James 3

Please note: This transcript is provided as close to verbatim record of the sermon.

Taming the Tongue and True Wisdom from Above

James Chapter 3

Opening and Prayer

Good morning, brothers and sisters in Christ.
Thank you for your prayers over the past week and for the encouraging words sent through WhatsApp. Let us now commit this time to the Lord in prayer.

Prayer
Heavenly gracious Father, we thank You for this time that we can come together to remember the Lord Jesus Christ—His person and His work. We thank You for Him who came and died on the cross for our sake, and for the hope that we have in Him, that we will one day meet Him again. Even now, as we look into Your Word, we pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us and teach us. Grant us a teachable spirit, that we may learn from Your Word and apply it to our lives. May the meditation of Your Word be acceptable in Your sight. We thank You and praise You in the Lord Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

Introduction to James Chapter 3

This morning we are dealing with James chapter 3. There is quite a lot to cover, and some portions I will move through more quickly so that we can finish within half an hour.

I have divided this chapter into two main sections:

1. The Taming of the Tongue (verses 1–12)
2. Two Kinds of Wisdom (verses 13–18)

 

Part One: The Taming of the Tongue (James 3:1–12)

Overview of the Section

This first section is divided into five parts:

1. Introduction
2. A warning to those who teach (verses 1–2)
3. Five pictures or figures of speech concerning the tongue (verses 3–8)
4. Three illustrations of contrast—what the tongue can do (verses 9–12)
5. Application

 

Introduction: The Tongue Reveals the Heart

The tongue is the revealer of the heart.
It provides evidence of what the true state of our heart really is. Nothing is more telling about the heart than the tongue, and this was a great concern for James.

James mentions the tongue in every chapter of his letter:

• In chapter 1, he speaks of being quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (1:19), and of bridling the tongue as evidence of true religion (1:26).
• In chapter 2, he urges believers to speak and act as those judged by the law of liberty (2:12).
• In chapter 4, he warns against speaking evil or judging a brother.
• In chapter 5, he addresses careless speech and swearing.
• Here in chapter 3, twelve verses are devoted specifically to the tongue.

 

A Warning to Those Who Teach (James 3:1–2)

“My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.”

James was concerned about new Jewish Christians who were rushing to take up teaching roles in the assembly. He was writing primarily to Jewish believers, and within Jewish heritage there was great respect for official teachers and rabbis. Teaching carried authority and recognition.

Because of this, James warns us to be very cautious when we embark on the role of teaching at any level. We are accountable to God for what we say when we teach. The tongue has tremendous potential for condemnation—it can speak error, misjudge, speak inappropriately, and misrepresent Christ or the Holy Spirit.

James is not discouraging those who are genuinely called or gifted to teach. If you have the gift of teaching, you should avail yourself of this ministry. But teaching God’s Word is a serious responsibility and must be approached with humility and fear of God.

Verse 2 reminds us that we all stumble in many ways, and one common area is the sin of the tongue. Yet it is possible to exercise self-control, beginning with control of the tongue. The person who controls the tongue is able to control the whole body. This is what the Bible calls a “perfect” person—not sinless perfection, but spiritual maturity, Christlikeness, and self-control.

Spiritual maturity requires a tamed tongue.

 

Five Pictures of the Tongue (James 3:3–8)

James gives us five vivid pictures to describe the power and danger of the tongue.

1. The Bit in a Horse’s Mouth

A small metal bit is placed on the horse’s tongue. By controlling the tongue, the rider controls the entire body and movement of the horse. In the same way, the tongue—though small—directs the course of our lives.

2. The Rudder of a Ship

A ship may be large and driven by strong winds, yet it is turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. That small rudder determines the direction of the massive vessel. So it is with the tongue.

3. The Tongue as Fire

The tongue is described as a fire, and four elements are highlighted:

• Its destructive power: One small spark can destroy an entire forest.
• Its multiplying effect: One careless word can spread devastation.
• Its moral nature: The tongue is called a world of iniquity—no other bodily member has such potential for evil.
• Its spiritual source: It is set on fire by hell.

A filthy tongue results in a filthy person. What comes out of the mouth reveals what is within the heart. The tongue not only stains the individual but also spreads destruction throughout families, churches, and communities through gossip, slander, lies, and false accusations.

The reference to hell uses a term associated with a place of continual burning—a powerful picture of judgment and corruption. The tongue can become a tool of Satan to pollute our lives and our relationships.

4. A Wild, Untameable Creature

Humankind has succeeded in taming animals of every kind, yet no one can tame the tongue on their own. An unregenerate tongue is uncivilized, undisciplined, and untameable. Only by depending on God can this small member be brought under control.

5. A Deadly Poison

The tongue is compared to a restless serpent, full of deadly venom. Just a drop can be fatal. Words can assassinate character and poison lives.

 

Three Contrasts of the Tongue (James 3:9–12)

With the tongue, we bless God, and with the same tongue we curse people made in God’s image. Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing—this ought not to be so.

James uses two rhetorical illustrations:

• A spring cannot produce both fresh and bitter water.
• A tree cannot bear two different kinds of fruit.

The tongue exposes hypocrisy. It can praise God one moment and tear down others the next.

 

Application: Guarding the Tongue

1. The tongue must be controlled daily.
   Begin each day by asking the Holy Spirit to take control of your speech.
2. The tongue must be cleansed regularly.
   At the end of the day, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal how you have used your words, and confess sin as needed.

 

Part Two: Two Kinds of Wisdom (James 3:13–18)

Introduction

Someone has said that the key to right talk is right thought. What we say reflects what we think and what is in our hearts.

 

Who Is Wise and Understanding? (James 3:13)

True wisdom is demonstrated, not declared. It is seen in:

• Good conduct
• Consistent works
• Meekness, which is strength under control—not self-promotion or arrogance

 

Earthly Wisdom (James 3:14–16)

Earthly wisdom is marked by:

• Bitter envy and jealousy
• Self-seeking ambition
• Boasting and pride
• Living in contradiction to the truth

It is described as earthly, sensual, and demonic—corresponding to the world, the flesh, and Satan. The result is confusion, disorder, and every evil practice. We see the effects of this kind of wisdom all around us in a world driven by human solutions apart from God.

 

Heavenly Wisdom (James 3:17–18)

Wisdom from above is characterized by eight qualities:

• Pure
• Peaceable
• Gentle
• Willing to yield
• Full of mercy
• Full of good fruits
• Without partiality
• Without hypocrisy

This wisdom produces righteousness and peace. A truly wise person is a peacemaker, not a troublemaker.

 

Final Application

Heavenly wisdom begins with faith in God through Jesus Christ. Scripture becomes our source of wisdom, and the Holy Spirit our teacher. If we lack wisdom, we are invited to ask God, who gives generously and without reproach.

 

Closing Prayer

Heavenly gracious Father, we thank You for Your Word concerning the use of our tongue and the wisdom that comes from above. We confess that we often fail to control our speech. Help us to use our words to build up, encourage, and strengthen one another. Guide us in every thought as we live in remembrance of the Lord Jesus Christ. We give You thanks in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.