In my opinion, the way a person talks says so much about the condition of their heart. An individual who is constantly slandering the character of others reveals a heart of jealousy and pride. Someone who regularly gossips and spreads rumors manifests a heart of bitterness and anger. The man or woman who speaks with perverted words proves that their heart is consumed with lust and immorality. A cursing mouth exposes a person’s lack of control and hatred for wholesome speech. The list could go on, but you get my point – the words which come from the mouth are vivid reminders of the true condition of some one’s heart. James sets aside a few verses to address the way a person speaks and relates biblical principles to guide us in saying the right words. First of all, James admits the complexity of controlling one’s speech: “For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body” (3:2). Does this mean that we should just say whatever we want? Absolutely not. Although it is sometimes hard to control what we say, there should be a deep desire in the heart of the believer to speak words which reflect good. Next, James reminds his readers of the power of the tongue. He refers to the tongue as a small part of our body, but one which “boasts great things” and “is a fire…and sets on fire the course of nature” (3:5-6). He goes on to call the tongue “an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (3:8). Words can quickly destroy a person or kill their happiness. It is amazing that with the tongue “we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude [likeness] of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing” (3:9-10). To this reality James says “these things ought not to be so” (3:10). He illustrates the ridiculous nature of saying good and evil out of the same mouth by referring to a fountain and a tree. “Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree…bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh” (3:11-12). How can a Christian worship God but then turn around and talk bad about someone else? How can a follower of Christ worship God with their singing but then curse with their lips? These things should not be happening. How is your speech?
Dear God, “let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).
