As stated in the James 1 and 2 blogs, James is a topical study. There are two topics in James 3.

1 The Tongue Vs 1-12 James had already spoken of the need to control the tongue in James 1: ²⁶ If anyone thinks himself to be religious, yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” But then he devotes almost an entire chapter to the tongue in chapter 3. He warns against many becoming teachers since many cannot control their tongues. Teachers who can’t control their tongues can cause a lot of damage. He says that someone who can control his tongue can control his whole body (but no one can!). He gives 3 simple analogies. He says that the tongue is like: 1) small bits that control very powerful horses; 2) the small rudder that can control a very heavy, large ship; 3) a small fire that can set an entire forest on fire. James says that we can control all species of animals but no one can control the tongue. The tongue is full of poison. Sadly, some use the tongue to both bless God but also curse God at times. Again, 4 simple comparisons to that: 1) a spring doesn’t send out both fresh and bitter water; 2) a fig tree doesn’t bear olives; 3) a grapevine doesn’t bear figs; 4) salt water cannot produce fresh water. James gives so many simple comparisons in this chapter.

So what are the most common sins of the tongue?

Lying/Deception: Blatant falsehoods, half-truths, exaggerations, or intentional omissions to mislead. “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy (Proverbs 12:22)”. Gossip: Spreading true but private faults of others without a good reason, harming their reputation. “He that goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; therefore, keep no company with such a one (Proverbs 20:19).” “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much (Proverbs 20:19)”. “Thou shalt not go up and down as a tale-bearer among thy people (Leviticus 19:16)”. “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends” (Proverbs 16:28).
Backbiting: Speaking ill of someone when they aren’t present, often to wound them. “He does not slander with his tongue, nor do evil to his neighbor, nor bring shame on his friend (Psalm 15:3)”. Flattery/Pride: Excessive praise or boastful talk that seeks self-glory rather than God’s. “May the Lord silence all flattering lips and every boastful tongue (Psalm 12:4).” “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses (Proverbs 27:6).”

Harshness/Bickering: Using biting remarks, insults, or constant complaining (nagging). “Be not rash with your mouth, and let not your heart be hasty to utter anything before God (Ecclesiastes 5:1).” Sowing Discord: Words intended to create division in families, churches, or communities. “There are six things that the Lord hates, Seven that are an abomination ^[j]to Him: ¹⁷ Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, ¹⁸ A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil,A false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers (Proverbs 6:19)”.

Idle Chatter/Overuse: Talking excessively, leading to foolishness or revealing faults (Matthew 12:36). “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent (Proverbs 10:19)”. Matthew 12:36 – “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.”

Cursing/Profanity: Using impure or vulgar language, blasphemy. “Whoever curses his father or mother, his lamp will be extinguished in deepest darkness (Proverbs 20:20).” Exodus 20:7 – “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”

Quarrelsome: Always arguing with others. “Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating (Proverbs 18:6).” Proverbs 15:1 – “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Psalm 141:3 – “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.” Psalm 19:¹⁴ Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Ephesians 4:²⁹ Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” Let us all examine our speech. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you know what to say and to keep you from saying the wrong things.

2 Wisdom From Above Vs 13-18  This last section in chapter 3 follows up on the tongue, specifically the use of the tongue among teachers and leaders in the churches. “Who among you is wise and understanding?” That is, who are the wise teachers among you who can control the tongue. They are humble and gentle and do not have bitter jealousy or selfish ambition in their hearts. The sins of the tongue come from evil hearts. Matthew 5:¹⁸ But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and those things defile the person. ¹⁹ For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, acts of adultery, other immoral sexual acts, thefts, false testimonies, and slanderous statements.” The leaders and teachers with evil hearts use their tongues to cause division, discord, gossip, slander, and all the other sins of the tongue. The wise leaders have the wisdom that is from above. James 3:¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy.” Many teachers and leaders claim to be wise but their actions show otherwise. Many congregations have been split by leaders with proud, divisive hearts.

Another topical study by James that is badly needed in the church today.