James 3:1-18

The Tongue

I think James is trying to say that the tongue can do bad stuff. In fact, I’m quite sure that is what he is saying and I agree. 

Have you ever said something that you really really wish you had not said? Of course you have. If you are unaware of it (unless you are mute) then you are an unaware person. We have all said the wrong thing at times and some of us have said some very wrong and destructive things.

There is another side to this teaching.

Quite a few years ago I was  struck by one of C. S. Lewis’ ideas that made so much sense it has stuck with me for decades. He was pointing out that the potential for good or evil is essentially the same ratio in all things. A cow has very little potential for either good or evil. It is simply a cow. A dog has somewhat more potential and can rightly be referred to as either a good dog or bad dog. A person of low intelligence and abilities can certainly do either good or evil but a person of high intelligence and abilities would generally be capable of even more. An archangel is a glorious being, but a fallen archangel would be the devil of hell. 

There is perhaps no member of our bodies that has more potential for evil than the tongue. That is bad. However, the converse is also true. The tongue has amazing potential to bring good. With the tongue we can encourage. With the tongue we can share the gospel. With the tongue we can praise God.

Don’t be afraid. Do be careful.