Read the Book: April - JuneSample

Week 26

James 3

Words of Life

The world of the Bible from start to finish is characterized by oral culture, which means that the majority of the world heard stories by spoken word alone. In such a world, it's not difficult to imagine how the tongue can "corrupt the whole body" (v.6). 

James warns against insults and antagonistic speech by reminding his audience that speech directed against people is ultimately speech directed against God, whose image we all bear.  The imagery of sparks and forest fires is apt because ultimately, the person who cannot tame their tongue will face a journey through their life like a chaotic, hot fire, void of God's peace.

We all know that gossip especially works this way. We destructively chase after the latest news on large or small scales. The itch to "be in the known" and the defamation of people bearing God's image has taken on incredible new meaning with the relentless sources of information pervading our lives. James 3 is a sobering text that should stop us dead in our tracks.

God's wisdom, on the other hand, transforms the character of his people. Above all else they will be called "peace-makers," because the person who sows like and order instead of death and destruction with their tongue will bring people together. This wisdom is a quality of soul.

This was the pattern of Jesus' life. Jesus was "pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere" (James 3:17). He spoke words of life. Jesus wants us to take on His character, and it begins by being attentive to our tongue to spread grace and love above all else.


Family Connection: While brushing your teeth, tell someone in your family to squirt out some of the toothpaste out of the tube. Tell them to then place the toothpaste back into the tube. That is impossible! The same is true of our words. Once we speak something, we can’t just take it back. We must think BEFORE we speak, asking ourselves and God if what we are about to say is true, encouraging, and builds one another up! Say a prayer thanking God for His love and asking for forgiveness for when you have said mean words to others.