Proper 19: Epistle, James 3:1-12                                              

James 3:1-12

“How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 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” (James 3:5b-6). The larger context of our reading is dealing with the accountability of those who teach the faith. Not all should. And it is stunning to me that what follows so quickly with this warning are those that have to do with what comes from our mouths. Certainly the issue of teaching correct doctrine is in view. But there is more.

“It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison,” says James. And who could ever doubt the veracity of his claim. We’ve all heard such poison. Sadly, we have all tasted it as it passes our tongues and teeth to the waiting ears of our “targets.” Such immense wisdom from this writer on speech, doctrine, faith and works, indeed the whole of the Christian walk. But the tongue is the focus here and James is quick to let us know that if we cannot control it, there is little left that can establish and maintain Christian credibility. Like all else in our lives, surrender the tongue to the Lordship of Christ. It’s the only guarantee of fresh water from the spring or our hearts.

Watch what you say.