Previously James has alluded to problems of the tongue (see 1:19, 26). Now he brings this matter into focus. He begins our text by giving a peculiar sounding warning: “Not many of you should become teachers…” (v. 1). Of course, teaching the Word of God is a commendable pursuit to say the least. But being entrusted with the Word of God is no light matter (see 1 Thes. 2:4; 2 Tim. 4:1-4).
Now carefully consider the flow of the text from chapter two, remembering of course that the chapter divisions are man made. James has just given emphasis to what must have been a problematic misunderstanding regarding faith apart from works at that time (see 2:26). Why the warning about the seriousness of teaching in 3:1? Surely it must at least be somewhat related to the warning just given one verse earlier! Teachers are responsible for the Bible teaching that proceeds from their mouth’s and must speak “oracles of God” (1 Pt. 4:11) and be sure that the word of truth is rightly handled (2 Tim. 2:15).
Verse 2 brings to light just how easy it is to stumble with our words. This fact alone calls us (especially those who teach God’s Word) to exercise great care with the words we utter. Possessing a high degree of proficiency in this area is certainly a mark of great spiritual maturity.
In verses 3 through 5 James uses analogies to put this matter into proper perspective. He alludes to two things that are controlled by such a small member: the bit in a horses mouth and the rudder of a ship. In both cases, the course of the thing is controlled by something that is disproportionately small in comparison to the overall thing (the horse and the ship). Yet, these two very small members direct the whole. The tongue is like these in that it is a very small member of the human anatomy, yet it is often extremely challenging to control, and can easily taint all of one’s being (see v. 6; compare James 1:26-27). We should not be surprised that the unrighteous tongue is said to be “set on fire by hell.” The good thing here is that when the devil lights a fire in our mouth it can be extinguished by simply shutting it!
However, the magnitude of difficulty is further emphasized through the acknowledgement of man’s ability to tame animals, but the “restless evil” of the tongue, is quite another matter! James’ warnings in this section should not be viewed as giving no hope for controlling one’s speech, but emphasizes the great challenge he faces.
The final few verses of this text shows the inconsistency that Christians need to avoid. Christians should not, or must not, use the tongue for praising God and cursing their fellow man. This is obviously inconsistent, especially since their fellow man is made in the image of God! As a spring does not bring forth both fresh and salt water; a fig tree does not bear olives; a grapevine does not produce figs; and a salt pond does not give fresh water; so the Christian’s tongue does not utter professions which are contrary to the truth of God nor the love of God.
Remember what James said about the tongue in chapter 1: “If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless” (v. 26).
Daren Schroeder
