe, but James warns us against selfish ambition. We may be motivated to teach more by pride than love. Too often, we say too much. We criticize others in order to build ourselves up, and by doing so we set fires with our words. Too often, we cannot simply disagree with someone. We must condemn them completely. What does that say about our convictions? How does this show the pure Spirit of God within us?

Questions

• Do you find yourself excusing your sinful words or apologizing for them?
• What methods do you use to control your tongue?
• How might focusing on Jesus help us speak wisely?
• If we recognize pride or selfish ambition in our hearts, what would you suggest we do about them?

Pray

Our Lord and Father, your faithfulness to us is overwhelming. Though we sin daily, you care for us. You loved us before we ever loved you and have given us your Spirit, though we deserve your anger. Please forgive us for the pride we have taken in our accomplishments and our appearance. Please forgive us for criticizing each other to make ourselves look good. Build us up, Lord, so that we may bless and serve you. Strengthen us to act on the living hope of Christ’s resurrection and show our love for you.

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