Be Careful How You Speak About Others

A Few Thoughts to Consider

Do you ever pause and think how much power your words have on others?

In James 3, James singles out those who teach. He reminds them of the awesome nature of their calling. It is not one to be taken lightly. To every pastor, small group leader, and overseer of any ministry, these words from James should resonate. His point is that because these members have been given positions of authority to declare God’s truth, their words fall under the microscope of God’s lens.

In that day, teachers were held in a high position. There was a measure of prestige and power in attaining the title of teacher. It was a role often lorded over the people in Jesus’ day. The chasm between the common man and teacher continued from the time of Christ clear up until the days of the great Protestant Reformation.

But James’ point is resounding. The matter of the tongue is not just an issue for teachers. It is a challenge for all. There is not one individual who can say they do not struggle with what they speak. It is a universal principle that applies to all men and women throughout all of time. We all struggle with the tongue, but greater scrutiny falls on those who have been placed in positions of teaching authority over younger and less mature believers in the faith.

James 3:3-5 says, ³ “Now if we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we direct their whole bodies. ⁴ And consider ships: Though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. ⁵ So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how a small fire sets ablaze a large forest.”

Just as a rudder can steer about an entire vessel, the tongue of a leader can completely change the course of a congregation or team. The fear of fire was great in those days. Thus, James’ metaphor would have certainly struck a chord with his readers.

Thankfully, James 4:6 tells us that God “gives greater grace.” This Greek word for greater is “megas,” and is where we get the English prefix mega. It is grace that is extraordinary and extravagant. We could call it “mega-grace.”