Jump Start # 1837

James 3:6 “And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.”

A Jump Start reader was looking through the search engine on the Jump Start website to see what I had written on this passage. To her surprise I had not written on this. So, it’s time. Our search engines allows you to look up key words or to search for passages that we have written about. It’s a great tool for those who are looking for some information for a class, sermon or article.

The tongue—it sure gets us in trouble. In the first chapter, James presents many themes that he expands upon later in the book. It is in the first chapter that we find, “let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” Old timers used to say, “God gave us two ears and one mouth…we ought to listen more than we talk.”

Have you ever noticed how many sins are connected to the mouth? It is amazing. Here is a quick list:

• Cursing
• Flattery
• Lying
• Blasphemy
• Slander
• Gossip
• Outbursts of anger
• False teaching
• Backbiting
• Complaining
• Deception

Is it any wonder that Proverbs teaches, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” The N.T. teaches us to speak words that are good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear (Eph 4:29). It is so easy to be “mouthy.” We see it everywhere. Kids talking disrespectfully to their parents. Couples who are snappy with each other. Even church members who are unkind in their words toward each other.

Our verse, taken from a series of illustrations about the tongue, tells us that the tongue is a fire. Fire burns. Fire warms. Fire cooks. Fire in the fireplace is pleasant and nice. A campfire, with hotdogs and marshmallows, is great times. Singing around the bomb fire, encouraging and memory making. But a fire burning through hundreds of acres on a hillside is destructive and scary. Fires can destroy everything in it’s path. I’ve seen the aftermath of homes and businesses that had caught on fire. Little is spared. The fire doesn’t recognize heirlooms, precious items, or even life. Anything in it’s path, man, beast, or things, are all subject to the destructive power of fire. A little match can turn a hillside into a raging inferno.

Of all the illustrations to choose from, God picked out fire. Across the centuries and across the oceans, fire means the same to us as it did those early Christians that James wrote to. The point James is driving at is your tongue, your mouth, your choice of words, can destroy. The same fire that warms and cooks can also burn the house down. Out of control, fire is deadly.

Here are some things for us to consider:

First, think before you speak. And even before that, say a prayer. Should I, ought I to say something? Give that some thought. We shouldn’t steer clear because what needs to be said is difficult or may not be received well, but pour tons of thought into what you say, before you say it. This includes us preachers. Don’t hide the message because someone in the audience may not agree with what we are saying. But, think carefully how to say what needs to be said. Say it. Say it kindly. Let your words be bridges that lead to Christ, not a fire that destroys.

I fear that we too often allow ourselves to say things that really should never be said, because we can hide behind comfortable excuses. We say, “I just call them the way I see them.” Well, you’re not the umpire in life and what you call may hurt and damage someone. So, hush. Others say, “I call a spade a spade.” Well, we’re not in a card game and spades aren’t on the table. So, hush.

Just because you see something, feel a certain way, does not mean that you are right nor that your thoughts should be shared. Solomon tells us that there is a time to speak and a time to be silent. We got the speaking time down. We just haven’t figured out when is the time to be silent. They go together. Wisdom, godliness and a heart that wants to encourage, will soon figure that time out.

Second, listen to yourself. Would you want someone to say to you what you’ve said to others? Sometimes it’s not the words, but the tone we deliver them in. Talking loud doesn’t give you more proof to your argument. It’s lightning that kills, not thunder. Many a young preacher quit, not because of the work load, but because of what brethren have said going out the church door on a Sunday. Shame on them. Instead of encouraging a young man, they crushed his spirits and made him feel like quitting. Many have.

Third, remember whatever you say is heard in Heaven. So your whispers, your “don’t dare tell this to anyone” conversations are known in Heaven. Be careful little mouth what you say. The children do better with this than we do.

Fourth, people remember what you say. Some folks don’t take teasing very well. So, don’t tease. Some settings call upon us to be sober and serious. Laughing just doesn’t fit some occasions. When talking with someone who is pouring their heart out to you, don’t try to trump their story with your own story. They really don’t want to hear about you. They are focused upon their problems. Listen. Be kind. It was Twain who said that he could live on one compliment for a whole month. While that may be true, we tend to hold on to negative things. I can remember things that were said to me twenty years ago. They weren’t nice then and they aren’t nice today. Scars is what those words created. Scars stick around for a long time. Parents, when you are mad at your kids, and there are those days, watch your words. Be careful what you say to your mate. I’ve had people remember things I said in sermons years ago. I don’t even remember the sermon, but something stuck with them. That’s the power of words. People will remember.

Fifth, some words just do not seem strong enough. The words, “Thank you,” are that way. What do you say to a mate who has taken care of you for decades, “thank you.” What do you say to godly parents who really helped you in life, “Thank you.” That’s just doesn’t seem strong enough. What do you say to a Savior who has forgiven you, “Thank you.” It just seems that there ought to be more.

Saying, “I’m sorry,” is another example. You have hurt someone. With tears in your heart and in your eyes, you want to make things right. You say, “I’m sorry.” It’s all you have. It just doesn’t seem to be enough. It’s the same towards God. We can say, “I’m sorry, Lord,” but that at times just doesn’t seem to be enough.

Saying, “I love you,” is yet another example. That just doesn’t seem strong enough. The love between a couple. The love of parents toward their child. The love of a disciple toward his God. I love you, just doesn’t express all the feelings in the heart.

It is interesting, Thank you, I am sorry, and I love you, are hard for some to say. They will dance around those words without ever saying them. Say them. Mean them. Express them. You’ll be glad when you do.

Fire and tongue—how similar they are. Be careful with both. Both are useful and both are destructive. The gift of gab isn’t always a desirable gift. Slow to speak…a time to be silent—we must pay attention to Heaven’s wisdom and do better.

Roger