Wise Speakers James 3:1-10, 13-18 SS Lesson for 08/17/2008 Devotional Scripture: 1 Cor 2:1-16 OUTLINE INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW AND APPROACH TO LESSON LESSON INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator MAJOR THEME ANALYSIS WISE TEACHING (JAMES 3:1) Wisely consider the decision of being a teacher Because there is only one true Teacher and that is Jesus (Matt 23:8) Because as a teacher we should speak what we know and have seen from God (John 3:10-12) Because to be a teacher, one must have first been taught himself (Rom 2:17-21) Because God appoints true teachers (1 Cor 12:28) Wisely consider the accountability of being a teacher Accountability to warn and tell others about God's requirements (Ezek 3:18-19) Accountability of doing God's will when we know it (Luke 12:47-48) Accountability of faithfulness (1 Cor 4:2) Accountability of having to give account of those we teach (Heb 13:17) Wisely consider the judgment of being a teacher Judgment of pride (Luke 20:45-47) Judgment of not understanding what we say or teach (1 Tim 1:5-7) Judgment of not teaching sound doctrine (2 Tim 4:3-4) Judgment of not maturing in the Word (Heb 5:12) Judgment of being a false teacher (2 Peter 2:1) Judgment of being a stumbling block (Matt 23:15) WISE SPEAKING (JAMES 3:2-10) Don't let the tongue make us stumble Stumble into condemnation (Matt 12:37) It is better to lose our tongue than to let it make us stumble (Matt 5:29) Stumble by living according to the flesh (Rom 8:13) Stumble by not disciplining our body and bringing it into subjection to God (1 Cor 9:27) Power of the tongue Power to be like a sword (Prov 12:18-19) Power of life and death (Prov 18:21) Power to take advantage (Jude 16) Power to defile oneself (Matt 15:11) Power of poison and deceit (Rom 3:13) Taming the tongue Tame by keeping our tongues from evil (Ps 34:13) Tame by guarding our tongues and ways (Ps 39:1) Tame by ensuring our tongues are guided by God (Prov 16:1) Tame by guarding our mouth (Prov 21:23) Tame by bridling our tongues (James 1:26) WISE LIVING (JAMES 3:13-18) Wise conduct Conduct that is worthy of the gospel of Jesus (Phil 1:27) Conduct that is an example (1 Tim 4:12) Conduct that is without covetousness (Heb 13:5) Wise Speakers Page 1 of 11 SS Lesson for 08/17/2008
Conduct that is honorable (1 Peter 2:12) Conduct that makes evildoers ashamed and turn to God (1 Peter 3:15-16) Conduct that shows we know God (Jer 9:23-24) Conduct that displays we are obedient to God's Word (Matt 7:24) Earthly wisdom Earthly wisdom that does not glorify God (Rom 1:20-23) Earthly wisdom does not understand spiritual things (1 Cor 2:14) Earthly wisdom can be of the devil (John 8:44) Earthly wisdom can pervert us away from God (Acts 13:10) Earthly wisdom is sensual, comes from ungodly lusts, and causes divisions (Jude 17-19) Earthly wisdom's source, aim and fruit (from The Book of James by Roy Gingrich) Its source is from the earth Its aim is self-preservation, self-gratification, self-promotion, and self-glorification Its fruits are confusion and every evil work Godly wisdom Godly wisdom comes from God (Prov 2:6) Godly wisdom comes through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:8) Godly wisdom is pure (Titus 1:15) Godly wisdom is beyond human understanding (Rom 11:33) Godly wisdom is salvation to those who believe (1 Cor 1:21) Godly wisdom is in Jesus (1 Cor 1:30) Godly wisdom brings understanding and hope (Eph 1:17-18) Godly wisdom teaches to redeem the time (Eph 5:15-17) Godly wisdom's source, aim and characteristics (from The Book of James by Roy Gingrich) Its source is from God above Its aim is God's glorification Its characteristics CONCLUSION AND OTHER THOUGHTS CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE NIV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR PRACTICAL POINTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR HEART OF THE LESSON FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR Caustic conversation (Jas. 3:1-6) Untamable tongue (Jas. 3:7-10) Pure peaceableness (Jas. 3:13-18) Wise Speakers Page 2 of 11 SS Lesson for 08/17/2008
Introduction Overview and Approach to Lesson The outline and detail of the lesson came from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator and a previous lesson dated March 21, 2003. It examines how to Wisely Speak. The study's aim is to teach that speech is a powerful tool that comes with a heavy responsibility. The study's application is to learn and practice seeking God's wisdom in utilizing our gift of speech. Lesson Introduction and Background From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary Some Native Americans believe that when a word is spoken it begins to live that day, and that no word spoken will ever die. There is a ring of truth to this. Careless, thoughtless remarks and their effects seem to live on and on, don t they? All of us have experienced the lingering pain caused by unkind words. We d like to take back some of the words we ve spoken. Though we apologize, we know that damage has already been done. Each day we have an opportunity to glorify Christ with our tongues or give victory to the devil. We don t control our tongues as well as we should none of us do. This lesson will help all of us do better in this regard. Talk fills our lives. Family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, salespeople, teachers, politicians, and preachers knit together the fabric of life with talk. Talk has tremendous impact that often goes unnoticed. We believed in the power of words when were little that abracadabra could bring a rabbit out of a hat and that saying There s no place like home could transport a person from Oz to Kansas. But as we grew older and cast aside a magical view of words, we seem to forget that words still have a lot of power. Most of us utter harmful, dangerous words every day. Our desire to be right, to get ahead, to gain control, to be heard, or to defend ourselves can motivate us to say all kinds of things at the expense of others. Fortunately, with sincere words we can also apologize. However, catching ourselves before we sin with our speech is tough. Still, we can do better, as this lesson will teach. The epistle of James sits on the shoulders of a large body of literature that both collects and develops wise sayings to help people succeed. Bible readers will be most familiar with this type of literature, called wisdom literature, from reading Proverbs or Ecclesiastes. This style of literature was very popular in the ancient world. Speech habits are one of the most predominant themes of these collections of wisdom. Proverbs 18:21 says, The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Jesus said, But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned (Matthew 12:36, 37). Such is the importance of this issue! After offering a brief warning to be slow to speak in James 1:19 and then reinforcing this with the advice in 1:26, James unleashes in chapter 3 his entire arsenal of reasons why the tongue must be controlled. Though it begins as a mandate to teachers in the church, it applies to everyone. From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator Cultivating the image of Christ in ourselves is a lifelong challenge, and there is no greater area of challenge than our speech. The task is daunting, first, because Christ set a perfect example for us. He never misstated a fact, told a lie, or spoke before He thought. He knew when to speak and when to be silent. The challenge is daunting, second, because we are by nature inclined to say the wrong things. Courses in public speaking may polish our skills, but they can never guarantee that we will always speak truthfully, kindly, or appropriately. Our words reveal our emotions more often than our intellect. There is no end to the blunders in our speech. Is there no way to bridge the chasm between Christ's example and our failings? James does not mince words about the dangers inherent in using the tongue and the sins that result from using it unwisely. But it also directs us to the wisdom that will enable us to achieve godliness in both speech and living. The gift of speech that God has given us is wonderful beyond description. We can use this gift to do great good. Regrettably, this same gift can be misused to do great evil. In this week's lesson, James provides a character profile for those who would use their gift wisely. It is our challenge to allow Christ to Wise Speakers Page 3 of 11 SS Lesson for 08/17/2008
reveal Himself to the world through the way that we communicate. We must stress the importance of living the kind of godly life that backs up the good things that we have to say. Major Theme Analysis (Scriptural Text from the New King James Version; cross-references from the NIV) Wise Teaching (James 3:1) 1 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. Wisely consider the decision of being a teacher Because there is only one true Teacher and that is Jesus (Matt 23:8) 8 But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for one is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Because as a teacher we should speak what we know and have seen from God (John 3:10-12) 10 Jesus answered and said to him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? 11 Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. Because to be a teacher, one must have first been taught himself (Rom 2:17-21) Indeed you are called a Jew, and rest on the law, and make your boast in God, 18 and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, 19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law. 21 You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? Because God appoints true teachers (1 Cor 12:28) 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. Wisely consider the accountability of being a teacher Accountability to warn and tell others about God's requirements (Ezek 3:18-19) 18 When I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, that same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at your hand.19 Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul. Accountability of doing God's will when we know it (Luke 12:47-48) 47 And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more. Accountability of faithfulness (1 Cor 4:2) 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. Wise Speakers Page 4 of 11 SS Lesson for 08/17/2008
Accountability of having to give account of those we teach (Heb 13:17) 17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Wisely consider the judgment of being a teacher Judgment of pride (Luke 20:45-47) 46 "Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, 47 who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation." Judgment of not understanding what we say or teach (1 Tim 1:5-7) 5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm. Judgment of not teaching sound doctrine (2 Tim 4:3-4) 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. Judgment of not maturing in the Word (Heb 5:12) 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. Judgment of being a false teacher (2 Peter 2:1) 1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. Judgment of being a stumbling block (Matt 23:15) 15 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves. Wise Speaking (James 3:2-10) 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses' mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Wise Speakers Page 5 of 11 SS Lesson for 08/17/2008
Don't let the tongue make us stumble Stumble into condemnation (Matt 12:37) 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." It is better to lose our tongue than to let it make us stumble (Matt 5:29) 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. Stumble by living according to the flesh (Rom 8:13) 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. Stumble by not disciplining our body and bringing it into subjection to God (1 Cor 9:27) 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified. Power of the tongue Power to be like a sword (Prov 12:18-19) 18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health. 19 The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment. Power of life and death (Prov 18:21) 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit. Power to take advantage (Jude 16) 16 These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. Power to defile oneself (Matt 15:11) 11 Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man." Power of poison and deceit (Rom 3:13) 13 "Their throat is an open tomb; With their tongues they have practiced deceit"; "The poison of asps is under their lips"; Taming the tongue Tame by keeping our tongues from evil (Ps 34:13) 13 Keep your tongue from evil, And your lips from speaking deceit. Tame by guarding our tongues and ways (Ps 39:1) 1 I said, "I will guard my ways, Lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, While the wicked are before me." Tame by ensuring our tongues are guided by God (Prov 16:1) 1 The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD. Wise Speakers Page 6 of 11 SS Lesson for 08/17/2008
Tame by guarding our mouth (Prov 21:23) 23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles. Tame by bridling our tongues (James 1:26) 26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. Wise Living (James 3:13-18) 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. Wise conduct Conduct that is worthy of the gospel of Jesus (Phil 1:27) 27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, Conduct that is an example (1 Tim 4:12) 12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Conduct that is without covetousness (Heb 13:5) 5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Conduct that is honorable (1 Peter 2:12) 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. Conduct that makes evildoers ashamed and turn to God (1 Peter 3:15-16) 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;16 having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. Conduct that shows we know God (Jer 9:23-24) 23 Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; 24 But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD. Wise Speakers Page 7 of 11 SS Lesson for 08/17/2008
Conduct that displays we are obedient to God's Word (Matt 7:24) 24 "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: Earthly wisdom Earthly wisdom that does not glorify God (Rom 1:20-23) 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man -- and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Earthly wisdom does not understand spiritual things (1 Cor 2:14) 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Earthly wisdom can be of the devil (John 8:44) 44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. Earthly wisdom can pervert us away from God (Acts 13:10) 10 and said, "O full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? Earthly wisdom is sensual, comes from ungodly lusts, and causes divisions (Jude 17-19) 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. Earthly wisdom's source, aim and fruit (from The Book of James by Roy Gingrich) Its source is from the earth It is not from above but is from below. It is "earthly" (it is of the earth and not of heaven), "sensual" (it seeks self-gratification and not God's glorification), and "devilish" (it is of demons and not of God). It is a wisdom which is of Satan and his demons; it permeates the world's philosophies (humanism, materialism, secularism, etc.) and is a part of the world system: it exalts the creation rather than the Creator. Its aim is self-preservation, self-gratification, self-promotion, and self-glorification It is full of bitter envying and jealousy and it is always striving to gain some selfish advantage. This wisdom believes that self-preservation, self-gratification, self-promotion, and self-glorification are life's highest goals. All of its outward actions are in harmony with this inward belief. Its fruits are confusion and every evil work A spirit of envying and striving produces confusion (disorder, disturbance, unruliness, tumult, anarchy) and every evil work (all kinds of vile deeds). This wisdom, through its selfishness, produces all of these fruits. Godly wisdom Godly wisdom comes from God (Prov 2:6) 6 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; Wise Speakers Page 8 of 11 SS Lesson for 08/17/2008
Godly wisdom comes through the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:8) 8 for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, Godly wisdom is pure (Titus 1:15) 15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. Godly wisdom is beyond human understanding (Rom 11:33) 33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! Godly wisdom is salvation to those who believe (1 Cor 1:21) 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. Godly wisdom is in Jesus (1 Cor 1:30) 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God -- and righteousness and sanctification and redemption -- Godly wisdom brings understanding and hope (Eph 1:17-18) 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, Godly wisdom teaches to redeem the time (Eph 5:15-17) See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Godly wisdom's source, aim and characteristics (from The Book of James by Roy Gingrich) Its source is from God above It is one of the good and perfect gifts which comes down from "the Father of lights," (1:17). It is a wisdom placed in the receptive human heart by God's Spirit through the instrument of His word. Its aim is God's glorification It seeks to glorify God and then in return to enjoy Him forever. All of its outward actions are in harmony with this inward belief. Its characteristics It is pure - Undefiled, free from all selfish interests, fully dedicated to God (pure comes from the same Greek root as does holy) It is peaceable - Not quarrelsome, contentious, and divisive, but peace-promoting It is gentle - Submissive, yielding, not insisting upon one's own rights It is easy to be entreated - Compliant, approachable, yielding, conciliatory It is full of mercy and good fruits (good deeds) - Full of kind actions and helpful deeds, all coming from a heart full of mercy It is without partiality - Impartial, without prejudice, not showing favor because of outward advantage It is without hypocrisy - Sincere, unpretentious, saying and doing what one truly believes Wise Speakers Page 9 of 11 SS Lesson for 08/17/2008
Conclusion and Other Thoughts Concluding Thoughts from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary One day I learned an important lesson about being more careful about what I say. While my 10-year-old son was preparing his gear for a Little League baseball game that I couldn t attend, I wanted to send him off with some encouraging words. Jokingly, I said, Don t hit any home runs tonight, OK? Little did I know the positive and negative effect this would have on him. After the game, I was both delighted and dismayed when I was told that he hit a ball so far he could have walked to home base, but instead he held up at third and would not budge no matter what the third-base coach said. The coach told me, He didn t want to break his promise to you. The power of words goes far beyond what we can imagine at the time we say them. We must be careful and as wise as we can be. We can all do better if we try, and we will make the world a better place for Christ. Concluding Thoughts from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator It is very important to be wise in what we say. This is especially true of the Lord's people. James spoke of the tongue and the tremendous damage it can cause. After being unwise in what he says, a person can always say he is sorry. Once the damaging words are spoken, however, the hurt is done It is impossible to capture the words and return them to where they originated Marriages have been destroyed, families have been broken, friendships have ended, and terrible, irreparable damage has been done because of unwise words spoken. Church congregations have split because unkind words have been said. Once a person accepts Christ as Saviour, that individual is a new creation. In his second epistle to the Corinthian Christians, the Apostle Paul spoke of the spiritual position one has in Christ. He wrote, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (5:17). The child of God has the Holy Spirit dwelling within him. If anyone should have control over what he says, it should be the person who is saved and is therefore a new creation. There is really no excuse for a Christian to cause damage between others and himself with the words he speaks. All of us have witnessed both sides of this problem among believers. There are those with tongues that are quick to speak sharp, cutting words that hurt their brothers. On the other hand, I have been with those who have a kind disposition and who never say anything that will cause a brother or sister to be offended or hurt. James touched the heart of the matter when he wrote, "Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh" (Jas. 3:11-12). It is totally out of character for a child of God to speak bitter words that can cause hurt and sometimes permanent damage to a fellow Christian. Hurtful words have a long life span and often leave irreparable damage in a life. We should be wise in our speech, knowing the damage the tongue can easily cause. May we apply what the psalmist wrote: "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, 0 Lord, my strength, and my redeemer" (Ps 19:14). Practical Points from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator 1. Teaching God's Word is a solemn task that should not be taken on hastily (Jas. 3:1-2) 2. We must remember that words have tremendous power either to do harm or to do good (Jas. 3:3-5; Prov. 18:21) 3. Thoughtless words can cause irreparable damage that remains even after they are forgiven (Jas. 3:6-8) 4. Words about people reflect our relationship with God (vs. 9-10) 5. Like faith, wisdom is proved by works (vs. 13-16) 6. If we seek God's wisdom, we will have harmonious relationships (vs. 17-18) Heart of the Lesson from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator I lived in Southern California as a teenager, and I remember that the dry grass on the hills across the street from my house burned three times in four years. How little it takes in those desert areas to start a blazing fire that consumes everything in its path! We probably all can remember conversations that go about the same way one word is said in the wrong tone of voice, and before you know it, tempers are blazing and white-hot words are scorching Wise Speakers Page 10 of 11 SS Lesson for 08/17/2008
everyone around. Such a destructive use of words is completely at odds with the peaceable and gentle love of Christ. Caustic conversation (Jas. 3:1-6) If you have learned to control what words come out of your mouth, you probably also have discipline in the other areas of your life. Why? Keeping a rein on what we say is more difficult than correcting any other of our shortcomings. For this reason, James advised his Christian brothers to check and to remember how formidable the task is to always say the right thing. An added danger to not controlling one's tongue is that it influences so much. If we think back to the power Hitler's speeches had on his country men, we realize that one individual's words can mean life or death for a great many people. One little tongue brought the whole civilized world into a bloody conflict. Untamable tongue (Jas. 3:7-10) Since we know how destructive our words can be, obviously as believers we want to tame our tongues and force them to do good instead. The problem is that the tongue cannot be domesticated. The Greek word translated "tamed" in James 3:7 indicates not that it is possible to make any kind of animal into a pet but rather that men have been able to capture and hold all kinds of wild animals. In other words, James viewed our tongues as though they were wild animals kept in a cage. We may often get them to praise God, but in some unguarded moment they will strike out like wild animals at those who are made in the very image of God. If we can praise God one minute and curse His greatest creation the next, we must admit that the power we have over our tongues is minimal. Pure peaceableness (Jas. 3:13-18) What is the opposite of the vitriol and deceit that issues from unrestrained tongues? James called it "the wisdom that is from above." Notice that it is primarily exhibited through a humble, wholesome life. Since the tongue is so hard to control, it appears that it is best to focus our energy not on speaking (vs. 1) but on doing good works. When we feel we have been wronged or are hurt by someone else in the church, the fleshly response is to become bitter or to desire to get even. It is not at all unusual for a believer to have feelings of envy and to want to promote himself. But because he possesses heavenly wisdom, he should recognize these feelings as base and even "devilish" (Jas. 3:15) and reject them at once. To be successful in overcoming them, he must wholly depend on the Holy Spirit to give him a Christlike perspective. What a refreshing difference there is when God's Spirit is directing our thoughts and actions! Where God's Spirit is, strife is ended. Those who are in tune with the Spirit become peaceable and gentle. A purity and a singleness of heart expel the warped thinking and hypocrisy that is sadly a part of many churches. Remember that righteousness comes from those who are peaceable. Wise Speakers Page 11 of 11 SS Lesson for 08/17/2008