DIVINELY ORDERED TONGUE

“Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing, my brethren, these things ought not to be so” – James 3:10

God desires for every child of His, a DIVINELY ORDERED TONGUE: “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing, my brethren, these things ought not to be so” (Jam.3:10). A disorderly tongue is contrary to authentic Christianity. God cares about what we say and how we say it, because they reveal a lot about whom we are and what we believe. The tongue, being common to every human being, is a subject that demands diligent attention. James dwelt much on the matter of the mouth and the right and wrong uses of the tongue. They may be used positively, for the glory of God and the blessing of others; or misused, to bring sorrow, pain, and tears to others, and in the process hinder the testimony of the Lord. We cannot afford to leave our mouths unguarded and our tongues loose or untamed.

The tongue is an indicator of spiritual health. James used three pairs of illustrations to show the power of the tongue:

The power to direct: the tongue is like the “bits in horses’ mouths” that turn its whole body and the large ship’s “very small rudder” (vv.3-4). Our words can direct us and others into the right or the wrong path: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Pro.18:21). We must beware of the idle word, the questionable story, the half-truth, the deliberate lie or cheap gossip: “…every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the Day of Judgment” (Mt.12:36b). All these could change the course of a life and lead it to destruction; whereas the right word may deliver someone from sin and into salvation. We definitely need the Lord to order our tongue!

The power to destroy: though a little member of the body, the tongue can cause great destruction (vv.5-6). The tongue “boasts great things” (v.5); “is a fire, a world of iniquity” that can defile the whole body (v.6); and is hard to tame (v.7-8). What the tongue speaks come from the heart: “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Mt.12:34b). A tiny spark sets a forest on fire, and the tongue is like a small flame: “An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire” (Pro.16:27). An evil tongue can spread poison; but an ordered tongue is medicine that heals, not hurts: “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health” (Pro.12:18).

The power to delight: it is impossible for a fountain or spring to produce fresh and salt water at the same time (vv.9-12). Similarly, the tongue ought not to both speak blessing and cursing: “The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook” (Pro. 18:4). A tree cannot bear two opposing kinds of fruit: “A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth, but the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence” (Pro.13:2).

Here are four positive uses of the tongue:

To praise God: “With it we bless our God and Father…” (v.9a). Let’s praise our Heavenly Father daily (Psalms 148-150).

To pray to God for: wisdom (Jam.1:5-6); help from trouble (Jam.5:13-16); healing (Jam. 5:14-15); large requests (Jam.5:17-18); and for backsliders to be restored (Jam.5:19-20).

To sing to the Lord: “Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms” (Jam. 5:13b). David declared: “Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness” (Psa.51:14).

To witness for the Lord: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

It takes God’s Word to order our tongues and the Holy Spirit to control them, to become “instruments of righteousness” (Rom.6:13). It’s time to offer our tongues to the Lord for divine ordering!