Title James 3:1 - 18
Contents Main text: James 3:1 - 18
*** Effects on the speaker (vv. 1-6)
Although the tongue is a very small member of the human body, it has a powerful force that determines a person's personality. Like the bridle in a running horse's mouth, or the rudder that steers a great ship, or a small spark that can burn a great forest, the tongue can straighten or destroy a person's character. In a personal conversation, words reflect a person's thoughts and character, but speaking in a public position really gauges a person's character and qualifications as a public figure. Therefore, whenever I am given the opportunity to speak, I must speak with caution, remembering that my everything has been exposed to people. What kind of person am I shown when I talk? When I stand in front of people teaching or speaking, do I take the position seriously?
*** Effect on the listener (verses 7-12)
The tongue not only has a profound effect on the personality of the speaker, but even more profoundly on the people who hear it. A single word can be poison that kills or can bring life back to life. You can also glorify God, but you can also hide the glory of God. Therefore, just like animals, it takes effort to tame the tongue. It will be several times more difficult than taming a beast, but let us apply that principle and speak with caution. Has anyone been hurt by my words these days? And I need to think about whether my words are hiding the glory of God. Have I ever said two contradictory words with the same mouth? What can I do to tame my tongue?
*** Worldly wisdom (verses 13-16)
A person with wisdom and understanding can discern reason well and point out mistakes in people's words and actions well. As a result, those who claim to be wise are often prone to talkative or overly critical, and as a result, they can become problematic within the community. No matter how accurately I have the ability to analyze and judge situations and people, if my jealousy toward people does not shake off my own selfish greed and does not show it in a humble and gentle way, that ability is only worldly wisdom. Such wisdom is lustful and demonic, and it is better not to have it. Am I not revealing all my feelings when I say I handle things wisely? Do I ignore or hate people because they don't understand my judgment?
*** Wisdom from God (verses 17-18)
The wisdom that God gives is different from the wisdom of the world. It comes from a pure and holy heart, not after all the complex elements have been weighed and analyzed. Once that wisdom emerges, you will seek peace with others, put the other person's point of view first, and try to help them in any way possible, and you will not lose fairness and consistency in your interpersonal relationships. To know whether I am dealing with Martha wisely, I must first look at my motives and look at the consequences of my interpersonal relationships. Is my heart clear of any prejudice or selfishness in dealing with the problems before me now? I thought I spoke and acted wisely, but did it actually hurt people?