“And he laid it (a live, burning coal) upon my mouth, and said, ‘Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.'” Isaiah 6:7
Dear Ones:
James, the Apostle, writes concerning the matter of speaking, “If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” (3:2) He goes on to use two illustrations, both of which speak of the effects of what we say, the content of our speech. The first illustration is that of a the bridle’s bit, made for the purpose of controlling the will of a horse or mule. The effect is that this bridle bit is able to “turn their whole body.” (v.3) The second illustration, which magnifies the significance of words and speech is that of a ship. The ship, regardless of its size and weather conditions, is basically controlled by a “very small helm.” (v.4) Thus, the effect of something so small as a bit in the mouth of a horse, and the helm of a ship, can have a great effect, either for good or for evil. With regard to the destructive, negative effect of that which comes out of one’s mouth, James says that the tongue can boast great things, and yet, be like a fire, and “a world of iniquity.” (v.6) It can defile, or render filthy. It can also set on fire the course of nature, as it is “set on fire of hell.” The point is that a very small member of the body can have a monumental effect, whether for good or for evil. James is also very clear concerning the “nature” of the tongue, in that it cannot be tamed. When unleashed and lacking control, it can be a deadly poison in its effect. The contrary is true also. The man, who is a wise man, is one who is endued with knowledge, that knowledge of the truth, of God, and of his own need of daily sustaining grace. He is that one who shows by his words and deeds, with meekness and wisdom, the very goodness and mercy of God. He imparts that “wisdom that is from above” (v.17). The characteristics of this heavenly wisdom is purity, peace, gentleness, approachableness and receptivity to all, full of mercy and good fruits. (v.17) James makes it very clear that the tongue possesses the capacity to truly bring blessing to those who hear good and wholesome words. It can also easily destroy that for which Christ died. James sums up the matter by writing: “And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” Peace is NOT capitulation here, but it is the communication of the Life of Christ by the Spirit, sought, received, and communicated to all to whom we minister. Where do we begin when considering what we “say,” and discerning what comes out of the gates of our lips?
We always begin with the Lord Jesus Christ when considering any and every subject. What do we see in Him, and how He spoke? In the first chapter of the Bible, we are confronted with the words of God, of Christ. We discover that when He spoke, there was a “good” effect. In fact, every time He spoke there was the communication, and manifestation, of His goodness, power, wisdom, and primarily His holy LIFE. There was nothing that He said that did not contribute to the blessing and well-being of Adam and Eve. Though God would need to address the sinfulness of man after the fall, and this sometimes with grave, yet powerful, admonitions, His intent was always to bring true and everlasting blessing to those whom He loved. When Jesus came on the scene of Biblical history, and He began His ministry, we find that all those who heard Him speak, “….bare Him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth.” (Luke 4:22) It was also said of those who heard him, “And they were astonished at His doctrine: for His word was with power.” (Lk. 4:32)
Dear Father, Give us to abide in Christ, that He may speak by our lips. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad